To get a generalized idea of the main points of sociological thinking, it is necessary to draw material from numerous sources. But the doubtfulness of the internal unity of sociology as a discipline does not allow us to single out only one specific concept. Nevertheless, one can try to give such a definition: to think sociologically is to think in a way in which social life is problematized in a special way, and new perspectives of human freedom are most fully revealed.
Instructions
Step 1
Concentrate on highlighting problems, not solutions. Problematization most often should take the form of an oppositional pair, for example: chaos and order, freedom and dependence, power and choice, me and others, together and apart, etc. Define each component of a pair of opposites. It is necessary not just to "point the finger" at, say, a comb, if the question is "what is a comb", but to highlight the features, possibilities of application, observation, etc. It is important here to critically reflect on those beliefs that were previously outside criticism (to get rid of templates).
Step 2
Ask questions that allow critical thinking to be directed towards “life-political” choices. Private issues should be translated into the language of public problems, filling the public space where public solutions to private problems are discussed and agreed upon. Meaningful actions should lead to satisfaction with their results, overcoming powerlessness in the face of the existing order of things.
Step 3
Determine the realities of the “de jure personality” and the prospects for the development of the “de facto personality” by acquiring civic skills. Being a “person de jure” means taking personal responsibility for your own life and not being able to blame anyone or anything for your failures and failures. To become a “de facto person” means to be able to control your destiny and make a choice that you really like (namely a free choice, not dictated by the need to adapt).
Step 4
Try to consider as an example of sociological thinking the problems of the European-American liberal model of globalization and anti-globalism, without considering the alternative development paths proposed, for example, by the neoliberalism movement, or the concept of "World Revolution" by Marx and Engels. Sociological thinking makes it possible, looking beyond the horizons of one's own experience, to see the familiar sides of life in a new light, so that, rethinking your life, make it conscious.
