SOCIOLOGY
Introduction :-
The term sociology was coined by Augustea Comte, a French philosopher in 1839.
Sociology is the youngest in all the sciences. The word sociology is derived
from the Latin word socitus meaning society and the Greek word logos means study.
Sociology is the study of men's behaviour in groups or of the interaction among human
beings of social relationships and the process by which human group activity takes place.
Definition:-
“Sociology is the science of society or of social phenomena” *L.F ward+
“Sociology is the study of human interaction and their condition and consequences” *M.
Gunsberg+
“Sociology is the study of interaction arising from association of living beings.”
Nature of sociology:-
There are two opposite view about the nature of social science, there is a
controversy about the nature of sociology as a science.
Sociology as not a science -
(i) Lack of experimentation
(ii) Lack of objectivity
(iii) Lack of reactivity
(iv) Terminologically insufficiency
Sociology as a science -
(i) Sociology theory
(ii) Historical theory
(iii) Sociology of family
(iv) Human ecology & Demography
Scope & Branches of Sociology –
Different sociology gave various scopes of sociology,
The main fields are:-
(i) Sociological theory:- It includes the study of sociological concept,
principles and its concepts and theories.
(ii) Historical theory:- It includes social incidences and origin of the present.
(iii) Sociology of family:- It studies the origin, growth, functions, types of family and its
problems like divorce, dowry system etc.
(iv) Human ecology & Demography – It studies the birth rotes, death rates, migration rate
and desert area.
Special branches of sociology -
(i) Educational Sociology:- It includes the rate of education into the society.
Eg. Literacy rate, illiteracy rate, teacher ratio etc.
(ii) Sociology of Religion – Importance of religion is studied in religion sociology it
includes type of religions, their believes, misbelieves and superstations
(iii) Economical Sociology:- It includes poverty rate studies, study of economical issues.
(iv) Sociological Psychology:-It deals with the behavior of an individual influenced by
others and how an individual influences behavior of others.
(v) Cultural Sociology – It is a branch of sociology which studies different cultures, their
folks songs, dance, dress, and eating habits.
(vi) Medical sociology:- It deals with the medical issues of the society, factors affecting
health of the society and sources availability for health.
(vii) Social Psychiatry :- It deals with all abnormal behaviors present in the society and the
cause of that specific behavior.
(viii) Political Sociology:- It deals with the political groups, political nature and effects of
politics on the society.
(ix) Industrial sociology:-It deals with the industrial issues like industrial growths demand
and supply ratios and effects of industrialism on the society.
Role/Importance function of Sociology
(i) Sociology studies society
(ii) Sociology studies role of institution in the development of individual
(iii) Find out solution of social problems
(iv) It changes our outlook in regards to problems of crime.
(v) It enriches human culture
(vi) Sociology study is helpful for planning for society.
(vii) It is helpful in find out the solution of international problem
Importance of Sociology :-
(i) For understanding different culture
(ii) For understanding social problems and attitudes
(iii) For understanding social interaction
(iv) For comprehensive health care
(v) For achieving social control
(vi) To improve community life.
(vii) For health education.
(viii) For understanding religious traditions.
(ix) For guidance about welfare.
