Bravo! I earned a PhD in sociology in the 1980s, but never pursued an academic career. After being a science journalist and then editor, I moved into graphic design and ultimately devoted the last decade of my career to UX design, for SpeakAgent and then PBS.

Obviously, I concur with your assessment of the need to bring in the sociological perspective to UX work! I found it invaluable in helping me think through larger design issues. You captured what sociology brings to the table very well.