Answer the following questions appropriately.
1. Define sociology- write the meaning and reference for the definition, eg book, internet. Write at
least TWO definitions and REFERENCES. (2.5 each MARKS)
2. Listed below are four names of theorists who contributed to the science of sociology. Discuss
ANY THREE briefly in 4-5 sentences. Include what they contributed to sociology ( 10 marks
EACH)
Karl Marx-
Ibn Khaldon
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber
3. In your own words, write a paragraph why you think that sociology is important for nursing
students to study. (15 MARKS)
PART 2
Prepare 8 slides about any sociologist. It can be from the sociologists above are any well known
sociologist.
Solution
Definition of Sociology
According to Anthony, G. & Simon, G., (2006), sociology is the scientific study of
human social life, groups and societies.
Another definition according to Kathy, S., (2005) describes sociology as the scientific
study of the development, structure, interactions and the collective behavior of social
relationships.
2. Theorists who contributed to the science of sociology
i. Karl Marx
Karl Heinrich Marx was born in 1818 in Trier Western Germany; he studied humanities
at Bonn University and later law and philosophy in Berlin. Through his theories and
perspectives, he made it possible for social-economic phenomena to be studied scientifically
through different methods. His ambition to stop repression and oppression is greatly considered
as the building block for the critical theory which was important in the development of
sociology. His ambitions were later further developed by thinkers and cultural studies.
ii. Ibn Khaldon
Ibn Khaldon was a Muslim writer of African origin born on May 27 1332 and was the
first thinker to explain social events scientifically. He explained social events as plain rational
phenomena and not out of their religious or traditional content. He believed that every discipline
should have a scientific methodology of explaining and clarifying phenomena under
investigation. His theory of human needs explained that human needs are a derivative of man.
iii. Emile Durkheim
David Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who developed an approach which
factored both empirical research and the sociological theory. He was an important figure in the
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transformation of the earlier diffuse philosophy of Comte into a systematic discipline. He had an
idea for developing a structuralism method which would correlate with the social phenomena. He
was also a strong advocate for Kant’s first level of knowledge believing that sociology had to
only limit itself to that first level.
Importance of Learning Sociology for Nursing Students
In the nursing profession, nurses are prone to a lot of human interaction hence it is
recommendable for all nurses to learn sociology to have a better interaction with everyone.
Sociology is important for nursing students as it enables nurses to exercise modes of power over
their clients. Nurses while in clinical practice may need to make decisions and sociology
provides a theoretical framework from which the decisions can be based. Nurses are hence more
confident when they are able to choose from a variety of sociological approaches which are
suited for their current. Different social groups have different experiences hence a nurse with
better understanding of the patient is able to make better and proper assessment of their health.
Sociology enables nurses to better understand the social landscape; this is instrumental as the
nurses are able to know the type and number of patients to expect within the region. Sociology
also enables a nurse to better understand the patient according to their backgrounds and offer
informed caring skills. Nurses with an understanding on how the society works are able to
identify and give advice on cultural factors that encourage ill health among the public. Sociology
prepares nurses for future difficulties in their career; nurses can also share the same knowledge
to their patients hence enabling them to face their challenges. It is also through sociology that a
nurse is able to learn and understand the behaviors of different people working in a hospital and
how to relate with them. Lastly sociology provides nurses with a critical analysis of individuals
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thus enabling them to understand social factors which may threaten their health and offer advice
on various lifestyle choices.
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