Response #1

Sociology is the study of social behavior and human groups (textbook definition). I believe that in whatever field I chose to work in, it is important to understand and relate to the population that you are dealing with. In whatever job someone works in they will have to deal with society one way or another, both directly and indirectly. One thing that is underestimated in our daily lives is that every single one of our actions affects someone else and sets off a chain of reaction to every person that we touch or communicate with at any given moment. This would be considered interactionist perspective which I think is the most basic thing that we need to fully understand in our work and daily living. The study of sociology will contribute to my education and career goals by informing me more on how society functions, allowing me to best communicate and interact with the people around me and by helping me come up with better strategies on how to help and relate in the work force.

            At the moment I am following my strong interest in the medical field. I have already been exposed to a lot of field work with patients in both non-emergency and emergency situations. While reading the text I was more aware of the fact that in any given situation there are various perspectives that all affect each person’s typical reaction. If applying this to a medical situation, this can be seen as the medical provider’s perspective, the patient’s perspective and the outsider’s perspective. Each person is involved in the same situation but are all experiencing different emotions and thoughts therefore influencing their response in very different ways. Studying each group of people in either a disaster emergency (macrosociology), or individual emergency (microsociology) will help me determine the best way to help someone or communicate with them based on the characteristic behavior and attitude they display.

            Sociologists conduct their research using the scientific method. This method is not only helpful in conducting research in a science field but also useful for general issues we may come across in everyday life. The different strategies that are implemented in the scientific method are what we already use to identify and resolve an issue, just in a more organized fashion. Analyzing data, coming up with theories and developing new methods to solve issues is something that I will need to exercise on a daily basis in my future career. The Code of Ethics is also something I need to familiarize myself with in order to do my job correctly as a doctor. Since the medical field involves a lot of research and experimenting, seeing how sociologists put their problem-solving tools into practice can help me in my educational goals by exposing me to the various ways they study their subjects.

My educational goals are to get my bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry. After obtaining this degree I wish to continue onto medical school and specialize in cardiology. The medical field in particular has a lot to do with sociology because it is directly dealing with a wide group of people. A health care provider also has a huge influence on the society because they deal with the mental and physical wellbeing of a person. Even if I chose to take a different route in my career and education I still think this course will help because it will teach me a lot about my own behavior and way that I fit into and shape society. The more well-rounded and aware I am as a person is not only beneficial to myself, but to the public as well.