The Core Principles and Roles of Sociology

What is Sociology? A Different Approach to Reality

Sociology is a different and unusual way to approach reality and ask questions about it. It forces us to think differently, questioning everything, even established truths. It provides tools and information that compel us to reflect on things we normally overlook.

Fundamental Rules of Sociological Inquiry

1. The way things are is not necessarily how I would like them to be.
2. Things are as they are, but they are not what they seem. "Appearances are deceptive."
3. The way things are might be different. Things are not eternal; they vary.

Core Principles of Sociology

1. What is defined as real has real consequences in social life.
2. We spend time putting labels on others ("The labels say more about the tagger than the labeled").

The Birth of Sociology in the Nineteenth Century

Society has always existed, but sociology, independent of individual sociologists, was born in the nineteenth century amidst sudden and profound social changes. Sociology appears during times of deep crisis and was conceived as a kind of saving science.

Origins: Europe vs. USA

• Europe: Emerged as an attempt to answer and address all these changes.
• USA: Appeared later, influenced by Europe, but developed its own characteristics: it institutionalized much faster; it arrived much earlier in universities; and it was adopted as a practical tool to help solve society's problems.

Roles and Images of the Sociologist

Working for Others

The information a sociologist provides can be beneficial or harmful to society.

The Social Reformer

Work focused on helping to change society.

The Pollster and Researcher

Surveys are useful but can be criticized for manipulating views, as interpretation is crucial. The way the question is phrased conditions the response. Surveys are valid only if we consider their limitations and ambiguities.

Types of Survey Questions

• Objective questions with reliable data.
• Objective questions with data that may not be reliable.

The Sociologist's "Beau Ideal" (Ideal Type)

The Beau Ideal (the sociologist) is not a picture of reality; it is more like a caricature of society. If well done, it helps identify the person. It does not describe reality, but it helps us understand it. It helps us draw the 'ideal type'—the essential features that define a sociologist:

• Understanding of social reality.
• Understanding derived from a scientific discipline, adhering to specific rules.
• Theories serve to make us question and interpret. One cannot work without sociological theory.
• Theoretical knowledge seeks objectivity—understanding the way things are.
• Interpretations can be made based on personal perspective, but personal problems must not be confused with social problems.
• Methodology is essential; one cannot work without a method.