Sociology

Auguste Comte, the founding father of sociology, defines
sociology as the science of social phenomena "subject to natural

and invariable laws, the discovery of which is the object of
investigation
Max Weber defines sociology as "the science which

attempts the interpretative understanding
of social action in order thereby to arrive at a casual
explanation of its course and effects
Sociology as a social science

Sociology is one of the members of the family of Social Sciences. As a
young social science, it has acquired a distinct status for itself
Like all other social sciences, sociology also is concerned with

the life and activities of man. It studies the nature and
character of human society. It analyses the group life of man
and examines the bonds of social unity.
Sociology also discovers the fundamental conditions of social

stability and social change. It analyses the influence of
economic, political, technological, cultural and other forces and
factors on man and his life. It throws more light on various
social problems like poverty, beggary, over-population, crime,
unemployment, etc.
Factors Leading to the Emergence of
Sociology
The Industrial Revolution that took place first in England during
the 18th century brought about sweeping changes throughout
Europe. Never before in history did social change take place on
such a massive scale. Sociology emerged in the context of the
sweeping changes.
The simple rural life and small-scale home industries were
replaced by complex urban life and mass production of goods.
Industrialisation led to urbanisation. Peasants left rural areas and
flocked to the towns, where they worked as industrial laborers under
dangerous conditions. Cities grew at an unprecedented rate providing
an anonymous environment for people. Social problems became
rampant in developing cities.
Inspiration from the Growth of Natural Sciences
The nineteenth century was a period in which natural sciences had
made much progress. The success attained by the natural scientists
inspired and even tempted a good number of social thinkers to emulate
their example. If their methods could be successful in the physical world
to understand physical or natural phenomena, could they not be applied
successfully to the social world to understand social phenomena? As an
answer to this question Comte, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber and others
successfully demonstrated that these methods could be used to study
the social world
Inspiration provided by the radically diverse societies and cultures of

the colonial empires
The colonial powers of Europe were exposed to different types of
societies and cultures in the colonial empires. Their exposure to such
diversities in societies and cultures provided an intellectual challenge
for the social scientists of the day. The new science of society called
"sociology" had emerged as an independent science.
Sociology in india
Sociology was introduced to India as an academic discipline only after
World War I.Since then, being closely allied with anthropology, it has
been forging ahead in India. Some prominent sociologists of our
country like G.S. Ghurye, R.K. Mukherjee, D.P. Mukherjee, Humayun
Kabir, K.M. Kapadia, R.N. Saxena, Mrs. Iravati Larve, Benoy K. Sarkar, A.
Aiyappan, D.N. Majumdar, M.N. Srinivas, A.R. Desai and others have
contributed their mite to the enrichment of the discipline.
Nature of sociology
. Sociology is an Independent Science
Sociology has now emerged into an independent science. It is not
treated and studied as a branch of any other science like philosophy or
political philosophy or history. As an independent science it has its own
field of study, boundary and method.
2. Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Science
Sociology belongs to the family of social sciences and not to the family
of physical sciences. As a social science, it concentrates its attention on
man, his social behavior, social activities, and social life.
3. Sociology is a Categorical and not a Normative Discipline
Sociology "confines itself to statements about what is, not what should
be or ought to be". "As a science, sociology is necessarily silent about
questions of value. It does not make any kind of value judgments. Its
approach is neither moral
nor immoral but amoral. It is ethically neutral.
Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied Science
The main aim of pure sciences is the acquisition of knowledge and
it is not bothered whether the acquired knowledge is useful or can
be put to use. On the other hand, the aim of applied science is to
apply the acquired knowledge to life and to put it to use.
5. Sociology is a rational and empirical science: There
are two broad ways of approaches to scientific knowledge:
one is empiricism and the other is rationalism. Empiricism
emphasizes experiences and facts that result from
observation and experiment. Rationalism stresses reason and theories
that result from logical inference. In sociological inquiry, both are
significant.
Importance of sociology
Sociology makes a scientific study of society:
Sociology has made it possible to study society in a systematic and
scientific manner. Scientific knowledge about human society is needed
in order to achieve progress in various fields.
2. Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man: Sociology
delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social
animal and why he lives in groups. It examines the relationships
between individuals and the society.
3. Sociology improves our understanding of society and increases the
power of social action:
The science of society assists an individual in understanding himself, his
capacities, talents, and limitations. It enables him to adjust to the
environment. Knowledge of society and social groups helps us to lead
an effective social life.
4. Sociology has contributed generously to enhancing the value of
human culture:
Sociology has trained us to build a rational approach to questions that
concern ourselves, our religion, and our customs. It teaches one to
have an object-oriented and balanced approach. It emphasizes the
importance of ignoring petty personal prejudices and ambitions that
are influenced by ego and envy.
5. Sociology studies the role of institutions in the development of the
individual:
The home and family, school and education, church and religion, states
and government, and marriage and family are important institutions a
society functions through.
6.Sociological knowledge is indispensable for understanding and
planning of society:
Sociological planning has been made easier by sociology. Sociology is
often considered a vehicle of social reform and social organization. It
plays an important role in the reconstruction of the society.
1. The need for sociology in underdeveloped countries:

Sociologists have drawn the attention of economists regarding the
social factors that have contributed to the economic backwardness of a
few countries. Economists have now realized the importance of
sociological knowledge in analyzing the economic affairs of a country.
Sociology is a vital social science that provides

valuable insights into society, human behavior, and
social change. With its interdisciplinary nature and
empirical approach, sociology is an essential tool for
understanding and improving the complexities of
modern society.

Sociology

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Auguste Comte, the founding father of sociology, defines

sociology as the science of social phenomena "subject to natural

Max Weber defines sociology as "the science which

Sociology as a social science

Like all other social sciences, sociology also is concerned with

Sociology also discovers the fundamental conditions of social

Inspiration provided by the radically diverse societies and cultures of

1. The need for sociology in underdeveloped countries:

Sociology is a vital social science that provides

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