Sociology and Common Sense Essay - 1546 Words

Explain the difference between a â€Å"common sense† and a â€Å"sociological† view of human behaviour, giving relevant examples. Sociology is a social science that enables people to understand the structure and dynamics of society. By using a scientific approach, and by critically analysing society using qualitative and quantitative methods, sociologists can find patterns and connections within human behaviour to provide explanations of how society affects people. Sociological views are based on theories that have been tested through unbiased research and attempt to take all values into account. Common sense theories are generally individualistic and naturalistic assumptions that are based on opinions than can vary depending on an individuals†¦show more content†¦Other people within his community may even go as far a labelling the man as lazy, because of his labour-less situation. This would be a common sense view, as the people making the assumptions against the unfortunate man, do not have the necessary evidence to make such a judgement. Mills continues about the unemployed individual, ...but when in a nation of 50 million employees, 15 million men are unemployed, that is an issue, and we may not hope to find its solution within the range of opportunities open to any one individual. (Mills 1959: 9) It would be nonsensical from a common sense perspective to brandish 15 million people as lazy because they are out of work, so it is the job of the sociologist to find out why. To arrive at sociological perspective, someone would have to analyse the situation stringently to find evidence as to why such a high percentage of the population to be out of work. This could be down to a collapse in a countrys economy, and subsequent closure of businesses throughout the nation, due to populate being unwilling to spend money for unessential luxuries, as recently experienced in the United Kingdom amongst other countries. It is not enough to assume that people who receive state benefits are indeed lazy people who shy away from work.Show MoreRelatedSociological And Common Sense Understanding1341 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction to Sociology Throughout this essay, I will explain the distinction between sociological and common sense understanding, highlight the differences between sociology and other social sciences, and evaluate two sociological perspectives – Marxism and feminism. Sociology is the scientific study of human society. It examines the development of social structures, and the interaction between these structures and human behaviour. 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