The development of sociology as a distinct academic discipline emerged from several

interconnected intellectual, social, and historical factors in the 19th century.

1. Intellectual Roots. The Enlightenment period, with its emphasis on reason, science, and
critical thinking, laid the groundwork for sociology. Philosophers such as Auguste
Comte, often considered the father of sociology, sought to apply scientific methods to the
study of society. Comte coined the term "sociology" and aimed to create a systematic
study of society that could improve social conditions and guide social reform (Comte,
1830-1842).

2. Industrial Revolution. The rapid social and economic changes brought about by the
Industrial Revolution significantly influenced the development of sociology. The
transformation from agrarian societies to industrial urban centers led to new social
problems, such as class conflict, poverty, and inequality. Sociologists aimed to
understand these issues and the effects of industrialization on social structures and
relationships (Giddens et al, 2017).

3. Political Revolutions. The French Revolution and other political upheavals of the late
18th and early 19th centuries highlighted the need for a systematic analysis of social and
political change. These revolutions questioned traditional authority and inspired thinkers
to explore the dynamics of social change and its implications for society (Marx & Engels,
1848).

4. Scientific Advancements. Advances in the natural sciences and the scientific method
influenced the approach to studying society. The application of empirical research and
quantitative methods became central to sociology, aiming to understand social
phenomena through observation and data analysis (Durkheim, 1893).

The founding fathers of sociology are generally considered to be Auguste Comte, Karl Marx,
Émile Durkheim, and Max Weber. Each made significant contributions to the development of
sociology as a distinct discipline.

1. Auguste Comte. Often credited with coining the term "sociology," Comte aimed to
develop a scientific approach to the study of society. He proposed a "science of society"
 that would apply the methods of the natural sciences to social phenomena, with the goal
of improving society and guiding social reform (Comte, 1830-1842).

2. Karl Marx. Marx’s work focused on the role of economic structures in shaping society.
His analysis of class struggle, historical materialism, and the critique of capitalism laid
the groundwork for conflict theory in sociology. His influential works include The
Communist Manifesto (with Friedrich Engels) and Das Kapital (Marx & Engels, 1848;
Marx, 1867).

3. Émile Durkheim. Durkheim established sociology as a formal academic discipline by

emphasizing the importance of social facts and collective norms. His work on social
cohesion, the division of labor, and the study of suicide introduced rigorous
methodologies and solidified sociology's place in the social sciences (Durkheim, 1893;
Durkheim, 1897).

4. Max Weber. Weber contributed significantly with his analysis of the role of religion in
social and economic development, and his concept of the "Protestant Ethic" as a driver of
capitalism. His work on bureaucracy, authority, and social action provided a
comprehensive framework for understanding complex social processes (Weber, 1905;
Weber, 1922).

Sociology is concerned with understanding and addressing various aspects of human social
behavior, interactions, and structures. Its contributions to society are multifaceted and include:

1. Understanding Social Behavior. Sociology provides insights into how individuals and
groups interact within various social contexts. By studying patterns of behavior, social
norms, and group dynamics, sociologists can help explain phenomena such as
cooperation, conflict, and social change (Giddens et al., 2017).

2. Addressing Social Problems. Sociology aims to identify and analyze social issues such as
inequality, poverty, and crime. Through research and theoretical frameworks, sociologists
contribute to developing policies and interventions that address these problems and
improve social conditions (Macionis, 2017).
 3. Guiding Social Policy. Sociological research informs the development of social policies
and programs. By providing empirical data and theoretical insights, sociology helps
policymakers understand the potential impacts of their decisions and design more
effective interventions (Coleman, 1990).

4. Enhancing Social Integration. Sociology studies how different social groups and
institutions contribute to social cohesion and integration. Understanding these processes
helps in fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society (Durkheim, 1893).

5. Promoting Social Change. Sociology investigates the processes and drivers of social
change, including movements for civil rights, gender equality, and environmental
sustainability. This knowledge supports efforts to create progressive social
transformations (Tilly, 2004).

Sociology is founded on several basic premises that guide its study of society and social
behavior:

1. Social Structure and Social Interaction. Sociology examines how social structures (like
institutions, norms, and roles) and social interactions shape individual behavior and
societal functions. Social structures provide the framework within which interactions
occur, influencing both individual actions and collective phenomena (Giddens et al.,
2017).

2. Social Construction of Reality. This premise asserts that reality is socially constructed
through human interaction and interpretation. Sociologists explore how perceptions of
reality are shaped by social processes and cultural contexts, influencing how individuals
understand and respond to their world (Berger & Luckmann, 1966).

3. Role of Social Institutions. Sociology investigates how various social institutions (such as
family, education, religion, and government) contribute to social order and stability, and
how they impact individual and collective behavior. Institutions are seen as crucial in
maintaining societal norms and addressing social needs (Giddens et al., 2017).

4. Social Change and Social Stability. Sociologists study both the mechanisms of social
change and the forces that contribute to social stability. They analyze how societies
 evolve over time and how changes in social structures and institutions affect individuals
and groups (Durkheim, 1893).

5. Social Inequality. This premise focuses on understanding the distribution of resources

and power within society. Sociologists examine how inequalities based on class, race,
gender, and other factors affect life chances and social relations (Macionis, 2017).

6. Agency and Structure. Sociology explores the relationship between individual agency
(the capacity for individuals to act independently) and social structures (the constraints
and opportunities provided by social systems). This interaction shapes both individual
experiences and broader social outcomes (Giddens, 1984).

Sociology and economics share several similarities in their approach to understanding society,
although they focus on different aspects of social life. Here are some key similarities:

1. Focus on Social Behavior. Both sociology and economics examine how individuals and
groups make decisions and interact within social systems. Sociology explores broader
social behaviors and institutions, while economics typically focuses on decision-making
related to resource allocation and market behavior (Giddens et al., 2017; Mankiw, 2018).

2. Analysis of Social Structures. Both disciplines analyze the impact of social structures on
behavior. Sociology looks at how institutions like family, education, and religion shape
social life, whereas economics examines how institutions like markets, governments, and
regulations influence economic activity and outcomes (Durkheim, 1893; Mankiw, 2018).

3. Use of Theoretical Models. Both fields use theoretical models to explain and predict
social phenomena. Sociology employs theories such as functionalism and conflict theory
to understand societal functions and conflicts, while economics uses models like supply
and demand to analyze market behaviors and economic outcomes (Giddens et al., 2017;
Mankiw, 2018).

4. Empirical Research Methods. Both disciplines rely on empirical research methods to

gather data and test hypotheses. Sociologists and economists use quantitative and
qualitative methods to analyze data and draw conclusions about social and economic
processes (Macionis, 2017; Mankiw, 2018).
 5. Influence on Policy. Both fields contribute to public policy and social change.
Sociologists provide insights into social issues and human behavior, while economists
offer analyses related to economic policy and resource management. Their findings often
inform government policies and social programs (Giddens et al., 2017; Mankiw, 2018).

Sociology and economics, while overlapping in some areas, differ significantly in their focus,
methods, and theoretical frameworks. Here are key differences:

1. Focus of Study

Sociology: Primarily concerned with understanding social behavior, institutions, and structures.
It explores how these elements shape individual and group interactions and the functioning of
society as a whole (Giddens et al., 2017). Sociologists study a wide range of social phenomena
including culture, family dynamics, and social inequality.

Economics: Focuses on the allocation of resources, production, distribution, and consumption of

goods and services. It examines how individuals and institutions make decisions regarding
resources under conditions of scarcity (Mankiw, 2018). Economists analyze market behaviors,
economic policies, and financial systems.

2. Theoretical Approaches

Sociology: Employs theories such as functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism
to understand social phenomena. These theories offer different perspectives on how societies
operate and how individuals interact within them (Giddens et al., 2017).

Economics: Uses theories like supply and demand, market equilibrium, and utility maximization
to explain economic behaviors and market outcomes. These theories are often grounded in
mathematical models and focus on efficiency and optimization (Mankiw, 2018).

3. Research Methods

Sociology: Utilizes both qualitative methods (such as interviews, ethnographies, and case
studies) and quantitative methods (such as surveys and statistical analyses) to explore social
phenomena and understand social patterns (Macionis, 2017).
Economics. Predominantly uses quantitative methods, including statistical analyses and
econometric models, to study economic data and test hypotheses. It often relies on mathematical
and statistical tools to make predictions and analyze trends (Mankiw, 2018).

4. Nature of Analysis

Sociology. Often emphasizes the social context and broader societal impacts of phenomena. It
looks at how social structures and cultural norms influence behavior and vice versa (Durkheim,
1893).

Economics: Typically focuses on individual and institutional decision-making processes and the
efficiency of resource allocation. It often assumes rational behavior and seeks to understand how
economic incentives affect decisions (Mankiw, 2018).

5. Goals and Applications

Sociology: Aims to understand and address social issues, promote social justice, and inform
social policies related to inequality, family, education, and more (Giddens et al., 2017).

Economics: Seeks to improve economic efficiency, inform policy decisions related to fiscal and
monetary policy, and understand economic growth and development (Mankiw, 2018).
REFFERENCE

Durkheim, É. (1893). The Division of Labor in Society. Paris: Alcan.

Giddens, et al., (2017). Introduction to Sociology (10th ed.). Seagull ed. New York: W.W.

Norton & Company.

Macionis, J. J. (2017). Sociology (16th ed.). Pearson.

Mankiw, N. G. (2018). Principles of Economics (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.