...Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions.

Sociologys subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to

religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from
social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study is sociologys purpose of
understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures.
Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal lives, our
communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as
romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behavior, aging, and religious faith. At the societal level, sociology
examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education,
business firms, urban community, and social movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population
growth and migration, war and peace, and economic development.
Development sociology does not offer blueprint solutions for problems linked to development. However, it provides training that
enables students to understand and explore the theoretical and practical dimensions of development issues. In our understanding,
development goes beyond poverty reduction, conflict prevention, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Next to these goals,
development also implies social change, the transformation of norms and values and the introduction of new social, economic, and
political structures. These are the key concerns of sociological research into development processes. Since its inception as an
academic discipline, sociology was committed to elucidating questions as to the nature, conditions and possibilities of social change.
Moreover, contemporary processes of transformation in Europe remind us that development sociology cannot be reduced to the
study of developing countries but needs to include industrialized countries as well.
Development sociology comprises three key components:

The sociology of processes of development explores patterns of social change with a view towards the emergence of
modern societies, the inner transformation of modern societies as well as forms of deferred or blocked modernization.

The sociology of developing countries focuses on the sociological analysis of the societies of developing nations in
different social spheres (e.g. family sociology, educational sociology, political sociology, sociology of organizations, religion
etc.) as well as the specific shape of processes of development.

The sociology of development policies and politics examines concepts, political programmes as well as state and nonstate institutions and practices and their consequences.

In all of these three components, development sociology pursues both analytical-theoretical as well as practical-political concerns.
On a conceptual level, development sociology contributes to comparative studies of societies and institutions and develops theories
of social change. On practical and political levels, research in development sociology can form the basis for development policies
and their implementation. Conceptually, development sociology is a sub-discipline of sociology. Simultaneously, it is part of the
interdisciplinary field of development studies (including economics, political science, geography, anthropology etc.).

The Field of Sociology

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Have you ever wondered why individuals and societies are so varied? Do you ask what social forces have shaped different
existences? The quest to understand society is urgent and important, for if we cannot understand the social world, we are more
likely to be overwhelmed by it. We also need to understand social processes if we want to influence them. Sociology can help us to
understand ourselves better, since it examines how the social world influences the way we think, feel, and act. It can also help with
decision-making, both our own and that of larger organizations. Sociologists can gather systematic information from which to make
a decision, provide insights into what is going on in a situation, and present alternatives.
What is Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture. The
term sociology was first used by Frenchman Auguste Compte in the 1830s when he proposed a synthetic science uniting all
knowledge about human activity.[1] In the academic world, sociology is considered one of the social sciences.
[1] Dictionary of the Social Sciences, Article: Sociology. Edited by Craig Calhoun. 2002. New York : Oxford University Press.
What Do Sociologists Study?
Sociologists study all things human, from the interactions between two people to the complex relationships between nations or
multinational corporations. While sociology assumes that human actions are patterned, individuals still have room for
choices. Becoming aware of the social processes that influence the way humans think, feel, and behave plus having the will to act
can help individuals to shape the social forces they face.
The Origins of Sociology
Sociologists believe that our social surroundings influence thought and action. For example, the rise of the social sciences
developed in response to social changes. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Europeans were exploring the world and
voyagers returned from Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the South Seas with amazing stories of other societies and
civilizations. Widely different social practices challenged the view that European life reflected the natural order of God.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Western Europe was rocked by technical, economic, and social changes that forever
changed the social order. Science and technology were developing rapidly. James Watt invented the steam engine in 1769, and in
1865 Joseph Lister discovered that an antiseptic barrier could be placed between a wound and germs in the atmosphere to inhibit
infection. These and other scientific developments spurred social changes and offered hope that scientific methods might help
explain the social as well as the natural world. This trend was part of a more general growth in rationalism.
The industrial revolution began in Britain in the late eighteenth century. By the late nineteenth century, the old order was collapsing
under the twin blows of industrialism and revolutionary democracy (Nisbet, 1966: 21). Mechanical industry was growing, and
thousants of people were migrating to cities to work in the new factories. People once rooted in the land and social communities
where they farmed found themselves crowded into cities. The traditional authority of the church, the village, and the family were
being undermined by impersonal factory and city life.

Sociology was taught by that name for the first time at the
University of Kansas in 1890 by Frank Blackmar, under the
course title Elements of Sociology, where it remains the
oldest continuing sociology course in the United States.
The first academic department of sociology was
established in 1892 at the University of Chicago by Albion
W. Small, who in 1895 founded the American Journal of
Sociology.

The first European department of sociology was founded in 1895 at

theUniversity of Bordeaux by mile
Durkheim,
founder
of L'AnneSociologique (1896). The first sociology department to be
established in the United Kingdomwas at the London School of Economics
and Political Science (home of the British Journal of Sociology) in 1904.

In 1919 a sociology departme nt was established in

Germany at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich
by Max Weber, and in 1920 by Florian Znaniecki.

International cooperation in sociology began in 1893 when Ren Worms founded the Institut International de Sociologie, which was
later eclipsed by the much larger International Sociological Association(ISA), founded in 1949. In 1905, the American Sociological
Association, the world's largest association of professional sociologists, was founded, and in 1909 the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr
Soziologie (German Society for Sociology) was founded by Ferdinand Tnnies and Max Weber, among others.
Sociology Today
Sociology is now taught and studied in all continents of the world. Examples from 48 countries in the world have been collected
atMcMaster University.
The Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences!
Sociology is a science of society. As a social science it attempts to study social life as a whole. But for the understanding of social
life as a whole sociology requires the help of other social sciences which studies a particular aspect of society. Economics studies
the economic aspects whereas political science studies political aspects.

Image Courtesy : maxwell.syr.edu/uploadedImages/Homepage/Homepage_Main_Slide/undergrad2.jpg

Hence it is obvious that other social sciences are closely related to sociology. Sociology is considered as the mother of social
sciences. Besides sociology synthesizes other social sciences. Hence there exists a very close and intimate relationship between
Sociology and other social sciences. For our precise understanding of the relationship between sociology and other social sciences
we have to discuss them individually, which are discussed below:
Sociology and Political Science:
As a mother of social sciences Sociology has close and intimate relationship with all other social science. Hence it has close
relationship with political science as well. Their relationship is so close and intimate that led G.E.C. Catlin to remark Political

Science and Sociology are two faces or aspects of the same figure. Similarly other scholars could not find any difference between
the two disciplines.
Sociology is a Science of society. It is a science of social groups and social institutions. It is a general science of society. It studies
human interaction and inter-relations their conditions and consequences. Political Science is a science of state and Government. It
studies power, political processes, political systems, types of government and international relations. It deals with social groups
organised under the sovereign of the state.
In the words of Paul Junet, Political Science is that part of social science which treats the foundation of the state and principles of
government. It studies the political activities of man. It only studies the organised society. However their inter-relationship and interdependence can be known from interdependence and mutual relationship.
Sociology depends on political science. In the words of Morris Ginsberg, Historically Sociology has its main roots in politics and
philosophy of history. Sociology greatly benefited by the books written by political scientists like Plato, Aristotle and Kautilya such as
The Republic, The Politics and Arthasastra respectively.
Each and every social problem has a political cause. Political Science is a part of sociology. Hence sociology depends on political
science to comprehend itself. To understand different political events sociology takes the help from political science. Sociology to
draw its conclusions depends on political science. Any change in the political system or nature of power structure brings changes in
society. Hence Sociology takes the help of political science to understand the changes in society. Hence both are inter-dependent.
Similarly political science also depends on Sociology. Political Science is a part of sociology. To understand the part it is necessary
to understand the whole. Almost all political problems has a social cause and for the solution of these political problems political
science takes the help of sociology.
State frames its rules, regulations and laws on the basis of social customs, tradition and values. Without Sociological background
the study of political science will be incomplete. Political Scientists largely benefited by the researches and research methods of the
Sociologist. Some consider political science as a branch of Sociology. State is considered as a social group hence is a subject of
Sociology.
Besides, there are some common topics which are being studied by both the subjects. These topics are War, Propaganda, authority,
communal riots and law. With the help of both political science and sociology a new subject comes into existence which is known as
political sociology. Some political events like war are also significant social events.
Thus both political science and sociology contribute to each other. But inspite of their inter-relationship and inter-dependence both
the sciences differ from each other in the following way.
Differences:
(1) Sociology is a science of society and social relationship whereas political science is a science of state and government.
(2) The scope of sociology is very wide but scope of political science is limited.
(3) Sociology is a general science but political science is a special science.
(4) Sociology studied organised, unorganized and disorganized society whereas political science studies only politically organised
society.
(5) Sociology studies the social activities of man whereas political science studies political activities of man.
(6) Sociology is a new or young science but political science is an older science.
(7) Sociology studies man as a social animal whereas political science studies man as a political animal.
(8) Sociology studies both formal and informal relations whereas political science studies only formal relations.
(9) Sociology analyses both conscious and unconscious activities of man whereas political science analyses only conscious
activities of man.
(10) Sociology deals with all forms of association whereas political science deals with only one form of association named state.
Sociology and History:

As a mother of social sciences sociology has close and intimate relationship with all other social sciences. Accordingly it has close
relationship with history. Because present society bears symbols of past. Relationship between the two is so close and intimate that
scholars like G. Von Bulow have refused to acknowledge sociology as a science distinct from history.
Sociology is the science of society. It is a study of systems of social action and their inter-relations. Sociology is a science of social
groups and social institutions. History studies the important past events and incidents. It records men past life and life of societies in
a systematic and chronological order. It also tries to find out the causes of past events. It also studies the past political, social and
economic events of the world.
It not only studies the past but also establishes relations with present and future. That is why it is said that History is the microscope
of the past, the horoscope of the present and telescope of the future.
However, both the sciences are closely inter-related and interdependent on each other. Both study the same human society. Their
mutual dependence led G.H. Howard to remark that, History is past Sociology and Sociology is present history. Both takes help
from each other. At the same time one depends on the other for its own comprehension.
History helps and enriches Sociology. History is the store house of knowledge from which Sociology gained a lot. History provides
materials sociologists use. History is a record of past social matters, social customs and information about different stages of life.
Sociology uses this information. Books written by historians like A. Toynbee are of great use for Sociologists. To know the impact of
a particular past event sociology depends on history.
Similarly Sociology also provides help to history and enriches it. A historian greatly benefited from the research conducted by
Sociologists. Historians now study caste, class and family by using sociological data. Sociology provides the background for the
study of history.
Now history is being studied from Sociological angle. Every historical event has a social cause or social background. To understand
that historical event history need the help from Sociology and Sociology helps history in this respect. Sociology provides facts on
which historians rely on.
Thus history and Sociology are mutually dependent on each other. History is now being studied from Sociological angle and
Sociology also now studied from historical point of view. Historical sociology now became a new branch of Sociology which depends
on history. Similarly Sociological history is another specialized subject which based on both the Sciences. But in spite of the above
close relationship and inter-dependence both the sciences differ from each other from different angles which are described below.
Differences:
(1) Sociology is a science of society and is concerned with the present society. But history deals with the past events and studies
the past society.
(2) Sociology is a modern or new subject whereas history is an older social science.
(3) Sociology is abstract whereas history is concrete in nature.
(4) The scope of Sociology is very wide whereas the scope of history is limited. Sociology includes history within its scope.
(5) Sociology is an analytical science whereas history is a descriptive science.
(6) Attitude of sociology and history differ from each other. Sociology studies a particular event as a social phenomenon whereas
history studies a particular event in its entirety.
(7) Sociology is a general science whereas history is a special science.
Sociology and Economics:
Sociology is mother of all social sciences. Hence it has close relationship with all social sciences and so also with Economics. The
relationship of sociology with economics is very close, intimate and personal. There exists close relationship between these two
because economic relationships bear a close relation to social activities and relationships. Likewise social relationships are also
affected by economic relationships. Economic activities to a great extent are social activities. Hence both are mutually related.
Sociology is a science of society. It is concerned with the association of human beings. Sociology is the study of human interactions
and inter-relations their conditions and consequences. But Economics deals with economic activities of man. It is a science of
wealth and choice. According to Prof. Robbins Economics is a social science which studies human behavior in relation to his
unlimited ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. It is concerned with the activities of man such as production,

consumption, distribution and exchange. It also studies the structure and functions of different economic organizations like banks,
markets etc. It is concerned with the material needs of man as well as his material welfare.
However, there exists a great deal of inter-relationship between these two sciences. Both are interdependent and inter-related with
each other. Because of this inter-relationship Thomas opines that, Economics is, in fact, but one branch of Sociology. Similarly
Silverman opines Economics is regarded as offshoot of sociology which studies the general principles of all social relations. Their
inter-relationships are as follows:
Economics takes the help of Sociology. For its own comprehension economics takes the help of sociology and depends on it.
Economics is a part of Sociology hence without the help from sociology economics cant understand itself completely. Economics is
concerned with material welfare of man which is common welfare.
Economic welfare is a part of social welfare. For the solution of different economic problems such as inflation, poverty,
unemployment etc. economists takes the help of sociology and takes into account the social events of that particular time. At the
same time society controls the economic activities of man. Economics is greatly benefited by the research conducted by
Sociologists like Max-weber, Pareto etc. Some economists also consider economic change as an aspect of social change.
Economic draws its generalization basing on the data provided by Sociology. Thus economics cannot go far or develop without the
help of Sociology.
Similarly Sociology also takes the help from economics. Economics greatly enriches sociological knowledge. An economic factor
greatly influences each and every aspects of social life. Economics is a part of sociology hence without the help of economics we
cant understand sociology properly.
Knowledge and research in the field of economics greatly contributes to sociology. Each and every social problem has an economic
cause. For the solution of social problems like dowry, suicide etc. Sociologists take the help from economics.
Marx opines economic relations constitute the foundation of Society. Economic factors play a very important role in every aspect of
our social life that is why Sociologists concerned with economic institutions. For this reason Sociologists like Spencer, Weber,
Durkheim and others have taken the help from economics in their analysis of social relationships.
Thus both sociology and economics are very closely related with each other. There are some problems which are being studied by
both sociologists and economists. Economic changes results in social changes and vice versa. However, inspite of the above
closeness, inter-relationship and inter-dependence both the sciences have certain differences which are described below:
Differences:
(1) Sociology is a science of society and social relationships whereas economics is a science of wealth and choice.
(2) Sociology is a much younger science which has very recent origin whereas economics is comparatively an older science.
(3) Sociology is an abstract science whereas economics is concrete in nature.
(4) Sociology is a general social science whereas economics is a special social science.
(5) The scope of sociology is very wide whereas the scope of economics is very limited.
(6) Sociology is concerned with the social activities of man whereas economics is concerned with the economic activities of man.
(7) Society is studied as a unit of study in Sociology whereas man is taken as a unit of study in economics.
(8) Both Sociology and economics differ from each other in respect of the methods and techniques they use for their study.
Sociology and Psychology:
Sociology is a science of society. Hence it is closely related to other social sciences and so also with psychology. Sociology and
Psychology are very closely interlinked interrelated and interdependent. Relationship between the two is so close and intimate that
Psychologist like Karl Pearson refuses to accept both as special science. Both depend on each other for their own comprehension.
Their relationship will be clear if we analyze their inter-relationship and mutual dependency.
Sociology is a science of social phenomena and social relationship. It is a science of social group and social institutions. It is a
science of collective behavior. It studies human behavior in groups. But psychology is a science of mind or mental processes.

It is a science of human behavior. It analyses attitudes, emotions, perception, process of learning and values of individuals and
process of personality formation in society. In the words of Thouless Psychology is the positive science of human experience and
behavior. But both the sciences are closely related to each other which can be known from the following.
Sociology receives help from Psychology. Psychology is a part of sociology hence without the help from Psychology Sociology cant
understand itself fully and properly. There are many psychologists like Freud, MacDougal and others who have enrich Sociology in
many respects. They opines that the whole social life could be reduced finally to psychological forces. Each and every social
problems and social phenomenon must have a psychological basis for the solution of which sociology requires the help from
psychology. A new branch of knowledge has developed with the combination of sociology and psychology which is known as social
psychology.
Similarly, psychology depends on Sociology to comprehend itself fully. Psychology also requires help from sociology in many cases.
As human mind and personality is being influenced by social environment, culture, customs and traditions hence psychology take
the help from Sociology to understand this.
To understand human nature and behaviour properly psychology depends on sociology. There are many Psychological problems
which must have a Social Cause. Psychology requires the help from Sociology to understand these social problems. A research in
Sociology richly contributes to psychology. Contributions and theories of many Sociologists also are of great help to Psychologists.
Thus Sociology and Psychology are mutually dependent on each other. One cant comprehend itself without the help from others.
Besides there are some common area of study such as social disorganization, public opinion etc. which are being studied by both
Sociologists and Psychologists. Social Psychology a branch of
Psychology is developed with the combination of the two. In the words of Kretch and Crutchfield Social Psychology is the science of
behaviour of the individuals in society.
Differences:
However, inspite of the mutual relationship and dependence both the sciences differ from each other in the following ways.
(1) Sociology is a science of society but Psychology is a science of mind.
(2) Scope of Sociology is wide whereas scope of Psychology is limited.
(3) Society is the unit of study in sociology but individual is the unit of study in case of Psychology.
(4) Sociology studies social processes whereas Psychology studies mental processes.
(5) Sociology studies and analyses human behavior from Sociological angle whereas psychology studies and analyses human
behavior from Psychological angles.
Sociology and Anthropology:
Sociology is the mother of all social sciences. Hence it has close and intimate relationship with Anthropology. The relationship is so
close that Anthropologists like A.L. Kroeber consider Sociology and Anthropology as twin sisters. They often appear as two names
for the same subject. R. Reddfield recognizes the closeness between these two social sciences.
Sociology is a science of society. It studies behavior of man in groups. The term Sociology has been derived from the Latin word
Socius means society, companion or association and the Greek word logos means study or science. Hence Sociology is
concerned with the association of human beings. It is a science that deals with social groups.
Similarly the term Anthropology is derived from two Greek words anthropos meaning man and logos meaning study or science.
Accordingly anthropology means study of man. As a science of man it deals with man, his works and behavior. Anthropology studies
the biological and cultural development of man. Anthropology has a wide field of study which can be broadly divided into three main
divisions such as physical anthropology. Archeology cultural anthropology and social anthropology. Physical anthropology studies
bodily characteristics of early man and thereby try to understand both primitive and modern cultures.
Archeology studies cultures of pre-historic period. This study facilitates sociologists to make a comparative study of present social
structure. It is concerned with the early periods of human existence. It reconstructs the origin, spread and evolution of culture by
examining the remains of the past societies. Social anthropology deals with the behaviour of man in social institutions. Social
anthropology and sociology are one and the same. Evan Pritchard considers social anthropology as a branch of Sociology.
Mutual Help:

However there exists a very close and intimate relationship between Sociology and Anthropology. Both contribute to the growth of
others. Both are mutually related to each other. Of course Sociology studies society whereas anthropology studies man. But as man
and society are mutually interrelated hence it is very difficult to distinguish two. However their close relationship can be known from
the following.
Anthropology contributes to the growth of Sociology. Without the help of anthropology the study of Sociology cant be complete. It is
a part of Sociology. Anthropology provides knowledge about ancient societies. To have a comprehensive understanding of present
society Sociology takes the help of anthropology. Contributions of many Anthropologists like R. Brown, Linton, Mead and Pritchard
enriches sociological knowledges. The origin of family, marriage, religion etc. can be better understood through anthropological
knowledge. The concepts like cultural area, cultural traits, and cultural lag etc. sociology accept from anthropology.
Sociology accepts the anthropological conclusion that racial superiority is not responsible for mental development. Thus Sociology
is greatly benefited by anthropological studies.
Similarly, Sociology contributes richly towards the growth of anthropology. Anthropology accepts many concepts of Sociology.
Research and contributions of many Sociologists like Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer is of great help to anthropology.
Anthropologists greatly benefited by the Sociological researches. Ideas and conclusions of Sociology contributes to the research in
anthropology.
Thus there exists a great deal of relationship between Sociology and Anthropology. Both study human society and both are
concerned with all kinds of social groups like families, friends, tribes etc. Many of the ideas and concepts are used in both the
discipline. Hence both are interrelated and interdependent. But in spite of the inter-relationship both differ from each other.
Differences:
(1) Sociology is a science of society whereas anthropology is a science of man and his behavior.
(2) The scope of Sociology is very wide whereas the scope of Anthropology is very limited. Because anthropology is a part of
Sociology.
(3) Sociology studies society as a whole whereas anthropology studies man as a part of society.
(4) Sociology studies civilizations which are vast and dynamic on the other hand Anthropology studies cultures which are small and
static.
(5) Sociology studies modern, civilized and complex societies whereas Anthropology studies ancient and non-literate societies.
(6) Sociology is concerned with social planning whereas anthropology is not concerned with social planning. On the basis of social
planning sociology make suggestion for future but anthropology do not make any suggestion for future.
(7)In the words of Kluckhon, The Sociological attitude has tended towards the Practical and Present, the anthropological towards
pure understanding of the past.