Concept of Sociology in Modern-Day Life
According to Connell (2018, pp 400), sociology is a discipline that explores human life’s intricacies, social relationships, and cultures that shape our lives. Sociologists analyses our social life to compile and develop our understanding of crucial social processes.
Peter Berger, in his book ‘Invitation to Sociology,’ says Sociologists are fascinated by the commonplace. Berger here implies that when doing their work, sociologists are interested in observing peoples’ normal way of life, not in the view to know what they do or discuss but to understand the reasons behind every action or behavior and its implications in their lives. There are various situations which trigger fascinations of the commonplace in one’s life. For instance, I tend to wonder why there is unity and reverence by children to their parents in some families, while in other families, there is gross disunity, and a state of anarchy is the norm. I believe that children learn by observing the behavior of their caregivers, which dictates how they carry themselves. Another area is how political leaders can pull masses during campaign periods yet they always give similar promises. Though the politicians fail to deliver on promises given during campaigns, they usually gain voters’ trust and remain in office for more terms. Masses believe that politicians are there to help them rather than exploit resources available to bring development. The people need to emancipate from this mindset to elect politicians who are ready to work for them.
- Sociologists are modern-day peeping toms. As Peter Berger puts it, a sociologist is so eager to satisfy his curiosity that he is willing to intrude in peoples’ lives. He is ready to break taboos. He uses an example of sociologist’s willingness to mix with prostitutes and priests while seeking answers. Certain social situations propel one to be a peeping tom. Loss of a loved one is one situation in which one requires a closer look to understand how families deal with it. The inclination to strict cultural rituals like female circumcision is another area where a sociologist’s unique eye is better understood.
In conclusion, sociology elaborates on the reasons behind any action or behavior in human life. Sociologists make close observations to understand people’s lives, and sometimes they are forced to intrude to get answers. Varied social situations prompt one to make more relative observations. To understand family issues, political affiliations, and socio-economic way of different communities are some reasons which trigger our curiosity.