Undergraduate FAQ - Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology is the scientific study of society, social behaviors, and social relationships that shape human interaction. Sociologists study how societies are organized, how culture, social norms and values influence behavior, and the consequences of social actions on individuals and communities.
Sociologists use a variety of research methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations, to gather empirical data, which is factual and based on observation or experience, rather than theory or belief.
Examples: a) Studying the impact of family structures on children's development show that various factors, including parental involvement and the quality of the home environment,
significantly influence educational outcomes, which can be taken a step further to critically understand the concept of meritocracy;
b) Studying the effects of social media on human relationships reveal how digital interactions can both connect and isolate individuals.
Sociology also explores broader issues such as inequality, examining how factors like race, gender, and class affect individuals' opportunities and experiences. For instance, research has shown that socioeconomic status can influence health outcomes, with those in lower-income brackets experiencing higher rates of certain diseases due to factors like access to healthcare and lifestyle choices.
By studying sociology, students gain insights into the complexities of social life and the forces that shape our world. They learn to critically analyze social issues, understand diverse perspectives, and apply sociological theories to real-world problems. This discipline equips individuals with the skills to contribute to social change and better understand the social dynamics that influence human behavior and society at large.
Students learn to analyse social conditions that impact human lives, and confront difficult issues such as:
(1) Health, aging, demography,
(2) migration,
(3) economic life,
(4) family and kinship,
(5) social networks,
(6) social inequality,
(7) gender and sexuality,
(8) race and ethnicity,
(9) urbanism,
(10) media and culture
(11) politics and power
(12) science and technology
The NUS Sociology programme emphasises critical thinking, theoretical reasoning, empirical research, and communication skills. Students develop the ability to think through complex issues, investigate them empirically, and go beyond conventional wisdom – abilities essential to organisations and vocations today.
It provides a solid foundation and comprehensive framework for understanding the social world we live in. The term "social" includes the cultural, political, and economic dimensions as well. Anyone who plans to work with people and in organisational contexts would therefore find Sociology rather useful. You would also discover that Sociology as a major goes well with most of the other disciplines and minors offered by FASS.
Consider a Sociology major if you are especially interested in exploring different ways to look at and talk about social, political, and economic issues, and in reconsidering things that are taken for granted. The ethos of this discipline is that rigorous research and empirical knowledge of the world can contribute to solving its problems.
No prior experience with sociological training is needed before you enter. Our students come in with diverse experiences and training, some from the sciences, some from the arts, some from business or other specialized areas.
Anthropologists study the underlying reasons behind human actions, the organization of societies, and the untold or overlooked narratives. Anthropologists employ a comparative lens to explore the diverse ways in which people across the globe live, organize their communities, and find meaning in their lives.
One of the core methodologies of social anthropology is ethnographic research, which involves immersive, long-term fieldwork. Ethnographers engage in "participant observation," a technique that goes beyond mere observation to actively participate in the daily lives and practices of the people being studied. This approach allows anthropologists to gain deep insights into the intricacies of social life and cultural practices, making the familiar strange and the strange familiar.
For example, studies on street vendors reveal how they navigate regulations and contribute to the local economy. Research on gentrification examines its impact on social networks and displacement. Investigations into youth culture highlight how fashion subcultures reflect social changes. Studies of public spaces show how different groups assert their presence and negotiate social boundaries, while research on migrant communities explores their cultural practices and social integration.
Anthropology covers a broad range of topics, from the social implications of new technologies and consumer behavior to issues of violence, poverty, and conflict resolution. The field's relevance extends beyond academia, influencing sectors such as technology, where companies like Google and Intel employ anthropologists to understand human interactions with digital devices. Similarly, in the health sector, anthropological approaches are utilized to enhance patient care and experience.
For prospective students, studying social anthropology offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of human diversity. Through courses and fieldwork, students learn to critically analyze social structures, cultural norms, and human behavior. They develop skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication, all of which are invaluable in a wide range of careers, from academia and research to public policy, healthcare, and beyond.
As part of an expanded curriculum to meet the growing interest amongst undergraduates to specialise in anthropology, new anthropology courses such as anthropologies of technology, media, finance, and even happiness, are also being added.
With most of the challenges facing societies and economies being increasingly complex and interconnected, anthropology has a lot to offer in helping to solve these problems, given its long history of learning from societies and cultures the world over.
What makes anthropology graduates so flexible is not just their disciplinary knowledge, but also how they have been trained to develop context-rich understanding of the problems at hand - grasping the world from the perspectives of others, being culturally aware and thinking holistically. Businesses are also increasingly tapping on anthropology specialists to tackle the emergence of disruptive technologies to optimise organisational culture, design user-friendly products and interfaces, and even study consumer behaviour in foreign markets.
Today, anthropology graduates are finding their footing and making their mark in a wide range of industries beyond museums and the heritage industry, into design and consumer research, journalism and media, community work, public administration, and even business consultancy.
If you have a keen interest in understanding different cultures, societies, and human behaviour, as well as human evolution, history and development, anthropology could be a good fit. Anthropology often involves challenging preconceptions and being open to diverse perspectives. If you enjoy exploring and questioning your own beliefs, this field may be suitable for you.
Both sociology and anthropology study human behavior, but with different lenses: sociology focuses on the social structures and interactions that shape our lives; anthropology focuses on the cultural meanings and practices that give our lives meaning.
- Focus: Sociologists would examine the food court as a microcosm of broader social structures and interactions. They would be interested in how people from different social groups (e.g., age, ethnicity, class) utilize the space, the patterns of seating (who sits with whom), and the social norms that govern behavior (like queuing, table manners, or interactions with staff). For instance, how office workers tend to sit together, while families with children cluster in another area. They might investigate whether this reflects broader patterns of social segregation in the community.
- Questions:
- How does the food court reflect or challenge existing social hierarchies?
- Are there differences in food choices based on social background?
- How does the layout of the food court influence social interactions?
- What social meanings are attached to eating in a food court versus other types of dining establishments?
- Methods: Sociologists might conduct surveys to gather data on demographics and opinions, observe interactions, or analyze existing data on food court usage.
- Focus: Anthropologists would be more interested in the cultural aspects of the food court experience. They would look at the food court as a site where cultural values, beliefs, and practices are expressed and negotiated. For example, examining how a group of friends from different cultural backgrounds share a meal. They might be interested in how the friends negotiate their food choices, the stories they share over the meal, and how their cultural identities are expressed through their interactions in this public space.
- Questions:
- What cultural meanings are associated with the different types of food offered? (Are certain cuisines seen as more "authentic" or "exotic"?)
- How do people use the food court to express their cultural identity? (e.g., through food choices, clothing, or language)
- Methods: Anthropologists would likely spend time observing people in the food court, conducting interviews to understand their perspectives, and even participating in the food court experience themselves to gain firsthand insights.