What is Sociology?

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Introduction

Sociology is described by Layder (2006, p.1) as being “How the encounters of everyday life and individual behaviour influence, and are influenced by, the wider social environment in which we live”

Bauman & May (2001. p.1) describe a visual image of the output of sociology, as being a “collection of books in a library”. The discussion within this collection broadly follows main concepts and perspectives, with many authors, but also of key peer tested Authors.

I will initially outline the main concepts and main perspectives from a selection of these authors, and aim to conclude, that is is the “sociological thinking” gained from “unpacking” this knowledge, that can be applied to Social Work today. “Social theory, consists of major authors, perspectives and key issues, there are many different strands, that although have obstacles, can be drawn together can be connected in the study of Sociological knowledge” Layder (2006, preface). Specifically I will look at the Professional competence Framework (2012) section 5.1 “be able to reflect on and take account of the impact of inequality, disadvantage and discrimination on those who use social work”

And focus on the application of Sociological thinking in Anti Oppressive Practise.

Concepts

Social Theory parallels with Philosophy in that, whilst Sociology is a social science, the question of from what position do we form our concepts? exists. there are generally three viewpoints, referred to as, three dualisms in Sociology. Giddens (2013 chapter 1) suggests that the most important questions facing theory are not the potential obstacles and divisions in the dualisms, but “how the different aspects of social reality are related to each other”

Individual and society ...

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...e social work theory and practice, Palgrave Mcmillan.

Giddens, A. and Sutton, P. W. (2013) Sociology, 7th ed., Cambridge: Polity Press.

Goffman, E.T(1959) The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, Penguin Psychology

HCPC Professional competences framework .(2012)http://www.hpcuk.org/publications/standards/index.asp?id=569 , accessed 26.11.2013.

Layder ,D (2006) Understanding Social Theory

Marsh, I. (2006) Sociology : making sense of society, 3rd ed., London ; New York: Pearson Education.

Mill, S. (2005) Auguste Comte and Positivism ,Elibron Classics

Mills, C. W. (1959) The sociological imagination, New York , London: Oxford University Press.

Sztopka, P. (1996) Robert K. Merton, On social structure and science, University of Chicago Press.

Thompson N. (2009) Practising Social Work: Meeting the Professional Challenge, Palgrave MacMillan

Works Cited

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