Sociology is perhaps one of the most complex social science disciplines. Unlike its sister disciplines (politics, economics and anthropology), sociology does not fit neatly into an overarching field with well-defined subject matter and methods; instead it has taken various divergent pathways leading to different perspectives on human social life that can help address any aspect of our world--be it street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, welfare or education reform or family differences and dynamics. Sociology's founders spent decades searching for an appropriate direction for their new discipline. They explored several paths based on existing social sciences or devised by scholars themselves, all without success. Sociologists have historically explored patterns of human social behavior and its influencing forces from small groups and personal relationships to larger societies and nations. While sociology's field may be dynamic and unpredictable, understanding its inner workings can assist people in making more informed choices regarding their lives. An essential method of sociological research is survey work - collecting information through interviews and questionnaires. Sociologist Emile Durkheim used police district suicide statistics to demonstrate that differences in suicide rates between Catholic and Protestant communities could be explained more by cultural than psychological or biological causes. Sociologists use their sociological imagination tool as another means of studying culture by viewing actions and experiences within historical and societal structures.

Many believe the main cause of gender inequality during economic crises is due to a traditional societal mindset which considers masculine traits and attributes the norm. Indeed, persistent beliefs regarding women's role and relationships with men impede progress toward an equal world. This phenomenon becomes even more apparent during times of conflict and hardship such as health crises, climate disasters or war. Gender inequality stems from discriminatory laws, attitudes and stereotypes that limit women's access to opportunities in all facets of life - from education at all levels, workforce participation and business ownership through to maternal health services, poverty levels and political participation as well as human rights fulfillment. By investing in and empowering female talents we will advance economic development. Women often face persistent barriers in the workplace, including unequal pay, unequal promotion opportunities and sexual harassment, Covid-19 added further hardship by prompting some women - particularly mothers of young children - to either downshift their careers or leave altogether, leaving them more susceptible to burnout and low morale. Women are less likely than men to be recommended for employment by their networks, making gender equality all the more elusive. Women deserve to make decisions for their own lives without considerations of sex weighing on or constraining those choices.