Sociology is the study of human social life. We are all greatly influenced by the people around us and by the society in which we live. We also impact society through our actions and beliefs. Thus, if we want to understand why people behave and think as they do, we need to systematically examine the social conditions under which people live. This is what sociologists do.
Understanding many of the issues that we face in the world today requires a sociological approach. Problems such as poverty, crime, social inequality, racism, gender discrimination, and ecological degradation cannot be understood by looking at people only as individuals. We need to understand how these problems are perpetuated by the way in which society is organized. And of course, understanding the origins of these problems provides us with insight into how they can be solved.
Contact:
Sociology Department
Jacobson Faculty Tower 516
SUNY-New Paltz
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: (845) 257-3505
Fax: (845) 257-2970
Department Chair: Anne R. Roschelle - roschela@newpaltz.edu
Administrative Assistant: Amanda Oken - okena1@newpaltz.edu
