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Why Sociology?

What Is Sociology?

Sociology is the systematic scientific study of human life in groups, which is to say, virtually all of human life.

We study everything from the small, transitory interactions of two strangers passing on the street to the incredibly complex and persistent patterns of interactions among individuals in large organizations and even entire societies.

We study families, neighborhoods, work groups, sports teams, bureaucracies, religions, governments, and every other kind of group, large or small, that humans have ever created.

Why Study Sociology?

Sociology prepares students to think critically, conduct research, analyze data and communicate effectively with diverse populations—skills sought by employers and grad schools in many fields. It also produces global perspectives and more engaged citizens—empowering (sociological) imagination for life.

“The first wisdom of sociology is this: things are not what they seem.”

–  Peter Berger, 1963

My Sociology Story

Emma Laatsch

“After taking Environment and Society, I realized if I wanted to make a difference for the planet, I needed to start with how to make a difference with the people. Therefore, Environmental Studies and Sociology were the perfect majors for me.”

Berkley Lake

“The classes taught by the Sociology Department have given me a different perspective and have allowed me to broaden my thinking and draw better connections with others who are not like me.”

Julliana (Jules) Banayag

“I chose Sociology as my major after two and a half years of not feeling confident in what I wanted to do in life, but I knew I wanted to help people. When I took Sociology 101, I immediately became enthralled in the ways in which society functions.”

Clarice Parker

“One of the biggest key things I’ve gotten out is being able to recognize social and cultural boundaries. Some other key things involve being able to have a wider lens of perspective on social situations.”

Kyle Gretz

“I have always wanted to work in the field of law enforcement, and I see Sociology as a great addition to my skillset, as it will allow me to examine the issues that I face within the public every day and analyze them on a more structural level.”

Sarah Marie Reed

…sociology class really stood out to me. It made me think in a different way and made me want to pursue a profession that emphasized social/environmental justice and achieve equity because I thought it was extremely unfair that some individuals/groups are systematically advantaged or disadvantaged.

Alyssa Wastradowski

“One of the key things I have learned is that you will never be able to actually put yourself in someone else’s shoes because you will never be able to experience all the nuances of their life, but that shouldn’t prevent you from wanting to be an ally and help improve their life.”

Jordan Derber

“I really believe that studying Sociology has helped be better myself as a human, as a community member, as a critical thinker. In the role that I have, many of what I have learned has played a huge part in serving the community more effectively.”

Alicia Davila

“[Sociology] has opened up my eyes. I have always been open minded about everything, but now I look at everything with a sociological perspective, as well as my open mind.”

Faythe Brennan

“Motivating others past their assumed ability is a big passion of mine and I can’t wait to have a lifetime career of doing just that.”

Erica Schwartz

“I chose to study Sociology because I was interested in learning more about people, how we interact within society, and things that affect how we operate.”

Morgan Vechart

“I choose to study sociology because of the vast amount of relevance it has in most professional (fields) and everyday life.”

Kenyetta Walker, ’16

“After taking my Race and Ethnicity class with the wonderful Dr. Son, I immediately fell in love with the major. Learning about the conscious and the unconscious of society has definitely changed my view of the world.”

Kathy Brasier, Ph. D., ’95

“I became fascinated by the idea that we could use data to see patterns in how people act. This notion resonated with me as I thought about how my own family and community experiences could be linked to broader social forces…”

Pat Hager, ’11

“By the time that I graduated I felt like I understood the state of the world and what I was capable of doing about it.”

Jennifer Stephany, ’94

“I chose to pursue a degree in Sociology as it aligned most acutely with my interests in community work as it relates to ethnicity, social class and gender.”

Kathleen Abrahamson, Ph. D., ’90

“I believe that the close faculty contact and personal attention I received in Oshkosh planted in me a love of sociology that encouraged my academic success.”

Baily M. Murph, MPH, ’11

“I’ve always had a desire to learn and understand people and society more deeply, and sociology was my in.”

Oscar Mireles, ’96

“My sociology background has helped in all facets of my work life… I believe I have the skill sets and cultural competencies to provide the most appropriate academic and social supports our students need.”

Shawna Kuether, MPA, ’04

“My Sociology degree allowed me to be open-minded, cognizant and appreciative of the varying cultures, ideas and perspectives I witnessed during my travels.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH
Department of Sociology & Public Administration

(920) 424-2030
sociology@uwosh.edu
Sage Hall, Room 3464 and 4461

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