Political sociology is a discipline defined as the study of power and the relationship between societies, states, and political conflict. Although the term itself wasn’t officially coined until the 1930s, the concept of political sociology dates all the way back to the third century BCE.  Aristotle sought to describe the state of Greece’s governance through the multiple city-states governed by its citizens and first studied the effects social groups have on governance in his work “Politics.”

The Emergence of Political Sociology 

While there is significant overlap between political sociology and political science, political science examines the internal workings of a government, while political sociology focuses on the building of nation-states and the power relation in the social structure. 

Political sociology became prominent after the horrific events of World War II and the major impacts the war had on society. Sociologists sought to understand how social concepts such as race, ethnicity, and education impacted the political system and vice versa. Specifically, they sought to understand imbalances of power in the hopes of preventing similar events from happening in the future and duplicating structures that have historically worked. The study of political sociology now includes issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, and classism, as well as family dynamics, workplaces, and modern media. 
 

Socio-Political Ideologies 

While many thinkers aim to explore the framework of what makes politics and society function together, the works of German sociologists Karl Marx and Max Weber and French sociologist Émile Durkheim stand out as primary sources. 

  • Karl Marx 
    Marx’s 19th-century pamphlet “The Communist Manifesto” discusses how dichotomous social classes and class struggle determine how societies are run. Under capitalism, the economically dominant social class exploits the “have-nots.” Marx explained that under socialism, which seeks to eliminate oppression and social inequality, the power is in the hands of the  government. Conversely, under communism, the power is in the hands of the people, which Marx argued would lead to the highest form of equality in a communal setting and eliminate individualism. Although socialism has been practiced in many countries,  
    communism, as a theoretical model of complete social equality, has not been achieved.  
  • Max Weber 
    Weber stated that hierarchies created a stable society and are based on forms of organizational legitimacy. These hierarchies may be established through charismatic leadership through the faith of followers or via a more traditional ruler like a monarch. Weber’s theories are integral to modern political sociology. His vision of a modern bureaucracy imagined a clear set of rules and regulations. 
     
  • Émile Durkheim 
    Durkheim argued that although capitalism was economically productive, its consumerism drives social groups to suicide (“Suicide,” 1897). He believed that individualism leads to corruption and depression, while a collective community—such as a large family unit or a religious community—creates a healthier sense of belonging necessary for a stable nation-state.  

Democracy and the Fight for Equality 

Political scientists and sociologists have long debated democratic transitions as an answer to the imbalance of power in a society. The Lipsett hypothesis argues that the more economically developed a nation is, the more prosperous and politically stable it becomes. Urbanization especially helps spread media and literacy among all social groups. 

Historically, democracies were led by a small number of people, usually white males of higher social status. Women and racial minorities, for example, have only comparatively recently gained access to political power, resources, and prestige. Influential democratic movements like the Women’s Suffrage Movement of the 1920s and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s led to voting rights and better opportunities for oppressed social groups in the United States. 

Today, agents like the free media give a voice to historically underrepresented communities and lead to greater participation on political issues. 

A Course Exploring Socio-Political Perspectives 

Our appropriately named course Political Sociology (SOCI 4324), part of our online BA in sociology program, examines the concepts of power and society in more depth, focusing on the concepts of class, ideology, elites, and political and state officials. During this course, you’ll learn to apply critical concepts of political sociology to current social issues from a national and global perspective. After completing the course, you’ll be able to comprehend and identify key issues related to social structures and power in society. 

Political Sociology is offered as part of our online BA in sociology program but can also benefit students studying to earn a degree in political science, business administration, public policy, or finance. Whether you decide to pursue a career in sociology or another field, this course can help you learn key theories and events to make a difference in any leadership role. 

Career Options with a BA in Sociology 

Our BA in sociology program is asynchronous, flexible, and entirely online. Study from the comfort of your home from anywhere in the world. Students interested in exploring social studies and social justice will gain invaluable knowledge in a field that can inform a variety of career options, some of which include: 

  • Teaching/consulting/law enforcement management 
  • Social work/social services 
  • Public administration/advertising 
  • Human resources  
  • Private and government foundations 
  • Guidance counseling 

 Become a force for social change. Apply to our online BA in sociology program and join the Falcon family! 

 
Sources: 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/political-sociology 
https://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/bios/Weber.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_sociology
https://www.sociologygroup.com/political-sociology-meaning-scope-concept-development
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Emile-Durkheim
https://www.history.com/topics/germany/karl-marx

 

The term gender roles is coming up more often in conversations and in society in general as we begin to rethink long-held notions about gender. Gender was once seen as a relatively straightforward concept. With time, examination, world events, and myriad social changes, however, it has become obvious that we must treat gender roles as a more complex and nuanced issue. 

What Are Gender Roles? 

Consult a sociology dictionary and you’ll find gender role defined as, “the expected role determined by an individual’s sex and the associated attitudes, behaviors, norms, and values.” What that means in simple terms is that some attitudes, activities, and interests have traditionally been considered inherently feminine and others inherently masculine. Over time, these notions have become increasingly obsolete, having been challenged and defeated in irrefutable ways. The following example shows a major shift in gender roles that took place in the United States within just the last century. 

War Catalyzes a Major Shift in Gender Roles 

For a sizable portion of the 20th century, women in the United States were expected to get married, have children, and generally take care of their family’s daily domestic needs. Men held traditional jobs in the workplace and looked out for the family financially. Many women did not enter the workforce, whether they attended college or not. Attending college was seen as a way for women to prepare for being a wife and mother—and an ideal place to meet a future husband. 

The onset of World War II forever changed the role of women in American society. With many men off fighting the war overseas, the need for skilled workers skyrocketed. Who was left to work on assembly lines and do other jobs that would’ve otherwise been done by men? Women. This new workforce trained the same way men had, took on the same roles, and did so with excellence. Rosie the Riveter inspired and exemplified the new working woman. World War II laid the foundation for women’s widespread emergence in the workforce.  

A Global Event Shifts Gender Roles Again 

While significant changes to gender roles began to develop and solidify in the second half of the twentieth century, in the modern era, many sociologists have cited COVID-19 as a driving force for yet another wave of shifting gender roles. As the pandemic began in 2020, multitudes went home to continue the work they had previously done in an office setting. However, an estimated 1.1 million women in the U.S. left the workforce entirely from early 2020 to early 2022. Many of these women devoted themselves to full-time care for children or aging relatives when the pandemic shuttered schools and daycares and increased health risks in elder care facilities.  

Our nation’s longstanding gender wage gap may be at least partly to blame for this mass exodus of women from the workplace, since for many families, the lowest wage earner is seen as the most expendable. But the still-entrenched gender norms of male breadwinners and female caregivers are undeniably a factor in the division of domestic duties, particularly in heterosexual households. As the pandemic lingers, a full-scale return of women to the workforce remains to be seen, though COVID-19 certainly reversed some progress toward eliminating traditional gender role expectations in the professional context. 

The Limitations of Gender Roles  

Adherence to gender roles can prevent some individuals from seeing through arbitrary social constructs and considering a wider range of alternatives. If a person wants to pursue a career or a role that is not typically associated with their expressed gender, they may be discouraged and opt for something else—even though they may have excelled in that desired role. Predetermined gender roles may compel a person to conform to a path that’s not right for them. That’s one unfortunate example of how gender roles can negatively affect people, but it’s not the most consequential.  

If the gender an individual identifies most closely with does not match the sex designated on their birth certificate, and they are unable to express their gender identity, it can have deadly consequences. One study showed a shocking 52% of transgender youth considered suicide during 2020. Societal acceptance—in the form of a less rigid view of gender roles—and self-acceptance are key to reversing such alarming trends. A reexamination of gender roles can help a broader segment of our population experience a more fulfilling life with a healthy self-image. 

An Online Exploration of Sociology 

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology examines gender issues from multiple perspectives as part of a robust, diverse curriculum that includes core and elective sociology courses and a broad spectrum of general education topics. Our program equips you with a crucial understanding of human interaction within a culture and its various subcultures, and between differing cultures. 

Career Potential With a BA in Sociology 

As you complete our BA in Sociology program, you’ll develop key skills that will help you in all aspects of your life, from your personal relationships to your career, including critical thinking and communication. Studies by major companies and U.S. government agencies show that “soft skills” like these are highly sought after by employers and, in some cases, are considered of equal importance to “hard skills” for job candidates. These soft skills are transferrable to any profession and will serve you well no matter what route you follow. BA in sociology graduates can pursue a variety of rewarding roles, such as: 

  • Management consultant 
  • Nonprofit specialist 
  • Human resources professional 
  • Guidance counselor 
  • Public administrator 
  • Teacher or teaching assistant 
  • Social researcher or social worker 

A Quality Program With Added Flexibility 

Our online BA in sociology program features the same courses taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach them at our Odessa, Texas campus. The asynchronous online format offers added flexibility, so you can complete coursework at your own pace from virtually any location in the world. No campus visits are required. Earning a bachelor’s degree need not interfere with any existing personal or professional obligations. Six start times per year allow you even greater flexibility in pursuing your degree. 

Begin the degree that can open up countless possibilities for your future—apply to our online BA in sociology program! 

Sources: 
https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/women
https://www.unigo.com/get-to-college/college-search/from-straight-laced-to-unlaced-women-s-colleges-in-the-twentieth-century
https://www.britannica.com/topic/human-behavior/Self-concept-or-identity#ref390993
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/gender-roles
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01053/full

Sociology is a social science focused on the study of human beings and their interactions with other individuals within a group, their society, and other cultures. The core benefit of sociology is that it can help us understand one another, resulting in less social strife, hatred, racism, sexism, poverty, illiteracy, and other institutionalized and personal unfortunate but ultimately avoidable realities. Sociologists have a particular way of explaining social phenomena, which is quite diverse. There are several sociological perspectives and methodologies, which help us analyze general social patterns in the behavior of particular individuals. They also encourage us to realize that society guides our thoughts and deeds to a great extent. Finally, Sociology urges us to draw interconnections between public issues and personal problems.

As a research-based discipline, sociology relies heavily on the collection and analysis of data through quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Sociologists, public officials, and others use statistical methods to look at sociological trends, education levels, crime prevalence, economic status, the persistence of racism, sexism or heterosexism and other factors on a macro level as well as analyze issues on a micro level through observation and in-depth interviewing.

Statistics quantify research, allowing researchers, government officials, or other interested parties to identify the extent of a need or a problem, thereby empowering them to develop an appropriate solution, often using a sociological theoretical perspective. Once implemented, the success of this solution is also measured by statistics that reveal whether the issue persists, improves, or worsens.

Statistics can show, for example, where economic and employment opportunities are lacking, enabling us to move toward greater social justice in our society. Defined by the United Nations as “the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth,” social justice essentially means that all members of a society should enjoy equal opportunities, rights, and treatment. Identifying inequalities is key to rectifying them, and using statistics makes that possible.

Why Study Sociology Online?

Are social equality and social justice driving forces in your life? If so, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program was created for you. Our program explores the disparate societies and cultures that inhabit our planet, the ways in which humans act as part of a group, factors that influence how members of subcultures behave in a social context, and the dynamics that influence how members of subcultures are viewed by society in general. Statistical methods along with Sociological Theory help gauge the scale of these social phenomena.

Like all bachelor’s programs, our online BA in sociology also provides a broad education beyond the featured discipline, delving into topics such as literature, history, geology, algebra, and psychology through a variety of general education courses. As you complete your degree, you’ll develop key skills that will help you thrive in your career, any future graduate-level studies you may pursue, and your everyday life. Critical thinking, communication, and research are in-demand, transferable skills that will serve you well no matter where your professional interests take you.

According to a report published by Forbes, more than 90% of business executives surveyed stated that having soft skills is as important as having “hard skills” at hiring time. About the same number of those executives added that they had difficulty finding enough job candidates who possess those valued soft skills.

From a sociological standpoint, critical thinking is an irreplaceable skill, and having solid data in the form of statistics is essential for reaching precise conclusions through your thought processes. Equipped with robust critical thinking skills, you’ll also be more likely to enjoy harmonious relationships with your colleagues, teammates, neighbors, and family members. If your career requires regular interaction with others, critical thinking will undoubtedly strengthen your performance, helping you challenge personal biases and relate better to individuals with different beliefs, backgrounds, and life circumstances. Critical thinking can be particularly beneficial in careers such as:

  • Guidance counselor
  • Human resources professional
  • Management consultant
  • Nonprofit specialist
  • Public administrator
  • Social researcher
  • Social worker
  • Teacher
  • Teaching assistant

A Flexible, High-Quality Learning Experience

The asynchronous, 100% online format of our sociology bachelor’s degree program gives you the flexibility to complete your studies from virtually any location on your own schedule. No campus visits are required. You can work on your degree as you continue to meet your professional and personal commitments by doing your coursework at night, on the weekend, during lunch breaks, or any other time that works for you. Our program offers additional flexibility by allowing you to choose from six start times throughout the year. Once you begin, you’ll learn the identical curriculum from the same accomplished faculty who teach the sociology program on campus. Convenience and quality go hand in hand with online programs from UT Permian Basin.

Build indispensable life skills while earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UT Permian Basin!

Sources:
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/research-report-1-review-of-equality-statistics.pdf
https://sociologydictionary.org/social-statistics/

Called “the most binding and central concern of sociology,” social stratification is a topic of intense study among sociologists. But what does this lofty term mean? At the simplest level, stratification refers to the formation of layers, or strata. From a sociological perspective, this term can also be used to refer to the divisions separating social classes and other forms of inequalities.

“All men are created equal,” a cherished phrase from the Declaration of Independence, points to a society free of class divisions or social hierarchy. However, when you consider that the phrase—as originally intended—referred only to white, male, Protestant landowners, the foundational social stratification of the United States becomes more evident.

Race, gender, religion, and economic status are just a few of the criteria by which social stratification is imposed in our multicultural society, regardless of what our ideals might suggest, and in possibly every society on the planet. Karl Marx, considered one of the founders of classical sociology, devoted his life to the discussion of social class and its role as the motor of change in society. Another theorist, Max Weber, saw the United States as a classless society. Yet, studies of the Great Depression and subsequent times showed otherwise. Social stratification and various inequalities are a worldwide phenomenon.

The Status of Social Stratification Then and Now

Social stratification seeks to define individuals’ “place” in society. In doing so, it observes inequalities that are often based on arbitrary, biased, and immutable criteria. Historical examples of social stratification include slavery, caste systems (termed one of “the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification”), and apartheid, though these still exist in some form today. In modern times, particularly in the Western world, social stratification is generally seen in the form of socioeconomic inequality. A prime example is the ongoing wage gap between white men and women of all races or ethnicities. Recent studies have shown that white women make only 79 cents for every dollar that white men earn. Women of color earn even less, with Latina women earning just 54 cents for every dollar that white men earn.

Why Study Social Stratification?

The study of social stratification brings the disparities of our society to light, which is the only way we can address them. Learning about social stratification and sociology in general makes one more aware of how society has been structured and the factors that figure into that structure: education, lack of economic opportunity, etc. Sociologists have determined that sexism, racism, homophobia, and other prejudices commonly force people into a specific layer of society—one that they may find difficult to rise above. That is to say, people in certain strata of society have less upward mobility, or the ability to better their economic status. The more people understand social stratification, the more likely they are as members of a society to dismantle many of its detrimental forms, especially the institutional forms of racism, sexism and other inequalities. A very acute example of this would be the historical and recent attacks on people of color.

Study Social Stratification Online

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program for individuals guided by a desire to help promote greater equality among all groups and individuals within diverse societies. Our program examines the ways humans interact when in groups, the different cultures and populations that comprise our planet, and issues that influence social behavior inside societal subgroups. In addition, the program investigates ways in which social and political identities can impact how certain subcultures are thought of within their larger society.

Our online bachelor’s degree in sociology provides a comprehensive general education in a range of subjects including U.S. history, English composition, college algebra, and biology. With this foundation, you’ll develop critical and transferrable skills that will enrich you in your professional life and beyond, like communication, critical thinking, and research. Upon completion of the UTPB program, you’ll also be eligible to advance into graduate-level programs within sociology and other disciplines, if you so choose.

Set Your Own Class Hours (and Choose Your Own “Classroom”)

The asynchronous, 100% online format of UT Permian Basin’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program offers you distinct advantages. Regardless of your professional duties or personal responsibilities, you can still give your education the attention it needs. Complete coursework at your own pace, 24/7, from any location with internet access—even other countries. As much as we love seeing our students, you don’t need to visit campus at all during your program. Six start times each year and eight-week courses provide additional flexibility.

Perhaps most importantly, our online BA in sociology program offers you the same high-quality education that you’d get on campus. You’ll study the same curriculum from the same renowned program faculty that you would in face-to-face classes, but with added convenience.

If you have a passion for social studies and social justice, we encourage you to apply to our online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program. Build a foundation for a more fulfilling life and career starting here!

Sources:
https://www.asanet.org/topics/inequalities-and-stratification
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/social-stratification
https://www.omicsonline.org/social-stratification-scholarly-open-access-journals.php
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.an.05.100176.001303?journalCode=anthro
https://www.thoughtco.com/visualizing-social-stratification-in-the-us-3026378
https://opinionfront.com/social-stratification-types-characteristics-examples
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/social-stratification-meaning-types-and-characteristics-sociology-2446-words/6199

We all interact with other human beings on some level—through our personal life, professional duties, educational pursuits, and/or hobbies. How these institutions and groups interact and influence our beliefs and actions is considered so important that there’s an entire field of study devoted to it.

Sociology, as defined by Britannica, is a “social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them.” Sociology’s distinguishing factor among other social sciences is that it “devotes most of its attention to the collective aspects of human behaviour, because sociologists place greater emphasis on the ways external groups influence the behaviour of individuals.” In sum, sociology is the systematic scientific study of social interaction within a group or groups.

A broad science that incorporates many aspects of the human experience, sociology involves elements of psychology, education, economics, and politics. Perhaps because of this inclusive scope, an education in sociology can offer skills that benefit all of us. The formal study of sociology can instill critical thinking, communication, and research skills that will help you personally and professionally.

The Value of Critical Thinking

Let’s take a look at one of the most essential skills that you can develop in a sociology degree program: critical thinking. This process involves thoroughly examining your own thoughts about someone or something and remaining open to alternative conclusions. Rather than accepting the most common, obvious, habitual, or convenient view, critical thinkers examine and challenge these preconceptions. This introspection can help individuals overcome biased assumptions, often shaped by the society in which we live, which sometimes make understanding, communicating, and empathizing with others more difficult.

From a sociological point of view, critical thinking is an essential skill for navigating life in any society and is all the more critical in a diverse culture. If your critical thinking skills are sharp, you may be better able to get along with coworkers, neighbors, teammates, and any other groups of people in your society. In many people-centric careers, such as criminal justice, education, human resources, or social work, you’ll be able to perform your job more effectively if you’re able to challenge your own biases and empathize with people whose experiences or beliefs may be vastly different from yours. You may find critical thinking skills especially helpful in careers including:

  • Teacher
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Guidance Counselor
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Social Worker
  • Social Researcher
  • Public Administrator
  • Nonprofit Specialist
  • Management Consultant

Regardless of profession, can you think of any person who wouldn’t benefit from critical thinking skills? Neither can we. That’s why we suggest an education in sociology for many prospective students.

Undergraduate Studies in Sociology

The University of Texas Permian Basin has designed an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program for students who are driven by an interest in social studies and social justice and who wish to help foster greater equality for all individuals and groups within diverse societies. Our program investigates human interactions within groups, the diverse cultures and peoples that make up our world, and factors that affect social behavior within societal subcultures. Further, it explores how social and political identities can influence the way some subcultures are regarded within the larger society.

As an undergraduate degree program, our online BA in sociology also covers a range of general education topics—from English composition to art to biology—providing valuable foundational knowledge for your life, career, and graduate-level studies, should you choose to pursue them. As you complete the program, you’ll build essential, transferable skills including critical thinking, communication, and research.

The Advantages of Our Online Classroom

Our Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete your coursework at any convenient time—nights, weekends, etc.—from any location in the world equipped with internet access. If you have ongoing family and/or career responsibilities, you’ll find the flexibility of our program irreplaceable. Program courses last just eight weeks each and require no campus visits, and students can choose from six program start times per year. Our online BA in sociology program features the same acclaimed faculty and curriculum as our campus-based program, so you can be assured there’s never any compromise in quality.

We invite you to gain valuable life and career skills as you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology online from UT Permian Basin!

Sources:
https://www.asanet.org/about/what-sociology
https://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/introtosociology/Documents/Rationale%20for%20the%20Site031708.htm