Introduction to Sociology Hammond and Cheney

Abstract

The book is designed and written to be interesting to you. It provides a basic understanding of the science, theory, and research methods of the profession. Sociology began with a Frenchman named Auguste Comte (1798-1857) who saw that it could be very useful in solving modern social problems that were already emerging in Europe and other parts of the world in the 1820-40's. Other sociologists built upon his work and sociology has become a major academic and scientific discipline in its own right. Comte would be very pleased with sociology as a problem-solving science, one that has a unique perspective, wisdom, and body of scientific knowledge. Governments, corporations, religions, families, educators, and individuals have come to depend upon the same expertise you will discover in this textbook. You'll also find the narrative to be personal, the topics to be interesting, and you will feel very satisfied when you finally understand why society and people do the things they do. You swill learn what sociology is, what sociology studies (and studies in a way better than all other disciplines), and how sociology as a science can help you in your personal life experiences. Finally, this textbook is an excellent case study of the sociological analysis of the United States. How we used the US statistics, trends, and historical facts used herein can be a useful example for you to do a similar analysis of your own country, state, province, county, or even city.