Introduction to Sociology reflexive report: “What did I learn from this class?”----------JIHAIYUN 계해운

 Introduction to Sociology reflexive report: 

     “What did I learn from this class?”

Sociology is a discipline that studies human social behavior, social relationships, and their formation. It explores the structure, function, and processes of change within society. Sociological research methods include quantitative and qualitative approaches, which help sociologists systematically collect and analyze data to uncover patterns and regularities in social phenomena. Sociological theories provide frameworks for research, helping to explain social phenomena and human behavior. Major sociological theories include functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalism views society as an organism where various parts work together to maintain stability. Conflict theory emphasizes inequality and power struggles in society, arguing that social structures are controlled by the ruling class. Symbolic interactionism focuses on interactions between individuals and the role of symbols in society. Culture is a significant focus in sociology, encompassing values, beliefs, norms, and material culture. Culture shapes individual behavior and social interactions. The free culture movement advocates for open cultural exchange and knowledge sharing, opposing excessive protection of intellectual property. The sociology of religion explores the impact of religious beliefs and practices on society and the role of religion in social integration and control. Economics and economic sociology study economic activities and their social impacts, while socioeconomics examines how economic activities influence social structures and individual lives. Political sociology studies government and political systems, analyzing the distribution and exercise of power and how political institutions affect social life. Socialization is the process by which individuals learn and adapt to societal norms and roles, occurring through social institutions such as family, schools, media, and peer groups. Deviant behavior and social structure are other focal points in sociology. Deviant behavior refers to actions that violate social norms, while social structure pertains to the organization of roles and relationships within society. Social networks and symbolic interactionism theories examine interactions and relationships between individuals, while dramaturgy likens social interaction to theatrical performance, emphasizing role-playing and situational influences. Social stratification and inequality investigate the layering and inequality within society, including the distribution of wealth, power, and status. Gender and race and ethnicity are also crucial research areas in sociology. Gender sociology examines gender roles and gender inequality, while race and ethnicity sociology studies race and ethnic relations, including racial discrimination and ethnic conflicts. Technology, the internet, and virtual worlds' impact on society are vital contemporary sociological research areas. Technological advancements have altered social interactions and information dissemination, and virtual worlds provide new social spaces and relationships. Demography studies the size, structure, and distribution of populations and the impact of population changes on society. Demographic data help understand the effects of population growth, aging, and migration on society. Research in these fields helps us better understand social structures and changes, and how to address social challenges. Through reading these links and articles, I have learned the basic concepts and methods of sociology, understanding how sociologists use scientific methods to study social phenomena and how sociological theories explain human behavior and social structures. I also learned about culture, religion, economics, politics, socialization, deviant behavior, social structure, social networks, symbolic interactionism, dramaturgy, social stratification, social inequality, gender, race and ethnicity, technology, the internet, virtual worlds, and demography. This knowledge helps me comprehensively understand social phenomena and issues and provides a solid theoretical foundation and methodological tools for future social research.