The Importance of Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science in Modern Education

I graduated from college with a BA in Sociology in 1965, incorporating many courses in Anthropology, yet never found a job title that directly referenced 'sociology' or 'anthropology.' Despite this, I never regretted my choice. Why?

In the context of today's modern economy, college education is a significant investment that should be viewed as an investment in one's broader worldview and capabilities rather than just a means to gain employment. College is about acquiring the skills and perspective needed to navigate the complexities of society and work. The human element is central to every endeavor, be it sales, education, or magazine publishing. Understanding people's behavior in groups—sociology—is immensely valuable in these contexts.

Moreover, I understand that the high cost of education can be overwhelming. The pressure to secure a high-paying job and quickly repay student loans can diminish the joy of the college years. However, pursuing a robust education contributes to a more knowledgeable and discerning society. It empowers individuals to identify and resist attempts by con artists or special interests to manipulate them into actions that work against their best interests and that of their community.

Every aspect of human endeavor has a human goal, and seeing the bigger picture through the lenses of sociology, anthropology, and political science can help illuminate these goals. Even with mounting student debt, acquiring these perspectives can enrich one's life in the long run. As you progress in your career and personal development, you will appreciate the wisdom gained from these studies.

Overlap in Sociocultural and Political Studies

I am speaking from the cultural anthropological standpoint, where the study of modern cultures is as critical as the examination of ancient ones. Cultural anthropology, through its method of ethnography, explores the inter-relationships within any particular culture. Sociology and political science are integral components of any society, thus making a holistic view of a society or culture more necessary.

Now, it is worth noting why the content of sociology, anthropology, and political science often appears so similar. As professionals in these fields, I have seen that it is challenging to cover a subject in one discipline without referencing findings from the others. My experience as a social psychologist demonstrates that social psychology often draws on information from sociology and anthropology, and political science is largely about attitudes, which are also topics in sociology and anthropology.

Furthermore, in my social psychology graduate program, we frequently invited speakers from sociology, political science, and anthropology to enrich our discussions. The key takeaway is that no single discipline has a monopoly on social behavior; rather, a combination of these studies provides a more comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics.

Socialization of Children in the Family Unit

A particularly illustrative area where these disciplines converge is the socialization of children in the family unit. Children identify with their parents and even adopt their political party views. Their perception of the President is often shaped by how their parents treat them. Political scientists would be interested in how good or bad parenting influences later political behavior, while anthropologists and sociologists might inquire about the impact of different child-rearing practices on attitudes toward authority figures and their influence on a society's social structure.

In conclusion, incorporating sociology, anthropology, and political science into the curriculum equips students with a broader understanding of human behavior and societal structures. These studies provide a more holistic view of culture and society, enabling individuals to navigate complex social environments more effectively. The interdisciplinary nature of these fields underscores the importance of studying them together for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the world around us.