Sociological studies of the impact of society on individual experiences require a consistent theory with particular explanatory potential. These theories are generally based on many empirical observations and are intended to explain them. Sanford (2017) distinguishes between personality theories, which examine how social variables affect different parts of the individual, and social theories, which explore how institutional settings should be arranged for beneficial impact. Based on these theories, sociologists can propose specific hypotheses and test them through research. For instance, a particular sociological theory argues that human personality is conditioned by the social environment and nurture entirely. In this case, the researchers can propose a hypothesis that the two identical twins placed in unequal conditions will become completely different people.
The verification of this particular hypothesis involves considerable ethical constraints, similar to other people-related studies. Therefore, sociologists use special research methods and tools that help them collect data. Generally, social scientists use tests, questionnaires, observation, interviews, documents, and digital data analysis, and, more rarely, experiments. Researchers also develop theoretical concepts that explain the mechanisms of the influence of social attitudes on the individual, such as “conventional wisdom” (Sanford, 2017, p. 19). This term refers to routine rigid ideas that often pass from generation to generation without critical analysis. These concepts are used by sociologists to explain the impact of society on people’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior, while the research methodology allows them to verify it.
From my perspective, society has a significant influence on my personality and many aspects of my inner and social life. This impact primarily concerns the information and messages that I perceive. Based on them, I construct my thoughts, and therefore my ideas about the world. The society in which I live has shaped my speech, my appearance, and my social environment. Thus, it can be stated that social influence covers all spheres of human life.
Reference
Sanford, N. (2017). Self and society: Social change and individual development. Piscataway, NJ: Transaction Publishers.