Sociology is the study of the issues, concepts, investigations, and results of individuals living together. While sociology"s focus is on groups, this focus should not exclude an emphasis on individuals. After all, individuals constitute groups and groups produce individuals. How can we study and fully understand one without the other? We can"t...nor can we study them as if they were merely in competition with each other...that"s too simple. Rather, as a study of people...by people...sociology is a personal encounter with the social forces which shape our lives, especially those that affect our awareness and ignorance of how we create, maintain,...
institutions which, are unrelated to any single individual but impact upon how individuals act and experience their social life.

Sociological research and sociological concepts can help to explain many dimensions of social life. It can help explain the day-to-day interactions that occur in families, between men and women, as well as the larger social problems including poverty and other forms of inequality. As such, Sociology gives a systematic and disciplined approach to the problems, conflicts and dynamics of contemporary society. In doing so it provides a rigorous understanding of the causes and consequences of social order and social change.