Essay On Sociological Thinking

To many thinking sociologically may seem like an easy task; throughout my sociology career I have overheard many times thinking in a sociological perspective means to think “outside of the box”, but the reality of sociological thinking is much more complex than that. To think in a sociological perspective requires a person analyze the phenomena they are studying critically and pose questions on how and why the phenomena is occurring or has occurred.
One requirement of being able to think sociologically is being able to incorporate the knowledge and understanding a person possesses with those of others. By allowing others ideas and perspectives to influence one’s own in a positive manner it allows a person to grow and better understand the content …show more content…
it should be noted that to think sociologically requires a person to be able to determine what can be deemed valid, reliable and generalizable. In a study preformed by Virginia Gill titled, “Patient “Demand” for Medical Interventions: Exerting Pressure for an Offer in a Primary Care Clinic Visit”, demonstrated that conclusions can be drawn but can only be applied to certain people in a particular context such as this study. Virginia Gill preformed a study that was over one case, although she gained detailed results she can only have her conclusions be reviewed to be further applied to the subject matter but not be generalized to the realm she was studying (451).
To think sociologically it is important to be able to be mindful of the concept one is analyzing, this includes gaining insight to the history, culture and structural context of the phenomenon and to incorporate ones own knowledge to others to see other perspectives that may influence a phenomenon (Gerschick). Without these critical skills thinking sociologically is essentially impossible, but if utilized and done correctly the understanding a person can gain sees no