Sociology for Beginners

Sociology for Beginners, from Breni, introduces the study of society: how groups, institutions and inequality shape the lives of individuals. Its 8 courses cover what sociology is, the main theories, research methods, culture and socialisation, inequality, family and education, work, religion and power, and social change. Learners finish able to apply the sociological imagination, compare theories on one issue and judge survey evidence. Theories are taught before institutions so each topic can be read through them, with every course unlocking in turn.

  • 8 courses
  • 15 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Apply the sociological imagination to an everyday situation
  • Compare functionalist, conflict and interactionist views of the same issue
  • Judge a survey by its sample, its questions and possible bias
  • Explain how class, race and gender shape life chances
  • Describe how family structures and education have changed
  • Explain how globalisation and migration change societies

Full curriculum

Part 1 · Thinking sociologically

1. What Sociology Is: Understanding Society

Describe what sociologists study and how sociology differs from other social sciences. Units, in order: The sociological imagination; Sociology compared with psychology and economics; Founders such as Durkheim, Marx and Weber; Society, institutions and social structure; Seeing everyday life sociologically.

  • — The Sociological Imagination
    Connect private troubles to public issues in daily life.
    • What Is Sociology?
    • Private Troubles and Public Issues
    • Using the Sociological Imagination
  • — Comparing Social Sciences
    See how sociology differs from psychology and economics.
    • Sociology Versus Psychology
    • Sociology Versus Economics
    • Unique Focus of Sociology
  • — The Early Founders
    Learn key ideas from Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
    • Emile Durkheim and Social Order
    • Karl Marx and Class Conflict
    • Max Weber and Modernity
  • — Society and Institutions
    Explore how social institutions shape human structures.
    • Defining Social Structure
    • Major Social Institutions
    • Status and Roles
  • — Seeing Everyday Life
    Observe ordinary daily life through a sociological lens.
    • Routine and Social Norms
    • Socialization Process
    • Practicing Everyday Sociology

2. Sociological Theories

Compare the main theoretical perspectives in sociology. Units, in order: Functionalism and social order; Conflict theory; Symbolic interactionism; Feminist perspectives; Applying theories to one issue.

3. Research Methods in Sociology

Judge sociological claims by how the evidence was collected. Units, in order: Surveys and sampling; Interviews and ethnography; Government statistics and their limits; Research ethics; Quantitative and qualitative data.

Part 2 · Society and the individual

4. Culture and Socialisation

Explain how people learn the norms and values of their society. Units, in order: Norms, values and roles; Agents of socialisation; Subcultures; Identity and belonging; Deviance and social control.

5. Social Inequality

Describe how class, race and gender shape life chances. Units, in order: Social class and mobility; Race and ethnicity; Gender and sexuality; Global inequality; Measuring poverty.

Part 3 · Institutions and change

6. Family and Education

Explain how family and schooling are organised and how they change. Units, in order: Changing family structures; Marriage and divorce trends; What schools are for; Inequality in education; The hidden curriculum.

7. Work, Religion and Power

Describe how work, religion and politics organise society. Units, in order: Work and the economy; Religion in modern societies; Power and authority; Social movements; Crime and justice.

8. Social Change and Globalisation

Explain how societies change and connect across the world. Units, in order: Urbanisation and city life; Globalisation and its critics; Technology and society; Migration; Climate change as a social issue.

Sample: What Sociology Is: Understanding Society

The opening tier, (The Sociological Imagination). Connect private troubles to public issues in daily life.

What Is Sociology?

Define sociology as the scientific study of human social life.

Private Troubles and Public Issues

Distinguish between personal problems and wide social issues.

Using the Sociological Imagination

Apply the sociological imagination to everyday human experiences.

Questions about Sociology for Beginners

What is sociology in simple terms?

Sociology is the study of how societies are organised and how they shape people's lives. Sociology for Beginners on Breni starts with that question.

What is the difference between sociology and psychology?

Psychology studies the individual mind, while sociology studies groups, institutions and society. The Psychology for Beginners path covers the individual side.

What are the main theories in sociology?

Functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are the classic three, with feminist perspectives also widely used. The second course compares them.

Can I study sociology with no background?

Yes. The first course explains the key ideas from the beginning.

Do I get a certificate in sociology?

Completing all 8 courses earns a Breni certificate of completion. It is not a degree.

Related learning paths

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