We live, think and act in groups with other people. Most of what we think, say and do is influenced by our interactions with others, what they expect of us, and how they treat us. Sociologists identify and study these patterns in a variety of settings. Maybe you have wondered why some families get along fine while others seem stuck in problems, why some people get involved in white collar careers and others turn to crime, why some government programs succeed while others backfire. Sociologists look at these issues in systemactic ways, try to clarify what is happening, what lies beneath the surface of events, what is likely to arise from the circumstances, and what might be done differently.
Sociology is the study of society.
Generally, sociologists study groups, organizations, and cultures, and how individuals function within them. Some aspects of sociology focus on specific areas of societal concern, such as crime and criminal justice, health care, or aging. Students have the opportunity to study important social problems such as crime, poverty and income inequality, race and gender relations, and political change. Students also learn how social institutions like the family, sexuality, religion, and medicine shape people's perceptions, behavior and life experiences. After graduation, sociology majors take jobs in business, social services, criminal justice, health care, community service, and other fields, or continue their educations in graduate school or law school.