Sociological Studies: Analysis of Joel M. Charon's Article What Does It Mean to Be Human

There are numerous researches focused on understanding human beings. The studies include psychology, social, medical, and scientific discoveries enhancing knowledge about people. With this information, other researches progress aimed at developing more appreciation about man, his/her characters, and influences to other people and the environment. Discourses on learning about humans broadly consider human nature, culture, and social aspects. The elements are imperative in facilitating human functions and experiences with personality both within and outside ourselves. As such, humans are unique and special as a species.

Summary and Critical Analysis

The article by Joel M. Charon questions what is a human being? And what unique features separate humans from the rest of other species? Also important is the authors’ curiosity in discovering the similarities and differences between humans and other species (Charon, 2011). In particular, the author addresses the diverging views about the man in psychology, religion, philosophy, and sociology. With a focus on sociology, the article discusses how cultural and social characteristics in humans develop to influence the unique and special qualities of man (Charon, 2011). Here, both qualities establish specific research concepts.

However, of interest is the definition of the terminologies as an outcome of the interrelationship between cultural and social factors (Charon, 2011). As such, cultural features develop from social life, while progress throughout social life relies on cultural expressions. In this way, both elements share a relationship with significant impacts on the outcome. To explore the particular questions of interest, the author applies a mixed method approach combining secondary sources with quantitative design (Charon, 2011). The method integrates knowledge from various primary and secondary sources with information on cause and effect relationships.

Argument

The author argues human beings are socially dependent on others for survival. Evidence from both infants and adults attest to the social nature of man by discussing differences between individuals provided with love and support against those who are not (Charon, 2011). Furthermore, socialization is an imperative quality teaching man on ways to survive and form basic qualities (Charon, 2011). An example is learning how to cope with the environment, other people, and personality traits. The imperative is the qualities, selfhood, thinking, and use of symbols as interrelating and enabling man to become human (Charon, 2011).

These abilities develop from social context through interaction and develop throughout life. On the concept of human beings as cultural, the authors’ argument center on social organizations of man and the differences in other animal species (Charon, 2011). Here, culture defines the beliefs, values, and ideas; creating understanding and self-control in society (Charon, 2011). This way, culture supports meaning in life and present unique characteristics of humans.

Conclusion and Reflection

The article concludes being human is about social and cultural aspects. Therefore, humans have diverse abilities reinforced through social interactions. Moreover, interactions promote the survival and development of individual qualities (Charon, 2011). This way, the author cautions against the sole dependency on biological research to explain human qualities and differences. It is from this view and the well-written and developed study, that I support the arguments in the article. Further, it addresses crucial aspects in sociology characterizing man and providing insights on his/her uniqueness.

However, the article quality of research needs improvement, with a focus on integrating recent research. Also, there is a need to include important theories to support the authors’ opinion. Nonetheless, humans remain unique and special species.