What Is Sociology?: Crash Course Sociology #1

About this video

• Video Title: What Is Sociology?: Crash Course Sociology #1
• Channel: CrashCourse
• Speakers: Nicole Sweeney
• Duration: 00:09:42

Overview

This video introduces the field of sociology, defining it as the scientific study of society and human behavior. It explains the sociological perspective, which involves seeing the general in the particular and the strange in the familiar, and discusses key concepts such as social location, marginalization, and power/inequality. The video also touches on the historical origins of sociology and its aim to understand and address societal problems.

Key takeaways

• Definition of Sociology: Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior, encompassing both large-scale societal structures and individual interactions.
• Sociological Perspective: This involves two main ideas: seeing the general patterns within individual behaviors (the general in the particular) and questioning everyday norms and assumptions as if encountering them for the first time (the strange in the familiar).
• Social Location: An individual's position within society, determined by factors like race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, influences their experiences, choices, and how they are perceived by others.
• Marginalization and Inequality: Sociology examines how certain groups are pushed to the edges of society and the various forms of power and inequality (economic, political, social, cultural) that exist.
• Historical Context: Sociology emerged in the 19th century amidst significant social, economic, and political changes in Europe, driven by a desire to scientifically understand and solve societal problems.