how to start writing a sociology essay

How to Write a Sociological Essay: Explained with Examples

This article will discuss “How to Write a Sociological Essay” with insider pro tips and give you a map that is tried and tested. An essay writing is done in three phases: a) preparing for the essay, b) writing the essay, and c) editing the essay. We will take it step-by-step so that nothing is left behind because the devil, as well as good grades and presentation, lies in the details.

Writing is a skill that we learn throughout the courses of our lives. Learning how to write is a process that we begin as soon as we turn 4, and the learning process never stops. But the question is, “is all writing the same?”. The answer is NO. Do you remember your initial lessons of English when you were in school, and how the teacher taught various formats of writing such as formal, informal, essay, letter, and much more? Therefore, writing is never that simple. Different occasions demand different styles and commands over the writing style. Thus, the art of writing improves with time and experience. 

Those who belong to the world of academia know that writing is something that they cannot escape. No writing is the same when it comes to different disciplines of academia. Similarly, the discipline of sociology demands a particular style of formal academic writing. If you’re a new student of sociology, it can be an overwhelming subject, and writing assignments don’t make the course easier. Having some tips handy can surely help you write and articulate your thoughts better. 

[Let us take a running example throughout the article so that every point becomes crystal clear. Let us assume that the topic we have with us is to “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” .]

Phase I: Preparing for the Essay  

Step 1: make an outline.

So you have to write a sociological essay, which means that you already either received or have a topic in mind. The first thing for you to do is PLAN how you will attempt to write this essay. To plan, the best way is to make an outline. The topic you have, certainly string some thread in your mind. They can be instances you heard or read, some assumptions you hold, something you studied in the past, or based on your own experience, etc. Make a rough outline where you note down all the themes you would like to talk about in your essay. The easiest way to make an outline is to make bullet points. List all the thoughts and examples that you have in find and create a flow for your essay. Remember that this is only a rough outline so you can always make changes and reshuffle your points. 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . Your outline will look something like this:

• Importance of food
• Definition of Diaspora 
• Relationship between food and culture
• Relationship between food and nation
• Relationship between food and media 
• Relationship between food and nostalgia 
• How food travels with people 
• Is food practices different for different sections of society, such as caste, class, gender ]

Step 2: Start Reading 

Once you have prepared an outline for your essay, the next step is to start your RESEARCH . You cannot write a sociological essay out of thin air. The essay needs to be thoroughly researched and based on facts. Sociology is the subject of social science that is based on facts and evidence. Therefore, start reading as soon as you have your outline determined. The more you read, the more factual data you will collect. But the question which now emerges is “what to read” . You cannot do a basic Google search to write an academic essay. Your research has to be narrow and concept-based. For writing a sociological essay, make sure that the sources from where you read are academically acclaimed and accepted.  

Some of the websites that you can use for academic research are: 

• Google Scholar
• Shodhganga 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . 

For best search, search for your articles by typing “Food+Diaspora”, “Food+Nostalgia”, adding a plus sign (+) improves the search result.]

Step 3: Make Notes 

This is a step that a lot of people miss when they are preparing to write their essays. It is important to read, but how you read is also a very vital part. When you are reading from multiple sources then all that you read becomes a big jumble of information in your mind. It is not possible to remember who said what at all times. Therefore, what you need to do while reading is to maintain an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY . Whenever you’re reading for writing an academic essay then have a notebook handy, or if you prefer electronic notes then prepare a Word Document, Google Docs, Notes, or any tool of your choice to make notes. 

As you begin reading, note down the title of the article, its author, and the year of publication. As you read, keep writing down all the significant points that you find. You can either copy whole sentences or make shorthand notes, whatever suits you best. Once you’ve read the article and made your notes, write a summary of what you just read in 8 to 10 lines. Also, write keywords, these are the words that are most used in the article and reflect its essence. Having keywords and a summary makes it easier for you to revisit the article. A sociological essay needs a good amount of research, which means that you have to read plenty, thus maintaining an annotated bibliography helps you in the greater picture.  

Annotate and divide your notes based on the outline you made. Having organized notes will help you directly apply the concepts where they are needed rather than you going and searching for them again.] 

Phase II: Write a Sociological Essay

A basic essay includes a title, an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. A sociological essay is not that different as far as the body of contents goes, but it does include some additional categories. When you write a sociological essay, it should have the following contents and chronology: 

• Subtitle (optional)
• Introduction

Conclusion 

• References/ Bibliography 

Now let us get into the details which go into the writing of a sociological essay.  

Step 4: Writing a Title, Subtitle, Abstract, and Keywords 

The title of any document is the first thing that a reader comes across. Therefore, the title should be provocative, specific, and the most well-thought part of any essay. Your title should reflect what your essay will discuss further. There has to be a sync between the title and the rest of your content. The title should be the biggest font size you use in your essay. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: A title preferably should not exceed 5 to 7 words.  

This is an optional component of any essay. If you think that your title cannot justify the rest of the contents of your essay, then you opt for a subtitle. The subtitle is the secondary part of the title which is used to further elucidate the title. A subtitle should be smaller in font than the Title but bigger than the rest of the essay body.  

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Make the font color of your subtitle Gray instead of Black for it to stand out. 

The abstract is a 6 to 10 line description of what you will talk about in your essay. An abstract is a very substantial component of a sociological essay. Most of the essays written in academia exceed the word limit of 2000 words. Therefore, a writer, i.e., you, provides the reader with a short abstract at the beginning of your essay so that they can know what you are going to discuss. From the point of view of the reader, a good abstract can save time and help determine if the piece is worth reading or not. Thus, make sure to make your abstract as reflective to your essay as possible using the least amount of words.  

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: If you are not sure about your abstract at first, it is always great to write the abstract in the end after you are done with your essay. 

Your abstract should highlight all the points that you will further discuss. Therefore your abstract should mention how diasporic communities are formed and how they are not homogeneous communities. There are differences within this large population. In your essay, you will talk in detail about all the various aspects that affect food and diasporic relationships. ]

Keywords are an extension of your abstract. Whereas in your abstract you will use a paragraph to tell the reader what to expect ahead, by stating keywords, you point out the essence of your essay by using only individual words. These words are mostly concepts of social sciences. At first, glance, looking at your keywords, the reader should get informed about all the concepts and themes you will explain in detail later. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Bold your Keywords so that they get highlighted.

Your keywords could be: Food, Diaspora, Migration, and so on. Build on these as you continue to write your essay.]   

Step 5: Writing the Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion 

Introduction 

Your introduction should talk about the subject on which you are writing at the broadest level. In an introduction, you make your readers aware of what you are going to argue later in the essay. An introduction can discuss a little about the history of the topic, how it was understood till now, and a framework of what you are going to talk about ahead. You can think of your introduction as an extended form of the abstract. Since it is the first portion of your essay, it should paint a picture where the readers know exactly what’s ahead of them. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: An apt introduction can be covered in 2 to 3 paragraphs (Look at the introduction on this article if you need proof). 

Since your focus is on “food” and “diaspora”, your introductory paragraph can dwell into a little history of the relationship between the two and the importance of food in community building.] 

This is the most extensive part of any essay. It is also the one that takes up the most number of words. All the research and note-making which you did was for this part. The main body of your essay is where you put all the knowledge you gathered into words. When you are writing the body, your aim should be to make it flow, which means that all paragraphs should have a connection between them. When read in its entirety, the paragraphs should sing together rather than float all around. 

The main body is mostly around 4 to 6 paragraphs long. A sociological essay is filled with debates, theories, theorists, and examples. When writing the main body it is best to target making one or two paragraphs about the same revolving theme. When you shift to the other theme, it is best to connect it with the theme you discussed in the paragraph right above it to form a connection between the two. If you are dividing your essay into various sub-themes then the best way to correlate them is starting each new subtheme by reflecting on the last main arguments presented in the theme before it. To make a sociological essay even more enriching, include examples that exemplify the theoretical concepts better. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Though there is no word limit to the length of the paragraphs, if you keep one paragraph between 100 to 200 words, it makes the essay look more organized. 

The main body can here be divided into the categories which you formed during the first step of making the rough outline. Therefore, your essay could have 3 to 4 sub-sections discussing different themes such as: Food and Media, Caste and Class influence food practices, Politics of Food, Gendered Lens, etc.] 

This is the section where you end your essay. But ending the essay does not mean that you lose your flair in conclusion. A conclusion is an essential part of any essay because it sums up everything you just wrote. Your conclusion should be similar to a summary of your essay. You can include shortened versions of the various arguments you have referred to above in the main body, or it can raise questions for further research, and it can also provide solutions if your topic seeks one. Hence, a conclusion is a part where you get the last chance to tell your reader what you are saying through your article. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: As the introduction, the conclusion is smaller compared to the main body. Keep your conclusion within the range of 1 to 2 paragraphs. 

Your conclusion should again reiterate all the main arguments provided by you throughout the essay. Therefore it should bind together everything you have written starting from your introduction to all the debates and examples you have cited.]

Step 6: Citation and Referencing 

This is the most academic part of your sociological essay. Any academic essay should be free of plagiarism. But how can one avoid plagiarism when their essay is based on research which was originally done by others. The solution for this is to give credit to the original author for their work. In the world of academia, this is done through the processes of Citation and Referencing (sometimes also called Bibliography). Citation is done within/in-between the text, where you directly or indirectly quote the original text. Whereas, Referencing or Bibliography is done at the end of an essay where you give resources of the books or articles which you have quoted in your essay at various points. Both these processes are done so that the reader can search beyond your essay to get a better grasp of the topic. 

There are many different styles of citations and you can determine which you want to follow. Some of the most common styles of citation and referencing are MLA, APA, and Chicago style. If you are working on Google Docs or Word then the application makes your work easier because they help you curate your citations. There are also various online tools that can make citing references far easier, faster, and adhering to citation guidelines, such as an APA generator. This can save you a lot of time when it comes to referencing, and makes the task far more manageable. 

How to add citations in Google Doc: Tools → Citation

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

But for those who want to cite manually, this is the basic format to follow:

• Author’s Name with Surname mentioned first, then initials 
• Article’s Title in single or double quotes
• Journal Title in Italics 
• Volume, issue number 
• Year of Publication

Example: Syrkin, A. 1984. “Notes on the Buddha’s Threats in the Dīgha Nikāya ”, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies , vol. 7(1), pp.147-58.

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Always make sure that your Bibliography/References are alphabetically ordered based on the first alphabet of the surname of the author and NOT numbered or bulleted. 

Phase III: Editing 

Step 7: edit/review your essay.

The truth of academic writing is that it can never be written in one go. You need to write, rewrite, and revisit your material more than once. Once you have written the first draft of your essay, do not revise it immediately. Leave it for some time, at least for four hours. Then revisit your essay and edit it based on 3 criteria. The first criteria you need to recheck for is any grammatical and/or spelling mistakes. The second criteria are to check the arguments you have posed and if the examples you have cited correlate or not. The final criteria are to read the essay as a reader and read it objectively. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: The more you edit the better results you get. But we think that your 3rd draft is the magic draft. Draft 1: rough essay, Draft 2: edited essay, Draft 3: final essay.

Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti's primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

Oxford University Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World

Three top tips for writing sociology essays

The Craft of Writing in Sociology

• By Andrew Balmer and Anne Murcott
• September 19 th 2017

As the academic semester gets underway, we talked to three senior colleagues in Sociology at the University of Manchester to come up with their ‘pet peeves’ when marking student’s essays. Here are some of their comments, and some of our top tips to help you to improve your work.

First, lecturers said they were frustrated with the way that students write their opening paragraphs:

“A main peeve of mine in student writing is poor introductions. Three common errors regularly stand out: throat clearing sentences (e.g. ‘globalisation is an important topic’, ‘Marx was an important writer’); dictionary definitions for core sociological concepts; and introductions that merely restate the question. What I really want to see from an introduction is a brief account of how the student is approaching the question at hand, what key questions the essay will address, and what answer the student will come to at the end of the essay.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

This was a point on which our three colleagues agreed: students often waste the introduction. Here is top tip number one to help you improve your essays:

1. Give the reader a guide to your argument. Much as you would give someone directions in how to get to where they’re going, tell your reader what steps you will take, what the key turning points will be, why it is important to take this route and, ultimately, where you will end up. In other words, tell your reader exactly what you will conclude and why, right at the beginning.

Another point on which our colleagues agreed was that sociological essays can be imprecise, and are sometimes written in a style which is meant to sound intellectual, but which is more confusing than it is enlightening. As one senior lecturer put it:

“A pet peeve of mine is imprecise language, for example peppering an essay with terms like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, and ‘consequently’, but without attending to the logical relationship between sentences that those words are supposed to signal. If the logical connector is wrong then the argument fails. This kind of error is often motivated, I think, by students wanting their essays to ‘sound academic’, when often they would have been more convincing by using simpler language more precisely.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

It is worth planning the time needed to rework your essays because a good argument can be let down by poor presentation. Here is top tip number two:

2. Your written work should prioritise clarity and concision over entertainment and erudition when making an argument. Students often write in a style which they think makes their points sound important, but get lost in the meaning of what they are saying by doing so. It might be that you have quite a command of English and want to show off your knowledge of polysyllabic or unusual words, or it might be that you wish to imitate the sociological writers whom you admire. Whatever additional reasons you have for writing, there is none more important in a sociological essay than making your argument clear. Words such as ‘however’ and ‘moreover’ should be used to indicate how your ideas are linked together, not to start a sentence with a good word. Be sure that when you edit your work, you edit for the argument, prioritising the word choices which best help to make your point. Such decisions will reflect maturity and consideration in your written work, and it is these which will truly impress a reader.

A final element which our three colleagues all listed in their top pet peeves was poor structure:

“I am often frustrated by the poor structuring of an essay. In other words, with the order in which ideas are presented, either at the level of the whole essay or at paragraph level. Essays that ping-pong from one idea to another, and then back to the original idea, indicate that the student has not really thought their argument through. A trickier thing to get right is the structuring of paragraphs, and some students seem keen to cram in as many (often unconnected) points into one paragraph as possible.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

The key point to learn when it comes to structuring your work is to make your writing serve your argument. You should present the main turns of your argument clearly, so as to reach a natural conclusion. Here is top tip number three for improving your essays:

3. Redraft your work for your argument, before you edit and proof-read it. Students often write to tight deadlines and do not plan enough time for a good second draft of their work. Instead, they write a first draft and then edit it as they proof-read it. When writing the first draft of an essay you will still be working out what the argument is. This is because writing helps you to think, so as you write your full first draft you will be meandering around a little, finding the best route as you go. Instead of merely editing this and checking the grammar, you should seriously re-draft the essay in light of the argument you now know you wish to make. This will help you to write a good introduction, since you can now say clearly from the outset what you will go on to argue, and a good conclusion, for you will now be able to say exactly what you have argued and why. Re-drafting for the argument means taking out material, adding in material and ensuring that each paragraph has a main point to contribute. It is an essential step in producing a good essay, which must be undertaken prior to editing for sense and proof-reading for typographical mistakes.

These tips point you towards the most important part of learning to write good sociological essays: bringing everything you do into the service of producing an argument which responds to the question and provides a satisfying answer.

Featured image credit: meeting by Eric Bailey. CC0 Public Domain via Pexels .

Andrew Balmer is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester and member of the Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives. He is co-author of a new book, The Craft of Writing in Sociology: Developing the Argument in Undergraduate Essays and Dissertations , published by Manchester University Press. Andrew can be found on Twitter @AndyBalmer .

Anne Murcott is Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham and Honorary Professorial Research Associate at SOAS, University of London. She is author of numerous books and edited collections, including The Craft of Writing in Sociology .

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How to Write a Sociology Essay

Table of Contents

Introduction to Sociology Essay Writing

What is a sociology essay.

A sociology essay is an academic piece that explores various aspects of society and social behavior. It examines patterns, causes, and effects of social interactions among individuals and groups. The purpose of such an essay is to provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of social phenomena, guided by theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.

Importance of Sociological Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Sociological inquiry is vital as it fosters an understanding of the complexities of society and the various factors that shape human behavior. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is essential in sociology essay writing as it enables the evaluation of arguments, identification of biases, and development of coherent, evidence-based conclusions.

Understanding the Essay Question

Interpreting essay prompts.

To effectively respond to a sociology essay prompt:

• Read Carefully : Look for action words such as ‘discuss,’ ‘compare,’ or ‘analyze’ to understand what is expected.
• Highlight Keywords : Identify key themes, concepts, and sociological terms that are central to the question.

Identifying Key Themes and Concepts

• Break Down the Question : Dissect the question into smaller components to ensure all aspects are addressed.
• Relate to Sociological Theories : Connect the themes with relevant sociological theories and concepts.

Research and Preparation

Conducting sociological research.

• Start Broad : Gain a general understanding of the topic through reputable sources like academic journals and books.
• Narrow Focus : Hone in on specific studies or data that directly relate to your essay’s thesis.

Sourcing and Evaluating Literature

• Use Academic Databases : Access scholarly articles through databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Sociological Abstracts.
• Evaluate Sources : Check for the credibility, relevance, and timeliness of the literature.

Relevant Sociological Theories

• Theory Identification : Determine which sociological theories and theorists are pertinent to your essay topic.
• Application : Understand how these theories can be applied to the social issue or phenomenon you are examining.

Planning the Essay

Importance of essay structure.

Structuring an essay is crucial because it helps organize thoughts, supports the logical flow of ideas, and guides the reader through the arguments presented. A well-structured essay enhances clarity and readability, ensuring that each point made builds upon the last and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Basic Essay Structure

Introduction : This is where you introduce your topic, provide background information, and present your thesis statement. It sets the stage for your argument.

Thesis Statement : A concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay, usually located at the end of the introduction.

Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should cover a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, followed by analysis, evidence, and then a concluding sentence that ties the point back to the thesis.

Conclusion : Summarize the key arguments made in the essay and restate the thesis in the context of the evidence presented. Finish with thoughts on the implications, limitations, or suggestions for future research.

Writing the Essay

Crafting a strong thesis statement.

• Specificity : Your thesis should clearly state your position and the aspects of the topic you will explore.
• Scope : Make sure it’s neither too broad nor too narrow to be adequately covered within the essay’s length.
• Assertiveness : Present your thesis confidently and as a statement that you will back up with evidence.

Writing Effective Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentences : Begin with a clear statement of the paragraph’s main idea.
• Coherence : Use transition words and phrases to maintain flow and show the relationship between paragraphs.
• Evidence Integration : Include data, quotations, or theories from sources that support your argument, always linking them back to your thesis.

Integrating Evidence

• Relevance : Ensure all evidence directly relates to and supports the paragraph’s topic sentence and the overall thesis.
• Credibility : Choose evidence from reputable, scholarly sources.
• Analysis : Don’t just present evidence; interpret it and explain its significance to your argument.

Maintaining Objectivity and Critical Perspective

• Balanced Analysis : Consider multiple viewpoints and avoid biased language.
• Critical Evaluation : Question the methodologies, findings, and biases in the literature you cite.
• Reflective Conclusion : Assess the strengths and limitations of your argument.

Referencing and Citation Style

Importance of citations.

Citations are essential in academic writing as they give credit to the original authors of ideas and information, allow readers to verify sources, and prevent plagiarism.

Common Citation Styles in Sociology

• APA (American Psychological Association) : Commonly used in the social sciences for both in-text citations and reference lists.
• ASA (American Sociological Association) : Specifically designed for sociology papers, this style features a parenthetical author-date format within the text and a detailed reference list at the end.

Each citation style has specific rules for formatting titles, author names, publication dates, and page numbers, so it’s important to consult the relevant style guide to ensure accuracy in your references.

Editing and Proofreading

Strategies for reviewing and refining the essay.

• Take a Break : After writing, step away from your essay before reviewing it. Fresh eyes can catch errors and inconsistencies more effectively.
• Read Aloud : Hearing your words can help identify awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that might be missed when reading silently.
• Peer Review : Have a classmate or friend review your essay. They may catch errors you have overlooked and provide valuable feedback.
• Multiple Rounds : Edit for different aspects in each round—for example, content in one, grammar and syntax in another, and citations in the last.

Checklist of Common Errors to Avoid

• Spelling and Grammar : Misused words, typos, subject-verb agreement errors, and incorrect verb tenses.
• Punctuation : Overuse or incorrect use of commas, semicolons, and apostrophes.
• Structure : Lack of clear thesis, poorly structured paragraphs, or missing transitions.
• Clarity : Vague statements, unnecessary jargon, or overly complex sentences.
• Consistency : Fluctuations in tone, style, or tense.
• Citations : Inaccurate references or inconsistent citation style.

Summarizing Arguments

• Restate Thesis : Begin by restating your thesis in a new way, reflecting on the evidence presented.
• Highlight Key Points : Briefly recap the main arguments made in your body paragraphs, synthesizing them to show how they support your thesis.
• No New Information : Ensure that you do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion.

Presenting Final Thoughts

• Implications : Discuss the broader implications of your findings or argument.
• Limitations : Acknowledge any limitations in your research or analysis and suggest areas for future study.
• Final Statement : End with a strong, closing statement that reinforces the significance of your topic and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By carefully editing and proofreading your essay, you can enhance its clarity and coherence, ensuring that it effectively communicates your analysis and insights on the sociological topic. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to underscore the importance of your findings and to reiterate how they contribute to our understanding of social phenomena.

Appendix A: Example Essay Outlines

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for the writer, indicating the structure of the essay and the sequence of arguments. An appendix containing example outlines could include:

Thematic Essay Outline :

• Background Information
• Thesis Statement
• Summary of Themes
• Restatement of Thesis
• Final Thoughts

Comparative Essay Outline :

• Overview of Subjects Being Compared
• Aspect 1 Comparison
• Evidence from Subject A
• Evidence from Subject B
• Comparative Analysis
• Summary of Comparative Points

These outlines would be followed by brief explanations of each section and tips on what information to include.

What this handout is about

This handout introduces you to the wonderful world of writing sociology. Before you can write a clear and coherent sociology paper, you need a firm understanding of the assumptions and expectations of the discipline. You need to know your audience, the way they view the world and how they order and evaluate information. So, without further ado, let’s figure out just what sociology is, and how one goes about writing it.

What is sociology, and what do sociologists write about?

Unlike many of the other subjects here at UNC, such as history or English, sociology is a new subject for many students. Therefore, it may be helpful to give a quick introduction to what sociologists do. Sociologists are interested in all sorts of topics. For example, some sociologists focus on the family, addressing issues such as marriage, divorce, child-rearing, and domestic abuse, the ways these things are defined in different cultures and times, and their effect on both individuals and institutions. Others examine larger social organizations such as businesses and governments, looking at their structure and hierarchies. Still others focus on social movements and political protest, such as the American civil rights movement. Finally, sociologists may look at divisions and inequality within society, examining phenomena such as race, gender, and class, and their effect on people’s choices and opportunities. As you can see, sociologists study just about everything. Thus, it is not the subject matter that makes a paper sociological, but rather the perspective used in writing it.

So, just what is a sociological perspective? At its most basic, sociology is an attempt to understand and explain the way that individuals and groups interact within a society. How exactly does one approach this goal? C. Wright Mills, in his book The Sociological Imagination (1959), writes that “neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.” Why? Well, as Karl Marx observes at the beginning of The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852), humans “make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past.” Thus, a good sociological argument needs to balance both individual agency and structural constraints. That is certainly a tall order, but it is the basis of all effective sociological writing. Keep it in mind as you think about your own writing.

Key assumptions and characteristics of sociological writing

What are the most important things to keep in mind as you write in sociology? Pay special attention to the following issues.

The first thing to remember in writing a sociological argument is to be as clear as possible in stating your thesis. Of course, that is true in all papers, but there are a couple of pitfalls common to sociology that you should be aware of and avoid at all cost. As previously defined, sociology is the study of the interaction between individuals and larger social forces. Different traditions within sociology tend to favor one side of the equation over the other, with some focusing on the agency of individual actors and others on structural factors. The danger is that you may go too far in either of these directions and thus lose the complexity of sociological thinking. Although this mistake can manifest itself in any number of ways, three types of flawed arguments are particularly common: 

• The “ individual argument ” generally takes this form: “The individual is free to make choices, and any outcomes can be explained exclusively through the study of their ideas and decisions.” While it is of course true that we all make our own choices, we must also keep in mind that, to paraphrase Marx, we make these choices under circumstances given to us by the structures of society. Therefore, it is important to investigate what conditions made these choices possible in the first place, as well as what allows some individuals to successfully act on their choices while others cannot.
• The “ human nature argument ” seeks to explain social behavior through a quasi-biological argument about humans, and often takes a form such as: “Humans are by nature X, therefore it is not surprising that Y.” While sociologists disagree over whether a universal human nature even exists, they all agree that it is not an acceptable basis of explanation. Instead, sociology demands that you question why we call some behavior natural, and to look into the social factors which have constructed this “natural” state.
• The “ society argument ” often arises in response to critiques of the above styles of argumentation, and tends to appear in a form such as: “Society made me do it.” Students often think that this is a good sociological argument, since it uses society as the basis for explanation. However, the problem is that the use of the broad concept “society” masks the real workings of the situation, making it next to impossible to build a strong case. This is an example of reification, which is when we turn processes into things. Society is really a process, made up of ongoing interactions at multiple levels of size and complexity, and to turn it into a monolithic thing is to lose all that complexity. People make decisions and choices. Some groups and individuals benefit, while others do not. Identifying these intermediate levels is the basis of sociological analysis.

Although each of these three arguments seems quite different, they all share one common feature: they assume exactly what they need to be explaining. They are excellent starting points, but lousy conclusions.

Once you have developed a working argument, you will next need to find evidence to support your claim. What counts as evidence in a sociology paper? First and foremost, sociology is an empirical discipline. Empiricism in sociology means basing your conclusions on evidence that is documented and collected with as much rigor as possible. This evidence usually draws upon observed patterns and information from collected cases and experiences, not just from isolated, anecdotal reports. Just because your second cousin was able to climb the ladder from poverty to the executive boardroom does not prove that the American class system is open. You will need more systematic evidence to make your claim convincing. Above all else, remember that your opinion alone is not sufficient support for a sociological argument. Even if you are making a theoretical argument, you must be able to point to documented instances of social phenomena that fit your argument. Logic is necessary for making the argument, but is not sufficient support by itself.

Sociological evidence falls into two main groups: 

• Quantitative data are based on surveys, censuses, and statistics. These provide large numbers of data points, which is particularly useful for studying large-scale social processes, such as income inequality, population changes, changes in social attitudes, etc.
• Qualitative data, on the other hand, comes from participant observation, in-depth interviews, data and texts, as well as from the researcher’s own impressions and reactions. Qualitative research gives insight into the way people actively construct and find meaning in their world.

Quantitative data produces a measurement of subjects’ characteristics and behavior, while qualitative research generates information on their meanings and practices. Thus, the methods you choose will reflect the type of evidence most appropriate to the questions you ask. If you wanted to look at the importance of race in an organization, a quantitative study might use information on the percentage of different races in the organization, what positions they hold, as well as survey results on people’s attitudes on race. This would measure the distribution of race and racial beliefs in the organization. A qualitative study would go about this differently, perhaps hanging around the office studying people’s interactions, or doing in-depth interviews with some of the subjects. The qualitative researcher would see how people act out their beliefs, and how these beliefs interact with the beliefs of others as well as the constraints of the organization.

Some sociologists favor qualitative over quantitative data, or vice versa, and it is perfectly reasonable to rely on only one method in your own work. However, since each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, combining methods can be a particularly effective way to bolster your argument. But these distinctions are not just important if you have to collect your own data for your paper. You also need to be aware of them even when you are relying on secondary sources for your research. In order to critically evaluate the research and data you are reading, you should have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods.

Units of analysis

Given that social life is so complex, you need to have a point of entry into studying this world. In sociological jargon, you need a unit of analysis. The unit of analysis is exactly that: it is the unit that you have chosen to analyze in your study. Again, this is only a question of emphasis and focus, and not of precedence and importance. You will find a variety of units of analysis in sociological writing, ranging from the individual up to groups or organizations. You should choose yours based on the interests and theoretical assumptions driving your research. The unit of analysis will determine much of what will qualify as relevant evidence in your work. Thus you must not only clearly identify that unit, but also consistently use it throughout your paper.

Let’s look at an example to see just how changing the units of analysis will change the face of research. What if you wanted to study globalization? That’s a big topic, so you will need to focus your attention. Where would you start?

You might focus on individual human actors, studying the way that people are affected by the globalizing world. This approach could possibly include a study of Asian sweatshop workers’ experiences, or perhaps how consumers’ decisions shape the overall system.

Or you might choose to focus on social structures or organizations. This approach might involve looking at the decisions being made at the national or international level, such as the free-trade agreements that change the relationships between governments and corporations. Or you might look into the organizational structures of corporations and measure how they are changing under globalization. Another structural approach would be to focus on the social networks linking subjects together. That could lead you to look at how migrants rely on social contacts to make their way to other countries, as well as to help them find work upon their arrival.

Finally, you might want to focus on cultural objects or social artifacts as your unit of analysis. One fine example would be to look at the production of those tennis shoes the kids seem to like so much. You could look at either the material production of the shoe (tracing it from its sweatshop origins to its arrival on the showroom floor of malls across America) or its cultural production (attempting to understand how advertising and celebrities have turned such shoes into necessities and cultural icons).

Whichever unit of analysis you choose, be careful not to commit the dreaded ecological fallacy. An ecological fallacy is when you assume that something that you learned about the group level of analysis also applies to the individuals that make up that group. So, to continue the globalization example, if you were to compare its effects on the poorest 20% and the richest 20% of countries, you would need to be careful not to apply your results to the poorest and richest individuals.

These are just general examples of how sociological study of a single topic can vary. Because you can approach a subject from several different perspectives, it is important to decide early how you plan to focus your analysis and then stick with that perspective throughout your paper. Avoid mixing units of analysis without strong justification. Different units of analysis generally demand different kinds of evidence for building your argument. You can reconcile the varying levels of analysis, but doing so may require a complex, sophisticated theory, no small feat within the confines of a short paper. Check with your instructor if you are concerned about this happening in your paper.

Typical writing assignments in sociology

So how does all of this apply to an actual writing assignment? Undergraduate writing assignments in sociology may take a number of forms, but they typically involve reviewing sociological literature on a subject; applying or testing a particular concept, theory, or perspective; or producing a small-scale research report, which usually involves a synthesis of both the literature review and application.

The critical review

The review involves investigating the research that has been done on a particular topic and then summarizing and evaluating what you have found. The important task in this kind of assignment is to organize your material clearly and synthesize it for your reader. A good review does not just summarize the literature, but looks for patterns and connections in the literature and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of what others have written on your topic. You want to help your reader see how the information you have gathered fits together, what information can be most trusted (and why), what implications you can derive from it, and what further research may need to be done to fill in gaps. Doing so requires considerable thought and organization on your part, as well as thinking of yourself as an expert on the topic. You need to assume that, even though you are new to the material, you can judge the merits of the arguments you have read and offer an informed opinion of which evidence is strongest and why.

Application or testing of a theory or concept

The application assignment asks you to apply a concept or theoretical perspective to a specific example. In other words, it tests your practical understanding of theories and ideas by asking you to explain how well they apply to actual social phenomena. In order to successfully apply a theory to a new case, you must include the following steps:

• First you need to have a very clear understanding of the theory itself: not only what the theorist argues, but also why they argue that point, and how they justify it. That is, you have to understand how the world works according to this theory and how one thing leads to another.
• Next you should choose an appropriate case study. This is a crucial step, one that can make or break your paper. If you choose a case that is too similar to the one used in constructing the theory in the first place, then your paper will be uninteresting as an application, since it will not give you the opportunity to show off your theoretical brilliance. On the other hand, do not choose a case that is so far out in left field that the applicability is only superficial and trivial. In some ways theory application is like making an analogy. The last thing you want is a weak analogy, or one that is so obvious that it does not give any added insight. Instead, you will want to choose a happy medium, one that is not obvious but that allows you to give a developed analysis of the case using the theory you chose.
• This leads to the last point, which is the analysis. A strong analysis will go beyond the surface and explore the processes at work, both in the theory and in the case you have chosen. Just like making an analogy, you are arguing that these two things (the theory and the example) are similar. Be specific and detailed in telling the reader how they are similar. In the course of looking for similarities, however, you are likely to find points at which the theory does not seem to be a good fit. Do not sweep this discovery under the rug, since the differences can be just as important as the similarities, supplying insight into both the applicability of the theory and the uniqueness of the case you are using.

You may also be asked to test a theory. Whereas the application paper assumes that the theory you are using is true, the testing paper does not makes this assumption, but rather asks you to try out the theory to determine whether it works. Here you need to think about what initial conditions inform the theory and what sort of hypothesis or prediction the theory would make based on those conditions. This is another way of saying that you need to determine which cases the theory could be applied to (see above) and what sort of evidence would be needed to either confirm or disconfirm the theory’s hypothesis. In many ways, this is similar to the application paper, with added emphasis on the veracity of the theory being used.

The research paper

Finally, we reach the mighty research paper. Although the thought of doing a research paper can be intimidating, it is actually little more than the combination of many of the parts of the papers we have already discussed. You will begin with a critical review of the literature and use this review as a basis for forming your research question. The question will often take the form of an application (“These ideas will help us to explain Z.”) or of hypothesis testing (“If these ideas are correct, we should find X when we investigate Y.”). The skills you have already used in writing the other types of papers will help you immensely as you write your research papers.

And so we reach the end of this all-too-brief glimpse into the world of sociological writing. Sociologists can be an idiosyncratic bunch, so paper guidelines and expectations will no doubt vary from class to class, from instructor to instructor. However, these basic guidelines will help you get started.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Cuba, Lee. 2002. A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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A level sociology revision – education, families, research methods, crime and deviance and more!

A Level Sociology Essays – How to Write Them

Use the Point – Explain – Expand – Criticise method (PEEC), demonstrate knowledge, application and evaluation skills, and use the item to make your points!

Table of Contents

Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by

This post offers some advice on how you might plan and write essays in the A level sociology exams. 

Essays will either be 20 or 30 marks depending on the paper but the general advice for answering them remains the same:

• Use the PEEC method for the main paragraphs: POINT – EXPLAIN – EXPAND – CRITICISE
• Use the overall structure below – PEEC (3 to 5 times) framed by an introduction, then overall evaluations and conclusion towards the end.
• Use the item provided – this must form the basis of your main points!

How to write an A-level sociology essay

• Allow yourself enough time – 1.5 minutes per mark = 45 minutes for a 30 mark essay.
• Read the Question and the item, what is it asking you to do?
• Do a rough plan (5-10 mins) – initially this should be ‘arguments and evidence’ for and ‘against’ the views in the question, and a few thoughts on overall evaluations/ a conclusion. If you are being asked to look at two things, you’ll have to do this twice/ your conclusion should bring the two aspects of the essay together.
• Write the essay (35 mins)– aim to make 3-5 points in total (depending on the essay, either 3 deep points, or 5 (or more) shallower points). Try to make one point at least stem from the item, ideally the first point.
• Try to stick to the following structure in the picture above!
• Overall evaluations – don’t repeat yourself, and don’t overdo this, but it’s useful t tag this in before a conclusion.
• Conclusion (allow 2 mins minimum) – an easy way to do this is to refer to the item – do you agree with the view or not, or say which of the points you’ve made is the strongest/ weakest and on balance is the view in the question sensible or not?

Skills in the A Level Sociology Exam

The AQA wants you to demonstrate 3 sets of skills in the exam – below are a few suggestions about how you can do this in sociology essays.

AO1: Knowledge and Understanding

You can demonstrate these by:

• Using sociological concepts
• Using sociological perspectives
• Using research studies
• Showing knowledge of contemporary trends and news events
• Knowledge can also be synoptic, or be taken from other topics.
• NB – knowledge has to be relevant to the question to get marks!

AO2: Application 

You can demonstrate application by…

• Using the item – refer to the item!!!
• Clearly showing how the material you have selected is relevant to the question, by using the words in the question
• Making sure knowledge selected is relevant to the question.

AO3: Analysis and Evaluation

NB ‘Assess’ is basically the same as Evaluation

You can demonstrate analysis by….

• Considering an argument from a range of perspectives – showing how one perspective might interpret the same evidence in a different way, for example.
• Developing points – by showing why perspectives argue what they do, for example.
• Comparing and contrasting ideas to show their differences and similarities
• You can show how points relate to other points in the essay.

You can demonstrate evaluation by…

• Discussing the strengths and limitations of a theory/ perspective or research method.
• You should evaluate each point, but you can also do overall evaluations from other perspectives before your conclusion.
• NB – Most people focus on weaknesses, but you should also focus on strengths.
• Weighing up which points are the most useful in a conclusion.

Use the item

Every 30 mark question will ask you to refer to an ‘item’. This will be a very short piece of writing, consisting of about 8 lines of text. The item will typically refer to one aspect of the knowledge side of the question and one evaluation point. For example, if the question is asking you to ‘assess the Functionalist view of education’, the item is likely to refer to one point Functionalists make about education – such as role allocation, and one criticism.

All you need to do to use the item effectively is to make sure at least one of your points stems from the knowledge in the item, and develop it. It’s a good idea to make this your first point. To use the evaluation point from the item (there is usually some evaluation in there), then simply flag it up when you use it during the essay.

Signposting

For more exams advice please see my exams and essay advice page

To return to the homepage – revisesociology.com

Seven examples of sociology essays, and more advice…

For more information on ‘how to write sociology essays for the A level exam’ why not refer to my handy ‘how to write sociology essays guide’. 

The contents are as follows:

Introductory Section

• A quick look at the three sociology exam papers
• A pared-down mark scheme for A Level sociology essays
• Knowledge, application, analysis, evaluation, what are they, how to demonstrate them.
• How to write sociology essays – the basics:

These appear first in template form, then with answers, with the skills employed shown in colour. Answers are ‘overkill’ versions designed to get full marks in the exam.

• Assess the Functionalist View of the Role of Education in Society (30) – Quick plan
• Assess the Marxist view of the role of education in society (30) – Detailed full essay
• Assess the extent to which it is home background that is the main cause of differential education achievement by social class (30) – Detailed full essay
• Assess the view that education policies since 1988 have improved equality of educational opportunity (30) – Quick plan
• Assess the view that the main aim of education policies since 1988 has been to raise overall standards in education.’ (30) – Quick plan
• Assess the claim that ‘ethnic difference in educational achievement are primarily the result of school factors’ (30) – Detailed full essay
• Assess the view that in school processes, rather than external factors, are the most important in explaining differences in educational achievement (30) – detailed essay – Quick plan.

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The Department recommends that students write a total of four to six essays per paper over the course of Michalemas and Lent terms.

This equates to two or three essays per paper, per term. Since students take four papers, and terms are eight weeks long, two essays per paper would work out at one essay per week (if distributed evenly). Regardless of how many essays students choose to write, they will still receive six supervisions per paper over the course of both terms. This means three supervisions per paper, per term.

For two of these supervisions, the Sociology Department has a policy that allows students to prepare in another way besides an essay for the supervision, such as with a blog post , or a presentation on a reading or related current event. This should be agreed ahead of time with the supervisor in question.

Essays are expected to be around 1,500 to 2,000 words, which may sound like a lot to new students, but it is crucial practice for honing the skill of making a detailed, coherent and concise argument. The upper word limit is also important, as writing to wordcount (and deadline) are key academic skills, and this takes into consideration the marking workload of your supervisors.

Essay writing is one of the main means of study as well as a form of preparation for the exams , in which students are expected to draw on lecture material, supervision work, and independent reading. Over the course of the HSPS programme, students will be increasingly encouraged to supplement supervisors’ suggested readings with the sources they have encountered using their growing research skills.

Essay Writing FAQs

The sections below provide some answers to help students approach their essays. Students are encouraged to reach out to their peers, supervisors and/or Directors of Studies if they are having trouble with essay writing.

When you write an essay, you’ll need to find the suggested reading list provided in the paper guide. A reading list will usually contain a mixture of online resources like journal articles and Ebooks, and physical books which can be requested from the libraries; in 2020-21, however, given the coronavirus pandemic, we have adjusted our reading lists so that all texts are available electronically. Most of the readings you need for sociology are available via the Seeley library (Sociology, Land Economy), and you can find out how to access them on our Study Resources [link] page.

There are multiple copies of most of the books in the Seeley library so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting hold of a text. Often you can request a book even if it has been taken out, in which case the student who has the book on loan will be expected to return the book in three days. If they’re not available at the Seeley library, the iDiscover website can show you all the locations where a book can be found in other university libraries.

Many College libraries also have undergraduate reading list collections, and it’s always worth emailing either the SPS or your college library if you’re struggling to access a text. Finally, if you can’t access a book or find an Ebook version online, Google Books often has parts of books - such as selected chapters - available to read for free. Your lecturer may also give tips for finding certain texts.

You will find you get much faster at reading and condensing arguments as you progress through your degree. Rather than trying to read everything, focus on the readings that the lecturer has marked as particularly important, and then use the additional recommended readings to gain a broader understanding and add more nuance to your essays.

What matters is that you’ve got a grasp of the key concepts and theories as portrayed in the available literature on a topic. When you’re first starting out, it may be better to focus on a few readings and give yourself more time to think and write. Another way of tackling reading lists is to split the workload with other people doing the same topic. Sharing notes and ideas not only helps consolidate your learning, it also makes life much, much easier.

If you’re assigned an entire book without chapter or page number suggestions, don’t feel you’re expected to read them cover to cover. Start with the introductory and concluding chapters to get a feel for the arguments. You can also check the contents page for sections or chapters that are especially relevant. Sometimes useful summaries, reviews, or commentaries on books are available online; for example, you can search for book reviews via Google Scholar.

Key to writing a good Sociology essay is a clear argument based on a careful and critical reading of the material relevant to the question. In the first instance, this will be the books and articles the paper organiser has indicated you should read in the paper guide. Pay careful attention to the language a particular author uses and attempt to situate the work in the social and intellectual context of the period in which it was written.

A good essay will provide an introduction that explains your interpretation of the question and how you intend to answer it, namely your essay’s structure and argument. As part of the process of building the argument, the body of the essay will outline, and critically evaluate, the different positions you’ve considered on the topic of the question (e.g. a question on class may discuss Marx, Weber and Durkheim’s differing understanding of the structural organisation of class and/or the subjective experience of class). This critical evaluation may include how well arguments are supported with empirical examples of events (including contemporary events not yet analysed in the literature), studies or statistical data.  Specifically, you can use the theory to help us understand an empirical case of your choice, and then use that empirical case to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of that theory.

Here you can show further knowledge by referring to material beyond the reading list, as long as you demonstrate its relevance. The essay should conclude by summarising your argument and the justifications you have offered for it, as well as indicating the relevance of your argument in the broader theoretical and/or empirical context. Always try to justify your arguments by reference to concrete examples, studies, research or new work. Reference all your sources consistently and systematically. Finally give yourself time to re-read, edit and re-edit your essay. Often the process of re-reading and editing will improve an essay immensely. This process will, of course, be aided through discussions in supervisions and the further reflections they inspire for you.

When supervisors mark your essays (and indeed, your exams), they will be guided by the marking criteria, so it is best to familiarise yourself with these criteria. You can ask your supervisor for advice on how to interpret these criteria, which can be downloaded via WHERE [link].

The university and the faculty libraries have lots of guidance on essay-writing, which you can ask them about or find on their websites. Some colleges run workshops or have academics who provide support for essay-writing; your Director of Studies (DoS) should be able to point you in the right direction. This is especially useful for students who want to develop their academic writing skills, and can help build confidence for those who might feel a little out-of-practice.

Finally, it’s always good to share essays with friends taking the course to get a sense of their approaches. You can learn from your fellow students just as you can learn from university academics. Chatting through an issue that you’re finding confusing with a friend can have great results, because just by talking through your difficulties or thought processes, the path to the answers you need can become clearer.

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Writing Guide

Writing sociological topics.

“Sociology is the scientific study of human social life. Sociologists seek to describe social patterns and to develop theories for explanation and prediction of social processes of all sizes. Sociology applies objective and systematic methods of investigation to identify patterns and forms of social life and to understand the processes of development and change in human societies.”

Sociology can be described as the scientific study of society.

Sociologists follow the scientific method in research and translate that research into language that is applicable to diverse audiences.

Even if you don’t plan on becoming a sociologist, learning to communicate in the writing and oral styles that are specific to sociology can be useful in many professions. Even though sociological writing is presenting research about the social world, which we all live in and experience that does not mean that the sociological style of writing will come naturally.

Whether you’re writing a “low-stakes” summary of assigned readings, or a “high-stakes” research proposal, there are stylistic rules specific to sociology that need to be followed. This writing guide aims to help students in sociology courses understand these guidelines and improve their sociological writing.

Departmental Expectations

• Enable students to understand the interactions among individuals, groups, and social institutions in society.
• Develop student competence in understanding, critically assessing, and applying major sociological concepts.
• Introduce students to the various theoretical perspectives of sociology.
• Develop student understanding of research methods appropriate to sociological inquiry.
• Develop student competence in posing research questions, evaluating evidence, and developing logical arguments.

Disciplinary Genres

Writing in sociology can be either argumentative or analytical. Too often, students in sociology try to find the “right” answer, rather than taking a stance on the literature.

There are various writing genres within sociology. These genres include, but are not limited to: social issue analyses, article critiques, literature reviews, quantitative research designs, quantitative research papers, qualitative research designs, and qualitative research papers. Common types of writing in sociology classes at UNC Charlotte include summaries of readings, topic essays, literature reviews, methodological designs, and research proposals.

For these writing assignments, you will be asked to analyze and critique previous research or make an argument for proposed research, or both. While the exact style of writing will vary by assignment, and by professor, the writing norms of sociology will always apply.

Writing and Speaking Norms in Sociology

The learning objectives for sociology courses can be reached through communicating in a way that is appropriate to the field of Sociology. As a student in Sociology, you will regularly engage in various types of writing.

As is the case in other academic disciplines, sociologists have developed a style of writing that is most appropriate. The American Sociological Association style guide presents the fundamentals of sociological writing.

Following these guidelines, writing in sociology should be:

• Clear in expression, with respect to ideas and structure
• Concise and coherent, avoiding wordy phrases
• Absent of language reflecting bias or stereotypes
• Using an active voice
• Use verb tense that is consistent within a section
• Proper citations, using American Sociological Association (ASA) guidelines

Examples of Common Assignments

The sociology department, as well as all departments at UNC Charlotte, incorporates low-stakes, medium-stakes, and high-stakes writing into the curriculum. It is not uncommon for sociology courses to assign written work from all of these levels.

Low-stakes assignments serve as a means for input: exploration, discovery, hypothesizing, problem-solving, and so on. Think of these assignments as “writing to learn”. Below are some examples of low-stakes assignments commonly used in sociology courses.

• Brief in-class writing assignments on course topics.
• Summaries of assigned readings.
• Creating a hypothesis.
• Brief, or list-like, writings about a topic.

Medium Stakes

Medium-stakes assignments focus on certain thinking processes within the discipline. These assignments are still primarily informal but require more guidelines for format, structure, and style that are appropriate to sociology . These assignments are typically done in one sitting and do not require extensive revision. Below are some examples of medium-stakes assignments commonly used in sociology courses.

• Response papers on lecture or other course materials that incorporate sociological perspectives.
• Wiki contributions, blog posts, discussion board posts.
• Reflection papers on personal experiences.
• Analyses of current issues or events.

High Stakes

High-stakes assignments are easily recognizable. These assignments incorporate analysis, argumentation, or both to a broad range of concepts or readings. High-stakes writing assignments are subject to several revisions and follow more closely the style guidelines of sociology. Below are some common high-stakes writing assignments in sociology:

• Research proposal or research report.
• Written report on qualitative or quantitative research done by the student.
• Final papers that integrate the entirety of course topics.

Here’s an example of a high-stakes research proposal with instructor comments.

Writing Outcomes

Listed at the bottom of this page in the attachments section is an example of a survey research paper done by a UNC Charlotte student as well as the rubric the instructor utilized for grading purposes.

Below are several tools and tips to help you communicate effectively in sociology.

General Advice for Non-Majors will help students not familiar with writing in sociology.

ASA Style Guide will provide examples of the writing and speaking norms in sociology, as well as show how to properly cite resources.

This Reading Guide will help students learn how to approach sociological literature.

The Writing Resource Center at UNC Charlotte provides writing services to students.

Citation Guide will help you make sure that all of your resources are properly cited.

List of ASA (American Sociological Association) Writing Style Guides

The University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE) provides academic support for UNC Charlotte students.

The Dr. Abel Scribe citation tool is another useful guide for learning about the ASA’s formatting rules as well as its citation guidelines.

Endnote – Citation software program available to UNC Charlotte students.

Marquette University’s Writing Guide for Social Science Majors

University of California, Berkeley’s Writing Guide for Sociology Majors

These sections adapted from:

American Sociological Association. 2010. American Sociological Association Style Guide. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Sociological Association.

Bean, John C. 2001. Engaging Ideas: The Professor’s Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Darmouth Institute for Writing and Rhetoric “General Advice for Non-Majors” accessed 2013.

Harris, Angelique and Alia R. Tyner-Mullings. 2013. Writing for Emerging Sociologists. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications

Johnson, William A. et al. 2004. The Sociology Student Writer’s Manual. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall

UNC Charlotte Department of Sociology “Home” section accessed 2013.

How to Write a Sociology Essay: A Simple Guide

The process of writing a sociology essay is like piecing together a puzzle of society, where each theory, study, and analysis forms a vital piece. It's about understanding how people interact, why societies work the way they do, and expressing these ideas in a thoughtful and organized manner. This article will guide you through the steps of how to write sociology essay A level, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft, making the process less daunting and more manageable. And for those of you who lack time or motivation to work on this assignment, our sociology essay writing service will cater to all your needs.

What Is Sociology Essay?

A sociology essay is essentially an exploration and analysis of societal structures, behaviors, and dynamics using the tools and concepts provided by the field of sociology. This academic genre involves applying sociological theories, empirical research, and critical thinking to examine and interpret various aspects of human society. Unlike essays in other disciplines, the action items of how to write a sociology paper often emphasize understanding the intricate relationships between individuals and the broader social context, delving into questions of culture, institutions, power dynamics, inequality, and social change. The objective is not just to present facts but to offer insights into the underlying patterns and forces that shape human behavior and the functioning of societies.

When writing an essay on sociology, individuals typically use primary and secondary sources, drawing upon established sociological theories and applying them to real-world situations or case studies. The essay might explore topics ranging from the impact of social institutions like education or family on individuals to broader issues such as globalization, social stratification, or the dynamics of social movements. If you ask our experts to write essays for money , they will contribute to a deeper understanding of the social world and provoke critical discussions about the sociology complexities inherent in human societies through thoughtful analysis and interpretation.

Tips for Writing a Sociology Essay

Starting to write a sociology essay? No worries! This section is packed with practical tips to help you nail it. We'll walk you through everything from building a solid thesis to weaving in real-world examples – making sure your essay not only makes sense but also stands out. Ready to turn those sociological insights into a compelling piece of writing? Let's dive in!

Clearly Define Your Thesis

• Begin your essay on sociology with a well-defined thesis statement succinctly presenting the main argument or perspective you intend to explore in your paper.
• This will provide focus and direction for your sociology writing.

Thoroughly Understand the Sociological Concepts

• Demonstrate a strong grasp of sociological concepts and theories relevant to your topic.
• This involves not only defining key terms but also showcasing an understanding of their application within the broader social context.

Research Widely and Critically

• Conduct thorough sociology research using various reputable sources, such as academic journals, books, and empirical studies.
• Evaluate sources critically and select those that contribute robust evidence and insights to support your argument.

Create a Solid Outline

• Develop a clear and organized outline before diving into the actual writing.
• This roadmap will help structure your essay, ensuring a logical progression of ideas and a coherent presentation of your arguments.

Use Concrete Examples

• Support your arguments with concrete examples and relevant evidence.
• Whether drawing from real-world sociology cases, empirical studies, or historical events, providing specific examples strengthens your analysis and makes your essay more compelling.

Engage with Counterarguments

• Acknowledge and engage with counterarguments.
• This not only demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic but also strengthens your own argument by addressing potential criticisms.

Write a Cohesive Conclusion

• Summarize your main points and re-write your thesis in the conclusion.
• Avoid introducing new sociology information, but reflect on the broader implications of your findings and potentially suggest avenues for future research.

Edit and Revise

• Set aside time for editing and revising your essay.
• Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency in your arguments.
• Ensure your writing is concise and free of grammatical errors.

Cite Sources Properly

• Learn how to format a sociology paper in APA, MLA, or Chicago.
• Write accurate and consistent citations throughout your essay.
• Proper referencing adds credibility to your work.

Which Sociology Essay Topics to Choose (With Examples)?

Choosing the right sociology topics for essays is crucial for creating an engaging and insightful piece of writing. Firstly, consider your interests and passions within sociology. Selecting a topic that resonates with you will not only make the research process more enjoyable but also likely result in a more compelling essay. Whether examining gender roles, exploring racial dynamics, or delving into the complexities of social institutions, find a theme that sparks your curiosity.

Secondly, to learn how to write a good sociology essay, you should assess the current sociological landscape. Choose topics that are relevant and timely, as this ensures your essay contributes to ongoing discussions in the field. Issues such as globalization, technology's impact on society, or the evolving nature of social movements can provide a contemporary context for exploration. By addressing current societal challenges, your essay can offer fresh perspectives and insights, making it more engaging for you and your sociology readers.

Lastly, consider the scope and feasibility of the sociology essay question. Ensure it is neither too broad nor too narrow for the length of your essay. Strike a writing balance, allowing in-depth analysis while staying focused on a specific aspect of the chosen topic. This sociology writing approach ensures you can thoroughly explore the subject matter within the confines of your assignment, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive examination of the sociological issues at hand. Here’s a list of 30 social science essay topics to boost your creativity:

• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• Gender inequality in the workplace.
• Effects of education on social mobility.
• Influence of family structure on child development.
• The sociology of online dating.
• Examining racial profiling in law enforcement.
• Social consequences of income inequality.
• Role of religion in shaping societal norms.
• The rise of single-parent households.
• Impact of technology on social interaction.
• Juvenile delinquency and its societal causes.
• Stereotypes in the media and their effects.
• The sociology of fashion and cultural identity.
• Exploring youth subcultures.
• The stigma surrounding mental health.
• Societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Social effects of environmental pollution.
• The dynamics of cross-cultural communication.
• Influence of social class on educational opportunities.
• Examining the prison industrial complex.
• Social implications of immigration policies.
• Sociology of deviant behavior.
• The impact of globalization on local cultures.
• The social construction of beauty standards.
• Societal views on aging and the elderly.
• The role of social institutions in society.
• Exploring microaggressions in everyday life.
• The sociology of conspiracy theories.
• Social effects of gentrification.
• Societal perceptions of disability.

When you find a topic you like, you can either study it yourself or let our professional essay writers do the job for you, getting faster and more dependable results.

Sociology Essay Structure

In a sociology essay, write your thoughts in a clear and organized way so that readers can easily follow along. We start by diving into the topic, exploring different aspects and ideas, and using examples and evidence to support our points. Each part of the essay connects smoothly, like pieces of a puzzle, forming a complete picture of our argument. Finally, we wrap it up by summarizing what we've discussed and highlighting the broader significance of our sociology findings. This structure helps us convey complex sociological concepts in a way that's easy to understand and engaging to read. If any of the concepts are too difficult to comprehend, simply ask us, ‘ write my essays ,’ and our writers will take your task from here.

Introduction to Sociology Essay

A well-structured essay on sociology typically adheres to a standard format, beginning with an introduction that outlines the context, significance, and purpose of the essay. As you study how to write an introduction to a sociology essay, it should feature a clear and concise thesis statement. This central sociology sentence presents the main argument or perspective that will be explored in the essay. This section serves as a roadmap for the reader, providing an overview of the key themes to be addressed.

Body in Sociology Essay

Following the introduction, the essay's body is organized into paragraphs, each devoted to a specific aspect of the topic. These paragraphs should be structured logically, with a clear topic sentence introducing the main idea, followed by supporting evidence, examples, and sociology analysis. It's crucial to maintain coherence and flow between paragraphs, ensuring a seamless transition from one idea to the next. The essay's body allows for a comprehensive exploration of sociological concepts, theories, and empirical evidence, reinforcing the central thesis through a well-organized and cohesive argument. Here are 5 comprehensive tips on how to write body in sociology essay:

• Structure paragraphs logically with a main idea and smooth transitions.
• Support your points with relevant evidence, whether from research or examples.
• Go beyond description; critically evaluate evidence and discuss implications.
• Stick to the main point of each paragraph; avoid unnecessary tangents.
• For clarity, maintain a consistent writing tone and style throughout your essay.

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Conclusion of Sociology Essay

Concluding the essay is the final section, where the writer summarizes the key points, restates the thesis in a nuanced manner, and reflects on the broader implications of the analysis. This section should avoid introducing new information but instead offer a thoughtful synthesis of the essay's main ideas. A strong sociology essay conclusion leaves a lasting impression, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the sociological perspectives explored in the essay. How to write a conclusion for sociology essay? Maintain a clear and organized structure that ensures that the paper effectively communicates complex sociological ideas while engaging the reader from start to finish.

Editing and Proofreading

Knowing how to write sociology papers constitutes 70% of a great job done. The remaining 30% belongs to effective editing and proofreading. Start by reviewing the overall structure and coherence of your arguments, ensuring each paragraph contributes to the essay's main thesis. Next, scrutinize the clarity and consistency of your language, eliminating unnecessary jargon and ensuring a straightforward communication of ideas. Finally, meticulously check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, ensuring a polished and error-free presentation of your sociological analysis. Note that when you buy essay online , you won’t have to edit or proofread anything, as the service includes these activities on our behalf.

Sociology Essay Example

We’ve written several sociology essays examples for your convenience and inspiration. Remember that they are for reference purposes only! Don’t copy and paste them into your document for submission. If you like our sociology research papers examples, order one that will be written for you from scratch or write on your own to avoid plagiarism and damage to your academic integrity.

The Digital Canvas: Unraveling Youth Identity in the Age of Social Media

Social media platforms have become an integral part of contemporary youth culture, serving as both a mirror and a canvas for self-expression. This essay explores the multifaceted impact of social media on the formation and presentation of youth identity, examining how these digital spaces shape perceptions, relationships, and self-awareness.

Social media platforms, from Instagram to TikTok, have revolutionized the way young individuals construct and project their identities in today's interconnected world. As the virtual realm intertwines with real-life experiences, it poses critical questions about the authenticity and complexity of youth identity formation.

One significant aspect is the performative nature of identity on social media. The curated profiles and carefully selected content act as a digital stage where youth engage in a constant performance, showcasing aspects of their lives that align with societal expectations or online trends. This performative aspect influences self-esteem, as individuals navigate the fine line between authentic expression and the desire for social validation.

Social media's role in facilitating social comparison among youth is noteworthy. The constant exposure to peers' achievements, lifestyles, and experiences can lead to both inspiration and feelings of inadequacy. This comparative aspect influences the construction of youth identity as individuals navigate their unique identities in the context of a digitally connected and often competitive environment.

Social media platforms redefine the landscape of friendship and belonging among youth. Online connections and communities provide opportunities for global interaction, yet they also introduce challenges related to cyberbullying and the pressure to conform. Understanding the impact of these virtual relationships on youth identity is crucial for comprehending the evolving nature of social connections in contemporary society.

In conclusion, the digital era has fundamentally altered the terrain of youth identity. Social media, as a tool for both self-expression and social comparison, plays a central role in shaping how young individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. As society grapples with these transformations, it becomes imperative to navigate the nuanced intersections between online and offline identities, fostering an environment that supports authentic self-discovery and interpersonal connections.

The Dynamics of Economic Inequality and Social Mobility

In contemporary society, economic inequality stands as a pervasive challenge that not only reflects societal disparities but also significantly influences the prospects of social mobility. This essay delves into the intricate relationship between economic inequality and social mobility, examining how disparities in wealth and opportunities shape the life trajectories of individuals across different social strata.

Economic inequality has emerged as a defining feature of our times, with profound implications for the ability of individuals to move upward on the social ladder. This essay seeks to unravel the complex dynamics between economic inequality and social mobility, shedding light on the factors that either facilitate or hinder the pursuit of the proverbial American Dream.

One key aspect is the connection between income disparities and access to quality education. Children born into economically disadvantaged families often face limited educational resources, hindering their ability to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for upward mobility. This perpetuates a cycle where economic disadvantage becomes an enduring barrier to social advancement.

Economic inequality manifests prominently in occupational segregation and wage disparities. Certain professions and industries offer more significant opportunities for economic advancement, while others remain marginalized and undervalued. The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities within the job market directly influences the potential for social mobility among different segments of the population.

The transmission of economic status across generations contributes significantly to the perpetuation of inequality. Economic advantages or disadvantages experienced by parents often shape the opportunities available to their children, creating a cycle that is challenging to break. Understanding this intergenerational dimension is crucial for comprehending the long-term effects of economic inequality on social mobility.

In conclusion, the intricate interplay between economic inequality and social mobility underscores the need for comprehensive societal measures. Addressing disparities in education, occupation, and intergenerational opportunities is essential for fostering a more equitable society, where individuals can pursue their aspirations irrespective of their economic background. As we navigate these challenges, the pursuit of a more inclusive and socially mobile society remains a critical goal for shaping the future of our communities.

A good essay on sociology is all about being organized, using evidence wisely, and thinking critically. The tips for aspiring writers provided here are like a toolkit to help you express your ideas effectively and make a meaningful contribution to the world of sociology. Keep in mind the importance of a clear thesis, backing up your points with good evidence, and thinking deeply about your topic. Also, don't forget to do thorough research and stick to the rules of academic writing. With these tips, your sociology essays can not only be academically solid but also interesting and thought-provoking. Alternatively, you can pay for essay on our website and move to other more important tasks for the day. In any case, happy writing!

Frequently asked questions

How to start a sociology essay, how to write a sociology essay university level, how long is a sociology essay.

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How to Write a Sociology Essay? It's Type & Components

Sourav Mahahjan

What is a sociology essay?

Sociology essay describes the journey of human beings in society. Sociology includes understanding the dynamics of behaviour, relationships and different institutions in the community. A sociological essay helps examine the various cultural influences, societal norms, structure, and power on other aspects of life.  It provides a platform to interpret, dissect and communicate insights about our social fabric, which helps us understand the different forces that determine the human interactions that help shape the world around us.

Various types of Sociology Essay:

Different types of sociology essays help us understand the other factors of human society. Some of the various kinds of sociology essays are:-

• Analytical essay: This type helps analyse a particular concept, issue or phenomenon. They help in developing and offering insights regarding society.
• Research essay: This sociological essay is based on qualitative and quantitative research. The results are based on research findings and observations.
• Comparative essay: This type of essay helps compare two different kinds of societies and cultures and alos helps highlight patterns and differences.
• Theoretical essay: This sociological essay helps describe symbolic interactionism, sociological theories, conflict theories and actual power conditions.
• Case studies: Case studies provide detailed information regarding a specific case, individual and group to demonstrate sociological concepts.
• Sociological policy analysis essay: This essay helps examine the different types of social policies and their impact on society.  Moreover, this type of essay helps improve various social issues.
• Historical essay: A historical, sociological essay helps study the different sociological changes happening over time in society.
• Reflective essays: Refective issues help in describing the personal experiences and insights acquired during the study of sociology.
• Literature review: This type of research review helps in evaluating the different research on different sociological trends happening in society.
• Argumentative essays: The argument essays provide a specific viewpoint on different sociological essays, supported by reasoning and evidence.

Components of Sociology Essay

The sociological essay is made with the help of a clear format and follows a well-organised design. The major components of the sociological essay are as follows:

1. Introduction

The essay should start with an appealing sentence that attracts readers' attention. The introduction should also provide information about the background of the sociological issue. The introduction should also provide information regarding the main argument made in the sociology essay.

2. Conceptualisation

The section provides a brief historical, social and cultural background relevant to the research topic.  The section should also provide information regarding the key issues and theories related to the topic, which needs to be understood by the reader before entering into the main discussion and arguments.

3. Literature review

The section helps summarise the theories, viewpoints and research based on the topic. The section highlights different studies and debates that influence the subject's shape.

4. Main body

The section should provide the main arguments and themes that help support the thesis provided in the paper. The section should also contain examples of the ideas.

5. Discussion and analysis

Helos engages in critical analysis of the evidence found in the paper. It also helps in contrasting and comparing different viewpoints.

6. Methodology

If the sociological essay is based on original research, the section should provide detailed information regarding the different methodologies used in the sociological essay.

7. Counterarguments

The section contains the different counterarguments made by the writer on the thesis and made by other writers.

8. Conclusion

In this section, you should provide the thesis paper and the discussions made in the essay. The section should also provide information about the significance of the findings in the sociology essay.

9. References

The section should contain information about the different sources used by the writer in the sociology essay.

10. Formatting and proofreading

It is essential to ensure that the sociology essay is correctly formatted as it helps make it clear for the readers.  Proofreading also helps in removing any type of grammatical, punctuation and seeping errors.

Easy steps to write Sociology Essay:

• Selecting a relevant topic: The question in a sociology essay is essential in guiding the essay in the right direction. Choosing appropriate and vital issues for society can increase the sociological essay's relevance. The more you are interested in the topic, the more interesting the sociology essay will become.
• Conducting an in-depth analysis: Research is the base of any sociology essay. Research is essential as it helps explore various academic papers, empirical studies and documentaries. It also helps in evaluating the perspectives of different cultures at different times, which helps in using a holistic approch in the research study.
• Providing a solid thesis statement: The sociology essay's thesis is crucial as it helps keep the essay on track.  The thesis statement acts as a roadmap for the sociology essay. The thesis paper is essential as it helps highlight the complexity of the issues addressed in the essay.
• Use of sociological themes: Sociologic themes in a sociology essay are considered very significant as they help in viewing a social issue from a different angle by the writer. Choose the theories taht are relevant to the research topic and help interpret the social problem in the social essay.
• Evaluating the empirical data: Data is essential to a sociology essay.  Number help make the arguments real and improves the credibility of the information provided in the sociology essay.
• Use of sources and avoiding plagiarism: Plagiarism is the death warrant of academic integrity in a sociology essay.  Using appropriate authorities helps improve the academic integrity of the sociology essay and helps manage the information provided relevant for the readers.
• Proofread and editing: Reading the essay anytime can help identify writing faults, such as grammatical mistakes. Removing the errors helps make the essay more refined and attractive for the readers.
• Improve sociological thinking: Sociological thinking is the key to writing a good quality sociology essay. It is essential to analyse beyond the surface level and analyse the sociological hierarchies and different types of cultural values that impact the topic chosen in the sociology essay. Challenging different assumptions, shedding light on other phenomena and questioning the status quo can help increase the sociological thinking required for writing a sociology essay.

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How to Write a Sociology Essay

Working on academic assignments and earning good grades means acquiring many different skills. Knowing how to write sociology essay is one of them. Numerous students study Sociology in colleges and universities as a major and minor discipline. It could be a deeply engaging process — Sociology is a branch of science that studies society, how it functions, and how it develops. We are all part of it in one way or another, so figuring out how we got here and which processes help us co-exist is interesting. Writing essays, on the other hand, is not. Students can always use online writing services to solve their academic problems, but even if they do it, they need to understand their tasks properly to evaluate results. We are about to help you. Our experts prepared a thorough guide explaining everything you need about sociology papers.

What Is a Sociology Essay and How to Tell Good and Bad Papers Apart?

Let’s start with the basics. Before sharing any tips, we need to explain what sociology paper is and why this task exists in the first place. Students who take Sociology classes will inevitably write an essay, and it will happen sooner rather than later. An essay like this is a written piece of content that explores a society-related idea by outlining an author’s arguments and then supporting them through analysis and research. Contrary to common misconceptions, students could hire an essay writer for several sociology projects. Some essays are argumentative; others are a separate literature review, presenting information other scholars have already explored. Sometimes you might have to present your unique ideas by performing original experiments.

Whatever type of paper you must write, checking sociology essay examples out is an effective solution. You can easily differentiate between good and bad examples by observing certain nuances. The structure is one of them. High-quality papers always have clearly defined paragraphs like introduction, body, and conclusion. None of them exceeds 200 words, and none of them is shorter than at least three sentences. The usage of sources helps you understand whether an essay is worth anything. Unless it’s some sort of personal narration, it must have frequent citations. Sociology papers are based on extensive research, meaning that writers should include references to authoritative sources at least once per paragraph, preferably more. Formatting should meet academic demands, and language should have no contractions, grammar issues, or first-person pronouns. Finally, ideas must be logical and flow smoothly into one another.

How to Write a Sociology Essay of Different Types: Quick Descriptions

As we mentioned, there are multiple sociology papers you might have to write one day. Our experts described the five most common options in detail. If one of them fits your assignment, consult them at any time:

• Summary-focused paper. This type is the easiest. Students should merely study a piece of assigned text, understand its essence, and convey it by retelling it for their readers. It’s important to select key points and write them down in advance, especially if the text is lengthy.
• Analytical sociology essay. Students should analyze their topic when working on this task, showing off their critical thinking skills. It is more complex, so we often ask, “Could I pay someone to write my philosophy paper in your company?” Sociology is similar to philosophy: you must interpret something and present your position, proving its validity by enhancing your arguments with sources.  It could be a theory, an event, or a concept. Present your view on it, supporting it with research.
• Compare and contrast paper. How to write a sociology paper of this type? Pick a topic with at least two elements and start comparing them by looking at their differences, contrasting them by looking at their similarities, or doing both. Some writers compare and contrast their chosen aspects in the same paragraph, while others describe one aspect per paragraph. The choice is yours.
• Argument evaluation essay. This is another popular sociology paper format. Argumentative essays require writers to prove their point and refute the opposition's views. Find a wide selection of sources and construct a powerful argument on their basis.
• Paper on a specific theory. This is an interesting task, but it could be, unfortunately, difficult to complete. Professors give their students a text, an event, a case study, and a certain sociological theory. You must apply this theory to the text you’re focusing on, exploring it from its perspective.

If you must create another specific type of sociology paper and you need help with how to do it, feel free to send us your question. We always strive to help every student. Our operators will do their best to find the ideal solution to your problem.

How to Start a Sociology Essay and How to Choose the Best Topic

It might surprise you, but the first steps to writing a strong sociology paper have nothing to do with actual writing. You must cover preparation steps to ensure everything goes as it should. Here’s what they potentially include:

• Choosing powerful sociology topics for essays. Understanding what you’re going to write about is a great start. You can choose your topic through several methods. The first one involves picking something you have a genuine interest in. What is it about sociology that you enjoy most? Which themes interest you? The second method entails doing the opposite: going for a topic you know nothing about. Make research into a challenge where you acquire new information and develop new insights. You could also look for sociology essay topics online. We’re going to provide a short list with suggestions below.
• Doing research. Once students settle on a topic, they should start looking for information about it. Review credible sources like academic articles, books released by educational publishing houses, and government or other reliable websites. Don’t use blogs or Wikipedia. This would be a terrible idea. Educate yourself to know what angle you should take as you start writing. A tip: stick to abstracts. They are short but informative — you’ll instantly learn whether this article suits you.  
• Brainstorming. Students should have enough knowledge to tackle their chosen sociological essay topics at this stage. Pick the most suitable sources from the collection you’ve covered. Develop some arguments you might use and the direction you’ll be taking with your paper.
• Developing an outline. We’ll discuss outlines in depth a little later. For now, know that it is extremely useful and part of the preparation process. Point out your central ideas for each section, and you’ll see how easy it is to write an essay when you have a quick guide nearby.

Now, here are ten possible sociological question examples. One of them may trigger your interest!

• What sociological theories can approve/refute the necessity of capital punishment?
• How does sexism affect human rights in the world?
• Are there more gender identities now than in the past?
• How does social media affect people’s perception of politics?
• Is being smart more important than being beautiful these days?
• What social factors pushed people into becoming pirates?
• Are there more bad people among those who are wealthy?
• What is the social idea behind imposing uniforms on students/employees?
• Is there a notable difference between love and obsession?
• Is being jealous and being possessive the same thing?

Building Structure for Your Sociology Essay

Do sociology papers have a unique structure? Fortunately, no, not really. It should be the same as it is in other academic essays.

• Outline. See any sociology outline example online to know how outlines look. Unless your professor expects you to share it with them, go for any structure you like. You could include full sentences in your outline, listing your thesis, ideas for each body paragraph, and conclusion. In turn, you could mention traces of ideas only instead of adding too many details. Here’s an example: a full-sentence outline could mention, “Jealousy is a bitter feeling that makes an individual want to be the only person who has a specific object.” If we chose an incomplete structure of an outline, we could simply write, “Jealousy definition and explanation.” We’d elaborate on it in a paper itself.
• Introduction. In the first essay for sociology sentence, a writer should introduce a really powerful statement. It must fascinate readers to a point where they’ll be eager to read more. The best choice is a surprising fact, an emotional appeal, or a controversial statement. Afterward, include some sentences outlining the background of your topic. Briefly explain what exactly you’re going to explore in this paper. Finish the introduction with a thesis, an all-encompassing sentence that describes your content and clarifies your final goals. This is a thesis sociology paper example: “ Jealousy and possessiveness have some similarities, but they are also majorly different since jealousy can result from insecurity while possessiveness is more toxic, controlling, and selfish .” We claimed by giving our versions of definitions for jealousy and possessiveness: now, we should demonstrate what made us think this way in the body, citing academic sources in support.
• Body paragraphs. Start each body paragraph with an opening sentence. It should have one element from your thesis — following our example, we’d mention similarities between jealousy and possessiveness. Explore the main idea inside, and finish a paragraph with a closing line that sums everything up and links to another section.
• Conclusion. How to write sociology papers conclusion? Merely restate your key findings, including repeating your thesis. Avoid introducing any new ideas or citations. Toward the end, establish the relevance of your research.

Before Your Essay Ends

There is one little nuance that students usually disregard. When you hire a writer for scholarship essay and the company accepts your order, you will receive a complete paper that looks flawless from start to finish. But it’s not the case if you’re writing it by yourself. If you started working on a sociology paper, but it feels like you’ve run out of ideas too soon, don’t worry. Leave it and move on to the next paragraphs. This work will be your draft: it must reflect your major ideas, but this is the end of it. It shouldn’t be perfect or full, not at this stage. Once you finish this draft, wait for some time, then make the final leap. We will discuss what it includes right away.

Completing and Revising Your Paper

You have a short sociology essay example in the form of your draft. Did you take some rest? Use it if there is an opportunity for it because students obtain the best results when they look at their paper with fresh, non-tired eyes. Once you’re full of energy again, follow these steps.

• Add more details. You'll notice weak or incomplete places as you start reading what you wrote. Furnish them by adding missing details. Elaborate on the already existing points, get more ideas from research, and introduce related aspects that you’d be able to discuss if needed.
• Analyze the strength of your evidence. All sociology essays have varying quality of evidence. If you want a satisfying grade, you must make your evidence as strong and convincing as possible. Try evaluating it objectively. Would it convince you? You should remove some weak justifications or add some stronger arguments. If you need help assessing your work properly, try the next stage.
• Look for feedback. Give your essay to someone you trust — not your professor. It could be a friend, a fellow trustworthy classmate, a family member, or even an expert you hire for this particular purpose. Listen to what they say and take their comments into account.
• Edit and proofread it. At the final stage, re-read your complete paper; only this time, pay meticulous attention to its language. Try catching typos, grammar inconsistencies, and any instances of rambling. Use online checkers or the services of professional editors for maximal results.

Start Creating Today, But Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Following the tips we’ve shared, you can write a fantastic paper. We also suggest checking various sociology essays examples on our site — they are free, and they can inspire you for your work. Stay focused and interested in your topic; if any obstacle arises, let us know. Explain what you want, and we’ll do everything we can to assist you in record time.

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I’m Andy Preisler, and I’m super happy to be joining the blog team at GrabMyEssay.com!

While I hail from Fayetteville, Arkansas (I know, not the most progressive state!), I left the Southern life behind me many years ago when I went to college for my first degree. I’ve received it in University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and I’m really proud of this. Since then, I have studied in the U.S., and later on, continued my education in Loughborough University, UK, where I actually my second Bachelor’s Degree along the way.

With my perpetual studies (my parents wonder if it will ever stop), I have become a bit of an expert on college life – academic, social, and financial – and love sharing my experiences and my methods of “circumventing the system” with others.  I will be sharing all of these great tips and strategies with my readers, so stay tuned!

When I am not blogging or enrolling in some new course that interests me, I am backpacking through Europe and staying in hostels, working on my second novel (a riveting murder mystery), and pursuing my interest in music. Yes, I travel with my guitar, and you would be amazed at the amount of cash I can accumulate, just performing on the streets of European cities (they are so much more tolerant of vagabond musicians). 

My other passion is environmental. In my short 27 years of life on this planet, I have witnessed the extinction of species, the destruction of rain forests, and irreparable harm to our oceans. I contribute both time and money to several international environmental organizations, because we all must do our part to save Mother Earth.

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How to Write a Sociology Essay Worthy an A+

Sociology is an intriguing and quite a new discipline all students have to deal with when study at college. Being a new discipline means requiring more detailed analyses and research work in order to reveal an assigned topic. Therefore, sociology papers can become a real challenge for many students. Moreover, numerous papers based on sociology relevant topics’ research can become a huge research project eventually. Thus, they require a lot of time, knowledge, and personal efforts.

Every student who wants to complete an excellent sociology essay should always be properly educated and skilled writer. In fact, sociology is a science that defines, examines, and explains the phenomena in society and people behavior related topics. Thus, once dealing with science about people, there is a bunch of great topics and research subjects you can choose for your essay paper. Mostly, students tend to write about the most debated topics, like people’s inequality, gender stereotypes, marriage, etc.

When preparing sociological essays students can easily share personal points of view. But, every suggestion and argument revealed in the paper must be proven by relevant and up-to-date evidence. Moreover, this written piece remains a research paper thus it must contain a list of facts , figures, statistics, etc. Make sure you how to conduct a proper analysis before starting to write a sociology essay.

First, check a proper sociology essay’s requirements, formatting styles’ guidelines, and additional essay’s important guidelines. You can divide the entire writing process into a few stages to make it more convenient. Moreover, writing sociology papers can be easy when you know how to conduct a proper analysis, provide strong arguments, and supporting evidence. If you have doubts about whether you can prepare an excellent essay or not, you can use an online service writing help to submit an excellent final piece of writing.

What Is a Sociology Essay?

Sociology is a science that defines, examines, and explains the most important phenomena in a society’s development. Moreover, society related disciplines cover a study of a wide variety of subjects, starting from religion to criminal behavior. Therefore, when writing sociology essays, you can face a need to perform a paper about any topic related to people’s development, including cultures, social class, etc. In fact, sociology papers are aimed at revealing and explaining the main aspects of people’s lives, and the way people react to their surroundings and various cultural characteristics.

Ordinarily, students when writing a sociology essay, tend to perform a paper choosing the most debated topic. In fact, any topic can become a great subject for research work when you are good at research in general and have exceptional writing skills. When you lack the mentioned skills, writing an essay can be a problem. In such a case, reaching writing online assistance can be your best option. Moreover, a trustworthy professional essay writing service can always write and edit your essay and assure top-quality content. Numerous agencies offer every customer to use an editing and proofreading service as well.

A good sociology essay is a properly written essay paper that reveals and explains the main points of a paper. In order to complete an excellent essay, every writer must follow a proper sociology essay structure, formatting style requirements, and word limit. When structuring an essay, be ready to deal with numerous essay paper elements and additional components. In addition to a standard introduction, main paragraphs, and a conclusion, writers should prepare an outline.

How to Write a Sociology Essay

There are certain writing techniques you can use when preparing an essay. In fact, an efficient sociology essay is a properly written academic paper based on profound sociological research. When you must create a good sociology essay. It is important to prepare a draft first. It can help you to organize the entire writing process better and assure a high quality of the final piece of writing. An essay writing process requires a properly organized set of steps to deliver a great paper. Therefore, every writer must be well-aware of what to do first and what subjects to focus when dealing with the sociological article.

Every sociology essay is an academic paper that requires proper structure and formatting. Moreover, it is a research paper thus you should follow a sociology guide to submit a flawless paper.Be ready to pay a lot of time checking your content and re-reading it a few times. Moreover, it is preferable to be very attentive to the details from the very beginning to the end in order to deliver strong supporting evidence and formulate the thesis remarkably.

Many students often use various student services to get both an excellent paper and more time to prepare other academic assignments. You can also find a lot of useful information online about a proper essay’s performing. There is no matter what assigned additional requirements and special tasks within a research project you have, every sociology essay is based on a deep and profound analysis of a topic first and foremost.

Research Your Topic

Sociology essays require a proper topic analysis and strong supporting evidence. You must provide facts, valuable data, statistics, and other important documentation to prove your arguments. It is preferable to formulate your main arguments after a short examination of a topic assigned by your tutor or professor. It is also very helpful to conduct small research beforehand when you need to select a topic yourself.

Experienced writers recommend taking these things seriously. Thus, be ready to prove your point of view with a wide range of evidence. When conduction research, you must be very attentive to a proper reference policy. Therefore, once using other writers’ materials, make sure to place information about used sources in the references.

Make sure to divide the used data and sources into two main groups:

1.       Quantitative sociological data

These data and statistics are based on surveys and censuses. You deal mostly with numbers in general.

2.      Qualitative sociological data

These data are based on the interview’s results and personal impressions. Thus, the data are not concrete.

You need to reveal, analyze a topic, and provide findings to let your reader get a full picture of an event or phenomenon . Outline a list of questions you want to analyze before starting a research work . It will help you to conduct an effective investigation and provide a good paper.

Develop Your Thesis

A thesis statement is the main idea of an entire paper. This is the main argument you prove in the body paragraphs. You need to assure a strong thesis to provide a great final paper. There is no chance to submit a good sociology paper when you focus on the wrong things. You need to outline your thesis statement’s ideas within a pre-research of your topic. Further, make sure to create the main thesis before structuring an essay. Use the following writing tips and guides to prepare an excellent thesis statement.

• You can ask millions of questions once checking a topic and formulating arguments. The main questions will be your thesis statement.
• You can use the “free association” technique to come up with a proper statement.
• Make your thesis debatable, thus use a critical question to focus on while performing a paper.
• Your thesis must have enough supporting evidence and facts to prove it properly.

A sociology paper writing process requires a proper thesis statement’s formulating since this exceptional argument remains a central problem of an entire paper. Further, this argument must be properly analyzed and revealed in the main paragraphs.

Create an Outline

An outline is an essential part of an essay paper based on social environment research. In fact, every sociology essay requires a proper structure and format. An outline allows organizing the entire writing process and assuring a proper essay’s structure. You must be very attentive when writing an outline since you will use it as a plan for your paper further.

Since every revealed idea or main argument must be written in a separate paragraph, you need to assure it once writing an outline. You need to write down the main points of the paper you are focusing on to define the main elements of a paper. Further, you can use the following tips and guides to improve your outline:

• Make sure to provide as many elements as needed to support your thesis statement.
• Focus on the main thesis where reveling the main arguments and evidence.
• An outline must include a reverences list (both quantitative and qualitative).
• Make sure to add all needed elements once checking the written outline for a few times.

Write Your Introduction

An introduction is an essential part of a sociology essay since it is aimed at gathering readers’ attention. It is always difficult to get started, thus experienced writers even recommend writing an intro after the entire paper is finished. In fact, this writing technique can assure you will not miss any important detail or fact.

You have to prepare an excellent introduction to lure the readers’ interest and make them read the entire essay paper. With such a purpose, you need to add the following elements into your paper’s introduction part:

• Opening catchy and hook sentences;
• Specific examples of a problem analyzed;
• The main thesis statement.

The thesis statement should be revealed in an introduction and proven with supporting evidence in the body paragraphs. You can use an online guide to write an exceptional and attention-grabbing introduction.

Work On Your Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph of a social essay must include a separate argument thus the standard body paragraphs structure requires an organized number of paragraphs. When writing an essay make sure to focus on the main arguments to provide a logical order of the paragraphs.

Each body paragraph should contain an argument and supporting evidence. You must prove all revealed arguments. Therefore, use facts, statistics, data, and all available resources. Moreover, you need to assure a proper transition between paragraphs and a conclusion. Be aware to use a simple language when writing an essay.

Compose Your Conclusion

A conclusion is the final part of a sociology essay that summarizes the main points of the paper and supporting evidence revealed in the body paragraphs. In this final section, a student must provide a detailed explanation of the analyzed problem, findings and research results, and prove a thesis statement eventually. Make sure to provide a brief and concise conclusion.  There is no need to make it very long. Just let the readers get the main point of your essay and share your problem solution ideas.

Every education institution prefers dealing with students who are good at writing and can conduct great research work. At the same time, when dealing with written papers, tutors often check first an introduction and a conclusion. Thus, it is preferable paying enough time to perform a conclusion since it can convince your reader to check and read an entire piece of writing. Moreover, a conclusion is a final message you convey, thus it has the biggest influence on a reader.

Sociology Essay Writing Tips

A sociology essay is a research paper that must be written according to strict requirements and writing guidelines. This is the exact type of essay that requires a proper structure and core elements included. Numerous essays written by professional writers are mostly aimed at revealing and solving a certain sociological problem. Therefore, when searching for information about how to write a sociology essay, first check the importance of a mentioned type of academic paper.

Since various sociological studies can be quite complicated to conduct flawlessly, you have to follow rules and use available writing tips to succeed. You can also use your colleagues and friends’ recommendations when working with a sociology essay. Still, be ready to learn and use the following writing tips and guides.

• Explain to readers your main argument. When writing sociology papers, you must show readers how important your paper is, thus you need to explain the importance of an analyzed issue. You need to show and explain every step you take when providing the main arguments. Since an entire paper is based on proper argumentation and it supporting evidence, letting the reader know your final goals is compulsory. Do not try to sound too clever, since you must reveal a topic to your audience. Thus, use a simple language and try to explain complex concepts in simple words.
• Clarity and briefness must be your guides when you write an essay. You should be clear when reveling your arguments. There is no need to sound intellectual and show personal erudition. This is not a dissertation, thus you should provide clear and understandable answers to all readers’ questions.
• Assure a logical order of arguments and supporting evidence before submitting an essay. Every argument in the paper must be proven with relevant supporting evidence. Therefore, you must provide a logical structure of the paper, with proper transitions and findings.

Since sociology is one of the top sciences that study humans and their behavior, make sure to provide solid facts and statistics. It will help you to prove your thesis statements and provide an important final piece of writing.

How to Write a Sociology Essay

Similar to the case of other kinds of essay, when you know how to write a sociology essay , you must also come up with a good research material, well organized skills to finish the paper. Every step you will take mandates you to keep your focus to what you are doing, if you really wish to impress the readers and the professor. This article will let you know how to write a sociology essay by elaborating every progress phase that you need to go through. Let us begin with the bibliography. Regardless of where you seek for the materials you need, it may be in the library or online sites, and you will surely stumble upon several numbers of sociology books and articles too. More so, you need to pick the ones that will be useful and reliable for your chosen subject.

A process that must be done by considering some important rules like, pick the currently published sources, you wouldn’t want to compose a paper that is not updated. Another thing is that how to be able to come up with materials fitted for your possible readers, sociology is not as hard as science is, so experts expect to come across a variety of viewpoints about the subject matter. Those who know how to write a sociology essay must read as much material as needed to come up with a convincing paper. Citing the references is also important, so building a strong case for the viewpoint about your chosen topic of the essay is important.

With good structure for the essay can boost the trustworthiness and stand in this field of study. An easy and enjoyable to read essay showing the arguments in a rational and precise way must make a good impression. To be able to learn how to come up with a well written essay, you need to start in composing the outline and learn how to come up with a good sociology essay, start by making an outline that defines all the stages and parts of the paper, so you can also elaborate every part with the information from the materials you have collected. Choose the materials accordingly and then bold or highlight some quotes that are essential in the paper along with passages wherein you can support the thesis.

When you learn how to come up with a sociology essay, a nicely written introductory page can help you in dealing with it with flying colors, enticing the reader’s attention to the argument you raise and with the answers you give. More so, having a good introductory page can make the readers more open to your conclusions if you offer a persuasive data along with related samples too.  The next part must show off the topic in broader information, increasing about the sociology experts say about it must also be in the paper. Show same viewpoint on your chosen subject; cite the sources in an appropriate manner.

It is best to represent as much as you can for and against arguments for the paper. If you have a debating skill and you know it is good enough, you can also bring good arguments to sustain your personal opinion in the paper, the readers will be very much convinced of the essence of the study, this will also lead to a higher grade later on. Moreover, do not turn off the course, stick to your topic all the time. Soft sciences like sociology offers you liberty to write your own thoughts, so with this in mind, you will become more flexible than those offering hard sciences like chemistry, physics and math.  You need to focus your attention to the language you use.

Sociology pupils who are familiar in composing an essay do not use waffle and fillers or unwanted figures of speech in the paper. After elaborating the topic and analyzing the experts’ details, showing the case study will make the argument much stronger. You will have a higher chance of persuading the readers with truer to life cases than with rational arguments only, since people react better to truths. Any related bits of information are welcome for supporting your thoughts, so it will be best to enlist as many illustrations as you wish.

The final part of the paper is the conclusion. After recalling what you have composed like the theories, sources, case studies and thoughts, you need to make a line and then justify your viewpoint by using all of the information given in the paper. A pupil who is familiar with the way to compose a sociology essay must be able to elaborate any part of the subject. It will be best if you will ask someone to read your paper before you hand it to the professor, ask him/her to check if the paper lacks information or if there are questions that are not yet answered.

It will be best if you will contact The Uni Tutor to help you out in terms of proofreading. This is a practical way to check the paper for possible typos and grammar mistakes. On the other hand, do not use new subjects or concepts in the final part of the paper, because the reader may think that your essay is not yet finish.

Revising your work

When you are done with the paper, it doesn’t mean that you will just submit it to the professor for checking. The revision stage is part of the paper and regardless of how confident you are with your ability to compose a well written paper; there will always be a room to develop it.  First of all, you have to go through and check all that you have composed in the paper at least 2x and then keep an eye for your mistakes. Be sure that no concept in the outline has been left not tackle or presented too short. By the end of the paper, you must ask someone to read out the essay, so that you will have an idea about how it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.

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Essays About Sociology: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts

It can be tough to write essays about sociology. Here are examples and prompts you can look into to aid you in writing.

In simple terms, sociology studies the dynamics of human social relationships, including institutions in the community. Sociology is an empirical science using observation and experiments. It’s a rational science because it considers ideas and reasons from logic. As a result, writing a sociology essay can be intimidating. 

Sociology is learning how human society works. It oversees many branches, including criminology, political, historical, theoretical, and industrial sociology.

Here are essays about sociology examples you can read to understand the topic better:

1. Essay on Sociology: The Meaning of Sociology by Puja Mondal

2. essay on sociology for students and children by prasanna, 3. sociology of personal problems and experience of society by writer morton, 4. what i learned in sociology 101 by sheri page, 5. essay on nature of sociology by pranav dua, 1. my sociology subject reflection, 2. reflection on a sociology movie, 3. sociology for me, 4. why sociology is important, 5. revolutionary changes explained by sociology, 6. sociology and customs around the world.

“Sociology as [the] science of society refers to a body of knowledge about [a] society which has been empirically tested. Society may be defined as the complicated network and ever-changing pattern of social relationships… Sociology has been defined in [a] number of ways by different scholars. There are as many definitions of sociology as there are sociologists.”

Mondal shares the origin of “Sociology,” including how the Father of Sociology, August Comte, decided to call his endeavors such. He notes that it’s the youngest of social sciences and studies society in totality. He lists sociology’s various meanings interpreted by different scholars. He also analyzes, compares, and contrasts these definitions.

“The study of society has become an integral part of our lives and cannot be escaped. Sociology is important to understand why society functions the way it does and the relationships within it… sociology has emerged over the years as an important discipline which is an important response to the challenge of modernization. It is a social science-based of interaction between humans and the various processes that change them.”

Prasanna indicates that sociology encompasses social lives, social causes, social changes, and human behaviors. She explains sociology as a science, citing its process of getting results and information. She broaches the old roots of sociology, delving into the study’s remnants in medieval Arabic writings. She also mentions other relevant details, such as the first Department of Sociology. She ends the essay by noting that sociology is one of the highest levels of science.

“…if someone is going through a difficult time in their life, sometimes it is not by choice nor are they experiencing this event alone. The individual’s life can be impacted by a societal condition… No matter what I decide to do with my career, I know that society will perceive me in its own way and that is okay.”

Morton explains one of sociology’s concepts, where a personal problem is also a societal issue, bringing up an example to support his claim. To make his essay more relatable, he shares his experience as a student and how Sociological Imagination and Symbolic Interaction aided him in understanding what was happening around him. He says that we act on “symbols” based on the meaning we attached to them. These meanings are ever-changing depending on our environment, people, and experiences.

“Nurses are critically involved in making sense and giving purpose to life, illness, and death… Sociology confronts problems which are often subjects of major controversy in society, such as the relationship between social class and illness, the changing role of religion, the rising divorce rate and the changing nature of work… Whether you are choosing a career that works with a general public or a career that has minimal dealing with the public, taking sociology ensures that you are prepared for whatever may come your way.”

Page focuses on how much she understood sociology and how it’ll aid her as a nurse. She shares that she thought learning psychology was enough, but her Sociology 101 made her comprehend that there’s so much more she should recognize about people’s behavior and reasoning. She connects sociology to death, healthcare, and culture. 

She also mentions how she wants to learn more about the world and pass on this love of learning to her sons. She wants them to know how to embrace the world and not condemn anyone for their values and beliefs. Finally, she announces that sociology should be a required class.

“Sociology, as a branch of knowledge, has its unique characteristics. It is different from other sciences in certain respects. An analysis of its internal logical characteristics helps one to understand what kind of science it is.”

Dua delves into what separates sociology from other branches of science. He uses Robert Bierstadt’s “The Social Order” to list the main characteristics of this science. These primary characteristics involve sociology as an independent, social, pure, abstract, generalizing, rational, and empirical science with a definite discipline.

6 Prompts on Essays About Sociology

Sociology is a broad science with complicated subtopics. To make your essay writing more manageable, below are simple prompts you can choose from:

If you’re required to take a sociology subject during your school years, you can write an essay about this experience. For example, you can talk about your teacher’s methods of teaching the subject and the lessons you remember the most and include your takeaways after you finish the term. 

If you haven’t had any sociology subject yet, you can refer to someone who has already taken it and ask their opinion on the matter. 

Many movies use sociology’s principles to explain human behavior. Pick a movie and share your thoughts. How did it use sociology’s concepts? Include the movie’s goal. Some iconic movies you can analyze are Sixteen Candles (1984) , The Breakfast Club (1985) , and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) .

Start this essay by writing its book definition, then move on to explain how you understand what sociology is all about. Is it just the study of human interactions? Is it more? How does it affect the community? You can also add examples or personal experiences to support your understanding of sociology.

In this prompt, discuss why we need to study sociology. How does it help us in our daily living? Then connect real-life examples of this branch of science to persuade your readers.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing ?

Compare customs that were normal then but are uncivil now. Then explain why through the lens of sociology. For example, you can talk about outdated Victorian etiquette, such as prohibiting young ladies from going on walks without an escort and talking with their acquaintances amidst a crowd. Note how young ladies today differ from before and what caused this shift in norms.

Some customs are acceptable in one country but aren’t in another. This prompt is similar to the previous number, but it’s more fitting if you want to talk about something happening in the modern world. 

For instance, tipping is customary in the US and UK, but in Japan and South Korea, giving employees tips is insulting because they take pride in their jobs.

Here’s a great tip: If you want to make your essay more readable, here’s our guide on transition words you can incorporate into your piece.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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How to Write a Sociology Essay

Among other disciplines, sociology stands out as a relatively new one. This is why writing an essay on sociology may pose an extra challenge for students – because sociology seems not to have a lasting tradition of essay writing with its understandable guidelines. Also, because sociology has much less canon than, say, English Literature, it relies more heavily on empirical data, namely the student’s own research, its outcomes, and their thorough documentation. However, a sociological essay is not limited to that. Regardless of which aspect of sociology you are writing about – race, gender, class, or any other – you are also expected to come up with engaging introduction , to conduct a careful analysis of your research data and substantiate it with references to established authorities in the discipline.

Studying sociology involves a lot of written assignments, but they are largely similar in terms of approach to writing. Here is a step-by-step guide for writing a sociology essay.

STEP 1: KNOW WHAT YOU ARE EXPECTED TO DO

Any written assignment begins with a topic, and your essay is no exception. Sometimes, the professor hands out topics for students to write about, otherwise you may be able to choose the topic for your essay yourself from a given list. The topic may be exact or rather broad (these will come up closer to the final years of your studies), in the latter case you will have to narrow it down according to your interest. The main thing that a sociology essay topic should include (or, at least, imply) is a question. This question should be clear, important, and interesting, and you are to come up with an answer to this question in the course of your essay.

STEP 2: CLARIFY ALL ISSUES

This is especially critical when you pick the sociology essay topic to write about yourself . Since you are not yet an independent researcher, you have to coordinate the topic with your professor to make sure that it is within the interest of the curriculum. It goes without saying that you should also clarify any other issues that may arise, so that you know exactly what you have to do during the work on your sociology essay. Critical analysis essay example may be helpful at this point. Among other issues that you should clarify, you need to know exactly how long your writing should be, how many sources you have to list in your bibliography, where to look for sources, whether you use ASA citation style or any other, whether you are writing a quantitative or qualitative sociology essay, etc. Additionally, you should inquire about any other particular guidelines that your professor may have in mind.

STEP 3: BEGIN YOUR RESEARCH

Once you have no more unanswered questions as to what you should do, it is time for you to start gathering data for your sociology essay. When you write about sociology, the chances are that you will be expected to make a claim and then substantiate it with evidence from both your own research (that you need to document) and from the literature. This should pose no obstacles since you have already clarified how exactly you should do it with your professor in the previous step. If you are writing a quantitative essay, you stick to collecting numbers – data from various censuses and surveys. A qualitative essay, on the other hand, will rather stem from more opinionated sources – like interviews, and, thus, be more opinion-based itself.

STEP 4: PROCESS THE LITERATURE

Despite sociology being a relatively young field of knowledge, there is already a significant bulk of literature on it. And every sociology student is expected to be familiar with all of it. The sheer amount of this literature may look downright scary, and yet you have to read it all. This is why you have to master the skill of effective reading. Otherwise, you may not be able to read all that you have to in due time.

While various speed reading techniques that you may find online or elsewhere can be efficient, you should remember to read for specific information. This means that as captivating as a certain read may be, you should never forget what information you are looking for in this particular source.

STEP 5: TAKE NOTES EFFECTIVELY

When you take notes, you should make sure that each note is:

• detailed enough to cover a particular notion or statement
• brief enough to make it easy to skim

To achieve this, you should see the notes not as bits of information in themselves, but rather as beacons, upon seeing which, you recollect the information that you already know. Among other fields of study, sociology relies on terminology particularly heavily. So, it is only logical to make full use of it, because special terms obviously help to make your notes more laconic. Needless to say, that to achieve this, you need to make sure that you understand all the terms that you are using clearly and conclusively.

STEP 6: HAVE YOUR MATERIALS WELL-ORGANIZED

As you take notes, remember to complement each of them with a description reminding you of where exactly you have taken this particular piece of information. Also, have them, along with your other materials (books, printouts, etc.) placed on your desk or within your immediate reach in the order that allows you to find anything you need instantly. To achieve ultimate efficiency, this convenient order should be not only with the materials, but also with all your stationery and on your computer. If you think that it may be of help, you can also print out the guidelines for your sociology essay and hang them in your visible vicinity for you to look them up whenever you feel like you need to.

STEP 7: HAVE YOUR WORKING PLACE PREPARED

Make sure that everything is ready for you to sit down at work. It has to be ready not only at times when you allocate some time for writing your sociology essay, but at all times, because you never know when inspiration can strike you to write something exciting and insightful.

Another critical moment is that you should feel quite comfortable when sitting on your work. You don’t want to be distracted by such irritating nuisances like less than comfortable chair or less than enough space. So, make sure that your chair is soft enough and has good back support, that you have enough room to stretch your hands and legs when you feel like, etc.

STEP 8: PROCEED TO WRITING AND COME UP WITH THE MAIN THESIS

Before you shape the outline of your sociology essay, it is critical that you have your main thesis . It is the core of your essay. It answers the question that you have addressed in your essay topic back in step 1 and – hypothetically – lets your reader know what exactly the read will be about.

There are several ways to come up with a fitting thesis statement. The most obvious one, as we have noted, is to provide a laconic answer to the fundamental question that you have set out to investigate in your essay. However, it is imperative to remember that a thesis statement must not sound like an indisputable fact. Instead, it must be open to discussion that you will lead with throughout your essay.

STEP 9: OUTLINE YOUR ESSAY

Once you have formulated your thesis statement, which is the core of your entire writing, you can proceed to shape its “skeleton” which is your essay outline. An outline is where you list all the subtopics that you plan to cover within each section of your essay. Most sociology essays are relatively short, so a section will be a paragraph. It is useful to complement your outline with references to the sources that you plan to address in each particular paragraph. Make sure that each of these subtopics directly and evidently relates to your thesis statement .

Most often, your outline will not be included in the paper that you submit, so you don’t have to worry about what it looks like. You can even change it on the go if you feel it serves your cause better this way.

STEP 10: WRITE THE INTRODUCTION AND THE CONCLUSION

Many writers state that beginning to write is the hardest part of the process. This is why it is a good idea to get it done and out of the way as soon as you can. The introduction should include the thesis statement of your essay. As for the rest of it, it is up to you and your creative mind. You can find a lot of useful tips on how to write an introduction to your essay online, but arguably the safest and most efficient way applicable for a sociology essay is to give a real-life example. For example, if you write about gender studies, you can give a story about a person being denied service because of the person’s race.

You may have heard that a good way to conclude your essay is to “mirror” what you have already written in your introduction. For sociology essays, such framing is arguably the best approach. So, once you have written your introduction, you can immediately put together your conclusion without further ado.

STEP 11: WRITE THE MAIN BODY

Once you have written the introduction to your essay, it is a good time to return to your outline and see what you have planned for your main body paragraphs. In each paragraph, you write a sentence that you have prepared in your outline – it will be the main statement of this paragraph. Then, you substantiate it with evidence from the sources – which you can also find in your outline. If you feel like your narration is not smooth enough, you can end each paragraph with a transition sentence to have it better connected to the following paragraph.

STEP 12: MAKE SURE THAT EVERY SOURCE IS PROPERLY CITED

Usually, a sociology essay will have sources cited according to ASA (American Sociological Association) formatting style guidelines. This formatting style suggests in-text citations with relevant information about the source (author, title, publication date). However, your professor should tell you for sure which formatting style you are to employ in your essay and whether or not there are any extra requirements for citations.

Take great care to cite each and every source that you are quoting – directly or indirectly. Today, all academic papers are run through plagiarism-checking software which will mark the quoted pieces without proper citations as plagiarism, and it will take you extra time and effort to prove that you are not a plagiarist. Such situations are best avoided.

STEP 13: RUN YOUR DRAFT THROUGH A SPELLCHECKER

Now that you have written your essay, it is still not ready for submitting. When writing about something truly exciting, it is easy for the author to overlook some minor errors having to do with spelling, punctuation, etc. Clearly, such mistakes are unacceptable in a serious academic paper. Even if your professor says that s/he can overlook such minor drawbacks, they still influence your reader’s overall impression of your work.

However, proofreading your paper yourself proves to be inefficient and time-consuming. It is better to run your draft through a spelling- and grammar-checking software. Pay close attention to every instance that the software underlines, but take its recommendations with a grain of salt. After all, software is not sophisticated enough today to fathom everything that a human author means.

STEP 14: EDIT YOUR PAPER

Aside from spelling and grammar, you should make sure that the content of your paper is wholesome, the two main aspects of which are:

• narration. It must flow smoothly and logically. To ensure this, employ transition sentences wherever you feel necessary, not to leave your reader in a dead end and not to jump between ideas leaving your reader confused.
• vocabulary. As we have mentioned before, sociology heavily relies on a set of terms. You have to make sure that you understand all the terms you are using throughout the paper.

STEP 15: READ YOUR PAPER OUT LOUD

As silly as it may seem, reading out loud is a well-known method of proofreading. When you pronounce your own text, you also listen to it. And employing another sense (hearing) is not unlike having a second pair of eyes proofread your writing. It has proven to be effective for spotting mistakes that one may overlook when simply reading one’s own text.

STEP 16: HAVE SOMEONE ELSE READ YOUR PAPER

Even after you have read your text out loud to yourself, it can still be quite useful to have an actual second pair of eyes look through your essay. However, you cannot trust this job to just anybody. Obviously, it has to be a person with sufficient expertise – both in sociology and English writing. Secondly, it has to be a person you can trust, because, as petty as it may seem to you at some points, your essay is your intellectual property. The best choice of candidate for proofreading your paper may be your friend from class – approach him or her and offer to exchange your sociology essay drafts for proofreading. This way, both of you ensure expertise and trustworthiness alike.

STEP 17: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE FOLLOWED THE GUIDELINES

One final little thing to do before submitting your essay is to look through the guidelines that you have collected back in step 2 and make sure that the essay that you are about to submit follows all of them. If you needed apa style essay , you can use help of our writers to check if you have done it right.

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