Promoting Critical Sociological Thinking by Employing Population Pyramids

• In Event: 378 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session II
  In Refereed Roundtable: B. Table 11. Teaching Sociology

Abstract

One of the most efficient ways to teach sociology is to incorporate “doing” sociology into sociology courses. When students have an opportunity to be exposed to firsthand sociological activities, they are more likely to have a better understanding with respect to sociology and their social world. At the same time, these hands-on exercises provide students with the opportunity to apply sociological concepts to their everyday lives. As a consequence, they should be able to cultivate and enhance the sociological imagination of recognizing the power of invisible social context to them. As doing sociology, deciphering population pyramids plays a crucial role in encouraging students to use their critical sociological thinking. Furthermore, this activity could bridge the gap between sociological thinking and statistical thinking.

Author

• Sangyoub Park, Washburn University