Understanding Sociology: Social Relations and Historical Context
Object of Sociology
Sociology deals with society as a system of social relations. Society shapes individuals just as individuals shape society’s narrative.
According to French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, the social world consists of objective structures that exist independently of individual consciousness and willingness. These structures guide or coerce practices and representations.
People often act based on “common sense,” incorporating established values without fully considering the consequences of their actions. Many social events lack self-reflection.
Members of a society hold diverse perspectives on reality, relationships, and social networks.
Sociology as a Disturbing Science
Sociology is a science because it reveals inconvenient truths and exposes hidden aspects of society. It examines issues that certain individuals or social groups prefer to conceal or distort due to their beliefs or interests.
The Study of Sociology
Sociologists engage in specific social practices. The object of study involves a set of interpretations and interventions, but it can never fully control, interpret, or govern social relationships.
No social actor can be defined solely by their external relationships with others.
In summary, the purpose of studying sociology is to understand social relations. Despite their differences, these relations function in a way that makes them appear behind the scenes.
The Sociological Imagination
This concept enables us to grasp history, biography, and their relationships within a society. Understanding a society requires using historical materials. The image of any society is inherently historical and must be understood within its specific period.
Classic problems in modern social science relate to historical interpretation. Many concepts used in this field relate to the historical transition from rural, feudal communities to modern urban societies.
Sociology in Crisis
Sociology emerged in the nineteenth century. The birth of modern society, following the breakdown of the old regime, sparked concern about restoring stability and social order. This era saw the rise of emerging nations, centralized states, a new organization of power, and expanding capitalism.
In its origins, sociology addressed the crisis of the European city and its founders. Saint Simon and Auguste Comte aimed to design a stable social order and explain the challenges of their time.
Social theory emerged to explain the social changes involved in the transition to the new industrial society.
Social and Historical Constructions
Ideas are crystallized forms shaped by historical moments when certain actors prevailed over others. This becomes an object of study.
Sociologists question alleged knowledge and common sense, preventing their values from contaminating the pursuit of knowledge. From birth, individuals are embedded in a society that encourages them to accept role models and control crucial aspects of their existence. The “MUST BE” is broadcast throughout social life.
Society constitutes itself by incorporating beliefs, naturalizing them in the process. In contemporary society, certain identities are multiplied (…)