What is Sociology?
The beauty of sociology is that it is everywhere. We see it on our street corners, on television, in an advertisement, a song, or even in our morning routines. It’s in our families, our friendships, our workplaces, and our sex lives. In fact, no aspect of our social life is unexamined by sociology; it’s a dynamic field of study that is practical and applicable to all of us in myriad ways.
As a discipline, sociology is interested in the social world – our neighborhoods, our schools, our families, our media, our nation, and more. These social landscapes profoundly impact how we see ourselves and how we see each other. Sociology explores the way in which we interact with one another, construct social meaning, and understand our sense of self. It’s an analysis of our group memberships and a journey through our day-to-day activities. Sociology is dynamic and living.
Sociology provides us with tools to better understand how societies work; it is also relevant to the problems that we face in our society and the world. With sociological research and data, sociology can help us see what’s working well in a society and what isn’t. In this regard, sociology is crucial in producing and sharing knowledge that makes us more informed citizens.
“Tell me the landscape in which you live, and I will tell you who you are”
-José Ortega y Gasset
Contact Us
Eric Davis, Chair of the Sociology Program, is located in the A-tower, room A100C. He can be reached at eric.davis@bellevuecollege.edu
Jeff Horn, Dean of Social Sciences, is located in the Social Science Division office, room A254. For general questions, contact the Social Science Division front desk (room A254) at (425) 564-2331. The Social Science Division is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM-5 PM during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters, and open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM-5 PM and Friday, 8 PM-12 PM during Summer Quarter.
Last Updated October 12, 2026