What are the differences between psychology and sociology?

Answer 1

Sociology examines social phenomenon e.g. socially constructed gender identities. Sociologists might ask why it is that females are socialised to behave in certain ways, eg. why does the imagery on maths textbooks in schools feature masculine themes/colors in order to normalise this as a male subject, and imagery on home economics books feature feminine themes/colors to appeal to girs? Sociologists might ask, how does socialising gender identities in this way maintain a particular social order, whose interests does this searve and why, in order to think outside the square and understand society at a deeper level.

There are similarities between social work and psychology. e.g. both may provide counselling/supportive functions in their day to day work. Agencies such as child protection services can hire people with degrees in sociology, social work or psychology to perform pretty much the same job. However, theories used behined performing this performance can differ depending of qualifications.

As the name suggests, psychologists are familiar with the human psych- how the mind works and how this affects behaviours. Career opportunities for psychologists include consumer research, advertising and marketing. As the name suggests, social workers are familiar with the social- the impact of social issues e.g. new social policies on individuals, communities and groups. Carrer opportunities for social workers include particular service areas such as housing or domestic violence, or policy areas such as discrimination and inequality.

Answer 2

I recently completed Sociology 101 and am taking Psychology 101 this month.

Psychology is the study of the mind (it's all internal).

Sociology studies your environment (with social interactions) and how it changes and controls your thoughts and actions (how you react to external forces).

Answer 3

Sociology is the study of human social behavior in GROUPS. It analyzes group dynamics and how and why people act the way they do when they interact with other people in groups. Psychology focuses on the INDIVIDUAL rather than the group. It studies individual mental and emotional processes rather than interaction with other people.

Answer 4

Sociology is the study of the functioning, structural organization, development and classification of human societies and groups./Psychology is the study of all forms of human and animal behaviour including the influences and mental make-up of an individual or individuals.