What is the Sociology of Communication? Definition, Scope, and Examples

Sociology of communication is part of a branch of social science that focuses on the process of social interaction in society. Social interactions carried out with social groups will produce  long forms of social order .

Until finally the presence of this order was not created by spontaneously existing, because there is an object of influence that gives rise to human relations with other human beings.

That’s why this paper will discuss the definition, scope, and examples of the sociology of communication.

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Communication Sociology

Sociology of communication is two terms that are combined into one, namely sociology which comes from social and logos, and communication

n which must have communicators and communicants. Sociology of communication was born because the relationship between one community and another community cannot be separated from the discussion process, which then results in the need for Sociology of communication to be studied.

Definition of Sociology of Communication

Understanding the sociology of communication is a form of social interaction in society which is a liaison between one community and another to create social order in society, this form of communication can be carried out individually and also in groups in the reciprocal process it needs.

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Understanding Sociology of Communication According to Experts

The definition of the sociology of communication according to experts, among others;

1. Erving Goffman

According to him, the sociology of communication is a branch of sociology that specifically provides knowledge about how to communicate in society, this method is expected to support and avoid negative forms of social phenomena.

2. Soerjono Soekanto

This sociological theory and its figures from Indonesia provide an explanation that, the definition of sociology of communication is the process of social interaction in society which influences each other between positive and negative influences.

If the process is positive, the process will take place beautifully, but if the process of communication relations in society is negative, it will lead to the dynamics of social groups in society.

3. Mc Quail

The definition of the sociology of communication is the ongoing relationship of social interaction in a wide-reaching society, such as the use of mass media. This relationship lasts for a certain period of time so that it becomes very influential in society.

Conclusion Meaning

From the explanation it can be concluded that the notion of the sociology of communication in general is a lesson and knowledge in society, which specifically provides an overview of the forms of social interaction in human life.

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Scope of Communication Sociology

As a science, of course the sociology of communication has scope. The scope that becomes the scope of the sociology of communication, among others, is as follows;

1. Structure

The first scope of the sociology of communication is structure, the structure here includes the social interactions of the community in the social order and social class it does.

There is someone who has a good communication structure and there is also someone who has a bad communication structure style, until finally because of this the community can judge how the communication structure is received in social life.

2. Center of attention

The next scope of discussion of the sociology of communication is the center of attention. This center of attention provides insight into the topic of conversation and one’s dominance in communicating in society. Therefore, against this background, the sociology of communication is studied as a science.

3. Community Behavior

The second scope is about the behavior of the community, especially those that are the target of the communicator. This covers the role and value of communication which is carried out as a study in social research methods in society.

4. Mass Communication Effectiveness

The sociology of communication provides steps in the procedure for effectiveness in communicating, the meaning here is the extent of influence in the wider community through communication with mass media, such as newspapers, television, and so on.

5. Social Effects

Finally, what is the scope of the sociology of communication subject is social effects, these social effects are formed between the effects of communication carried out between one person and another, or from one group to another.

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Types of Sociology of Communication

Various kinds of the focus of discussion in the sociology of communication, among others, are as follows;

  • The sociology of communication provides an explanation of communication between individuals and other individuals.
  • Sociology of communication, provides an explanation of group communication
  • Sociology of communication in organizations
  • Sociology of communication in social
  • Sociology of communication in mass media

Benefits of Sociology of Communication

Various forms of benefits that a person learns when focusing on the sociology of communication, include;

  • Provide knowledge and insight regarding good communication procedures
  • Can be easily accepted by society/environment
  • Creates social sensitivity
  • Giving confidence and not inferior in social relations with the community.
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Example of Sociology of Communication

Examples that can be given in the study of the sociology of communication, for example;

1. Differences in Social Status

Differences regarding the social status of a person in society. The higher the social status, the more people usually lose or fade communication with neighbors, parents, or even with relatives. This is because it is influenced by a sense of image or maintaining social status in order to remain honorable.

This research can be said as one of the studies in the sociology of communication, this study is carried out by means of social research. Therefore, as a study of lessons and knowledge, the sociology of communication provides a complete explanation of relations in society.

2. Intercultural Communication

The study of how the process of communication between individuals or groups from different cultures influences perceptions, conflicts, social integration, and acculturation processes within them. Usually, the concept of the study itself focuses on  social processes and social interactions  that are created.

Such is the explanation and discussion regarding  the meaning of the sociology of communication  according to experts, scope, type of study, benefits, and examples. Hopefully this discussion can provide insight and reference for every reader who is studying it.