I admit that the eyes of the intellectually and culturally lively tend to glaze over at the mere mention of sociology, often with ample justification.

Academic sociologists have been trained to conceive of their discipline – sociology – as the scientific study of society, and to remit to the sister discipline of psychology the study of individuals.

I admit that the eyes of the intellectually and culturally lively tend to glaze over at the mere mention of sociology, often with ample justification.