I admit that the eyes of the intellectually and culturally lively tend to glaze over at the mere mention of sociology, often with ample justification.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Even at its most perceptive, sociology deals in abstractions.
My students often ask me, 'What is sociology?' And I tell them, 'It's the study of the way in which human beings are shaped by things that they don't see.'
The point of my work is to show that culture and education aren't simply hobbies or minor influences. They are hugely important in the affirmation of differences between groups and social classes and in the reproduction of those differences.
One of the key places where sociology should be used is in analyzing 'the world' of our times, so that we can be more discerning. To resist the dangers of the world, you have to recognize the distortions and seductions of the world.
Against the dark background of this contemporary civilization of well-being, even the arts tend to mingle, to lose their identity.
The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.
I had always looked down on sociology as this arriviste discipline. It didn't have the noble history of English and history as a subject. But once I had a little exposure to it, I said, 'Hey, here's the key. Here's the key to understanding life and all its forms.'
Our culture is more shaped by the arts and humanities than it often is by politics.
Popular culture has become engorged, broadening and thickening until it's the only culture anyone notices.
Unfortunately, the more chaotic the society, the greater is the desire for conservative, nonconfrontational art.
No opposing quotes found.