Discipline Description

Sociology is the study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, institutions, organization and development of human society. Sociologists perform research on a wide variety of topics that influence our personal lives. These include culture, family and child rearing, deviance and crime, social class, race and ethnicity, sexuality and gender, education, health and population.

Sociological research is applicable to decision-making for business, legislation or counseling, and in helping us become more informed and critical thinkers. Sociology views the world not just from an individual perspective, but from a broader cultural perspective, helping us to understand how what happens to us personally is related to larger social trends.