The social scientist studies the phenomena, structures and relationships that characterize social and cultural organizations. Furthermore, the scholar researches customs and habits, in addition to investigating the relationships between individuals, families, groups and institutions.
The results of sociological research are not just of interest to sociologists. Covering all areas of human interaction - from family relationships to the organization of large companies, the role of politics in society or religious behavior -, sociology may come to interest, in different degrees of intensity, several other areas of the to know. However, the one most interested in the production and systematization of sociological knowledge is currently the State, which is normally the main funder of research in this scientific discipline.
Sociologists make frequent use of quantitative techniques of social research (such as statistics) to describe generalized patterns in social relations. This helps to develop models that can understand social changes and how individuals will respond to those changes. In some fields of study of sociology, qualitative techniques - such as directed interviews, discussions in group and ethnographic methods — allow a better understanding of social processes according to the objective explanatory.
More than its application in planning, research and intervention programs, sociological knowledge also functions as a humanistic discipline, in the sense of perfecting the spirit, as they better understand the behavior of others, their own situation and society as a whole. As a humanistic discipline, sociology is a significant form of social awareness.
Orson Camargo
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Sociology and Politics from the School of Sociology and Politics of São Paulo – FESPSP
Master in Sociology from the State University of Campinas - UNICAMP
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/sociologia/desenvolvimento-da-sociologia.htm
