A Musical Introduction to Sociology

I begin this week with a playlist that illustrates the idea of social commentary through music.  Sociologists and musicians share the feeling of being an outsider. For outspoken individuals and bands, music can be a way of highlighting social trends that mainstream media ignores or misinterprets. For cutting-edge sociologists, research is a mechanism to challenge old beliefs about how and why we behave in the ways we do. 

As you listen to some of these classic tunes, ask yourself what statement they are making about "larger society" and the messages we are hearing about what's appropriate, deviant, or valued in our communities.

Introduction to Sociology Playlist:

Human Behavior by Björk

Society by Eddie Vedder

People Are Strange by The Doors

My Generation by The Who

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2

Silent Running by Mike + The Mechanics

Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds

Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen

Imagine by John Lennon

Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead
 Logical Song by Supertramp
Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

And my vote for all time best sociology song: