Sociology is the scientific study of the development, structure, and processes of human society. It uses systematic methods to examine and explain the social world by careful and objective analysis of human behavior. Sociologists focus on the actions, beliefs, values, norms, organizations, institutions, and other social forces that characterize a society and shape people?s lives.
Sociological research often helps business and labor officials, community organizations, educators, policymakers, public and private administrators, and the general citizenry to understand and solve issues that confront society on local, national, and international levels.
Ohio University sociology faculty study various aspects of social change:
- Agrifood systems
- Conflict and change in legal institutions and professions
- Gender
- Labor markets
- Law and mental health
- Political sociology
- Social and political movements, engagement with science and law
- Social implications of technological change, computer-mediated interaction
- Sociology of development
- Sociology of Education
- Work and occupations
- Youth and adolescence