Open Elective Course: Sociology of Everyday Life

Unit 1 - Introduction

Chapter 1 - Sociology as a Study of Social Interaction

Society is one of the wonderful creations of man. Explain this himself a member of the society he
has created, influencing it by his actions, as well as being influenced by the power of the system of
his creation society, finding his seven-falls with the seven-falls of society and continuing from man
as an integral part of society. Without individuals there is no society and without society there are no
social individuals. This system called society has become more and more complex as it develops in
the fields of human-related civilization, modernity, science and rationality. The society created by
itself has grown and continues to grow into a complex system beyond the understanding of the
common man. To study such a complex society scientifically, a social science called "Sociology"
was born which has already joined the family of social sciences.

Sociology as a Younger Member Science of the Family of Social Sciences: Although sociology is a
social science it has joined the family of social sciences very recently [1839] and is its youngest
member science. Intended to be a comprehensive study of human society in a scientific manner, this
discipline is considered a "science", i.e. one of the "social sciences". In the present time of 2021, this
nascent social science has a history of only 182 years [i.e. less than 2 centuries], but has grown into
more than 50 branches very quickly. And it is growing equally popular. This social science, which
was created in 1839 by the French social philosopher Auguste Comte, quickly spread to the western
countries and finally came to India through the British rulers and has been growing as an independent
science in India since 1917. Sociology is being taught in hundreds of universities and thousands of
colleges in India since 1972. Even at the undergraduate level of learning - Panchayat is expanding its
sphere of influence.

As August Comte, who was responsible for the emergence of sociology, emphasized from the
beginning, sociology follows scientific methods in its studies.

Since it has come, social science has gained the status of a science and not just a study. Sociology is
recognized as the fastest growing social science in the world, gaining a lot of popularity and creating
hope for the future. An initial introduction to this science and on the basis that our daily life as social
beings is the main subject of sociological study, brief explanations of some material ideas related to
such life are given in the coming chapters. As we read these descriptions, we realize that there is
much more we don't know than we know about the ins and outs of our own society. It is our hope
that such awareness will inspire a very deep and serious study of this discipline.

Background of the Origin of Sociology

Before knowing the definition of sociology and its scope of study, it is necessary to know how and
under what conditions sociology emerged. Here is some brief information about this...
History, political science, economics, psychology - were recognized as social sciences in 1617-18
centuries AD as a result of the "Age of Enlightenment" across Europe, and sociology received such

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recognition at the end of the first half of the 19th century. French social philosopher Auguste Comte]
called "Positive Philosophy". While giving his lecture on the subject of "(Positive Philosophy) he
called the new science that he started as Sociology" and the name he gave it remained forever. He
pointed out that there is a need for a separate new science to scientifically comprehensively study
human society, and he suggested that "sociology is to fulfill that purpose, and it is for this reason that
Comte being called as 'Father of Sociology'.

Factors that favored the Origin of Sociology

"The influence of the Age of Enlightenment, the twin revolutions in Europe such as the French
Revolution and the Industrial Revolution in England, the rise of socialism, the influence of increasing
urbanization, the religious world of Europe (the Tat Reformation), the discovery of foreign physical
sciences and other social sciences, and the inspiration provided by European settlers in many parts
of the world. A variety of backward and tribal groups are visible.

1) The Age of Enlightenment gave rise to revolutionary human thought and human rationality,
which set the stage for the beginning of a new science called sociology, which sought to study ways
of life. Man can think and think about every aspect of creation of the world including human social
system. He can bring some changes when needed. Finding that, this mindset inspired the study of
society.
2) The French Revolution [1789] led to a radical change in the political system of France and then
in Europe, the idea that a social system rife with inequality and grievances could be replaced by a
similar thought was produced in the human mind. Thus the "Industrial Revolution" of England shook
the history of the Western world. And although great progress has been achieved in the fields of
knowledge and sciences, poverty, destitution, drunkenness, night life, crime, sexual assaults,
problems of housing jobs, cleanliness and safety and infectious diseases have arisen during this
period of revolution. Intensified.
3) Increase in urbanization and rise of socialism of a new kind: Challenging, mechanical life,
loneliness, deprivation from the help of family members, overcrowding, juvenile delinquency, sex
crime, etc. started haunting the people and it became necessary to take a therapeutic view of the
society for their solution. In such a period (16th to 19th century) in the field of physical sciences.
There was an opportunity to advance with the motivation of the occasion. Thus, other great thinkers
in sociology started with the French philosopher August Comte [1798–1857], followed by Emilie
Durkhiem (1857–1917), Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) in England, Karl Marx (1818–1883) and Max
Weber [1864–1920] in Germany. It can be said that it grew quite rich due to the contributions of
these five founding experts (pioneers) and then continued to grow continuously enriched by the study,
research and intellectual contributions of several thinkers and sociologists.

"Sociology" - is the English equivalent of the Kannada word "Samajashastra". The word 'Sociology'
is derived from the Latin 'Socius' and the Greek 'Logos', 'Socius' means companion, companion or
society, similarly, "Lagos" means "science" or 'science'. Thus "sociology" or "sociology" literally
means 'the study of society'.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the British thinker Herbert Spencer also accepted the
new term 'Sociology' introduced by August Comte and used the same term in his studies of human
society. The name 'Sociology''' has remained a constant for this newly born science.
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Definition of Sociology

1. August Comte : "Sociology is the science of social phenomena subject to laws of a natural and
fixed form, the object of its investigation being to discover such laws."

2. McIver and Page: “Sociology is about social relations”.

3. Emile Durkheim: Sociology is "the science of social institutions."

4. Harry M, Johnson: "Sociology is the scientific study of social groups”.

5. Kingsley Davis: “Sociology is the general science of society”.

6. Auburn and Nimkoff: "Sociology is the scientific study of social life”.

7. Ian Robertson: "Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behavior.

"Sociology is, first and foremost, a way of viewing the social world." In this way, looking at the
society from the point of view of study and analysis and criticism can be called "perspective" meaning
"sociological perspective". This is also a kind of philosophical perspective. There are two types of
such philosophical perspective. One of them is to see the whole society as a whole with a kind of
wide-eyed view, while the other is to see it partially with a very narrow view. There are two traditions
in sociology composed of such perspectives.

(i) The Tradition of Macro-Sociology: From the external view of human society, it appears to us as
a kind of man-made macro-system. In the system called society there are different classes, castes
with millions of members, certain religions with millions of followers, political parties with an
incalculable number of supporters. There are large-scale companies, corporations, trades, socio-
cultural, political, educational - and other forms of groupings. The sociologist's perspective of society
in its macro form is the society in its macro form. It is also called "macro sociology".

Sociology involves the study of social structure and social systems related to large societies in the
abstract, or analyzes of urban or religious organizations [churches] involving large populations.
Comte, Spencer, Weber, Pareto, Simmel, Tonnies, Marx and others who are the founding scholars
and intellectuals of sociology are considered to be famous sociologists.

(ii) Micro Sociology: As opposed to the above-mentioned holistic perspective, there is Micro
Sociology which studies the society in a very detailed way, i.e. as a system consisting of the action-
reaction-interactions of individuals. Philosophical frameworks that focus on the above are often
referred to as microsociology or empirical sociology.”

Factor-oriented sociology, which focuses on the inner workings of everyday life, focuses on
sociological analyzes in factor-oriented sociology, usually the face-to-face relationships of our daily
lives; and are limited to analytical studies of interpersonal behavior that may involve small groups.
The theories established in it are also limited.
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Having an orbit involves a limited range of phenomena. In other words, it can be said that the
sociologists generally formulated theories about the interactions among the atoms of society.

Interactionist Perspective

What we can find from the above description is that some sociologists study "society" from the point
of view of how the interactions of the smallest units or elements of which it may consist are
constructed. It is the perspective of the study of such people that we have an interactive perspective.
"Interactivityism or the interactionist perspective can be called a philosophical framework that can
be used to establish how society is formed as a result of the daily interactions of individuals".

An "interactional perspective" is a sociological perspective that generalizes about forms of social

interaction that are found in everyday life or are fundamental. That is, this perspective explains the
social behavior of everyday life by explaining how people create and interpret the situations they
experience. Emphasis is also placed on how the myriad instances of interdependence—government,
the economy, and other institutions—create the broader structures of society. A theory that includes
such a perspective is called "Interactionism".

Sociology is the Study of Human Interaction

Some of the definitions of early sociologists based on attitude – are as follows 1. Max Weber called
“sociology” the scientific study of social behavior. According to him the main purpose of this science
is to analyze the cause and effect of human social behavior.

1. Interaction or symbolic interaction is ".... a framework for building theory that sees society as the
product of every day interactions of individuals"...... John. J. Macionis in "Sociology" 10th Edition -
(2006) Page - 17.]

2. The interactionist perspective focuses on social behavior in everyday life. It tries to understand
how people create and interpret the situations they experience, and it emphasizes how countless
instances of social interaction produce the larger structures of society - government, the economy
and other institutions - Ian Robertson in Sociology". Page: 20. 3. Max Weber defines sociology as
"the science which attempts the interpretative understanding of social action in order there-by to
arrive at causal explanation of its course and effects".

3. According to Morris Ginsburg, "Sociology, broadly speaking, is the study of human interactions
and interrelationships as well as their cause and effect.

It is clear from the definitions of Max Weber and Ginsberg in the early years of sociology that
sociology is the study of interactions which are the basic units of human social life. As these
interrelationships make possible the daily social life of human beings, the main field or focus of
sociological study is the daily life of human beings. Some critics, including interactionists’ i.e.
symbolic interactionists, go a step further and say that sociology is the sociology of everyday life. In
this background it is necessary to understand the meaning of the concept of “social integration” and
its nature.
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Social Interaction: Meaning and Elements

As social interaction is the foundation of human social life, we call "social interaction" when people
come close to each other and interact with each other, which is responsible for the formation of
society. In this association it is very natural for one to influence the other. "When the actions of one
person influence or are influenced by the actions of others, then social interaction takes place. two
groups or societies are not formed just because there are people. But they can talk, play, work
cooperatively and compete with each other, share happiness and sorrow, or fight, again. Society can
only be formed when people interact with each other to get along, to do business, etc. for dozens of
such activities. Social cohesion or integration is the force that binds people together in the form of
'group-community-society'. Social interaction can be said to be responsible for the dynamism of
society.

Definition of Social Interaction

1. Morris Ginsberg defines sociology in the following way- "In the broadest sense, sociology is the
study of human interactions and inter-relations, their conditions and consequences".

2. When one person's acts influence or are influenced by the acts of another person/s, social
interaction takes place" - Ian Robertson.
Two Main Conditions of Interaction: Contact and Communication [Two Main Conditions of
Interaction: Contact and Communication] According to American sociologists Park and Burgess
[Park and Burgess] social interaction depends on two main conditions or elements (conditions).
These elements are mutually complementary ---- contact and Interaction: Since these two elements
are essential in any form of interaction, they are also called elements of interaction.

Two elements of social interaction

1) Contact
2) Communication
3) Emotional communication
4) Emotions and
5) A medium of ideas

Contact
There is no interaction without connection. Contact is the initial stage of social interaction Bringing
individuals closer to each other as independent social units Contact is an attempt to bring individuals
closer to each other mentally and/or physically. There are two types of connectivity: (i) Local
connectivity and (i) spatial connectivity.
(i) Contact in Time: This type of contact refers to the contact that individuals have with their older
generations through the course of their lives, including customs, traditions, ethos, moral codes,
values, practices, etc. It is an indirect form of connection.

(ii) Contact in Space: It refers to the contact between contemporaneous individuals and groups in a
particular area. The limits of contact are related to the aspect of spatiality.
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Interpersonal contact can be primary, direct, and intimate. Eg: The visible connection between family
members is direct and primary in nature. Contact may be indirect and informal in nature and may
lack a sense of intimacy. Eg : Liaison between traders and customers.

Communication

Communication is a medium of social interaction. Through communication one is able to understand

another's opinions, thoughts, feelings, actions or attitudes and respond accordingly. If the persons
come physically close but there is no form of communication between them then there is no intimacy.
According to Park and Burgess Communication can be seen in three levels or modes:
(i) Sensation (ii) Impulse and (ii) Emotions and Ideas

(i) Sensory Communication: This is an attempt to perceive and express ideas through the five
senses. Eg: sight or seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching are all forms of sensory
communication.

(ii) Communication through Emotions: The way of expressing impulses generated in the mind
leads to communication. Emotions of the mind like sadness, happiness, shame, anger, disgust,
indifference, seriousness, jealousy are expressed through facial expressions and gestures.

(iii) Sentiments and Ideas: Sentiments and Ideas: Manifestation is seen only in human level
interactions. Language plays a major role in this type of communication. Through different forms of
language - speaking, reading and writing - it is possible to transfer ideas and opinions from one
generation to another. The process of communication has been greatly accelerated by modern forms
of mass media [radio, television, telephone, post, newspapers, fax, telex, e-mail, Internet (internet)
etc.

Types of Social Interaction

Human society is a system of "social interactions", such interactions between parents, children,
employers, employees, rulers-ruled, traders-consumers, friends-enemies, among all these social
relations.
Internal reactions are visible. Sociology is the task of analyzing and studying them, and these social
interactions, which are dynamic aspects of society, take various forms. Eg: People who work
cooperatively may compete at times. Bickering can begin when competition escalates. Although
bickering or conflict may turn serious, they may be reunited by compromise or agreement. Thus
while internal action may help bring people together, at other times it may push people further apart.
The various forms such social interactions take are called 'social processes'.

Definition of Social Processes

1. Horton and Hunt: "Social processes are the repetitive patterns of behavior that are common in
social life."
2. A. W, Green: "Social processes are the distinctive ways in which social interactions are arranged".

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There is disagreement among sociologists about the types of social interactions. Sociologists Park
and Burgess [Park and Burgess] proposed four basic forms of social interaction namely competition,
conflict, adaptation and sponging, and many other sociologists have agreed with this. But, in addition
to these, he also added 'cooperation' as a fifth type of interaction. Only a detailed analysis of these
five types of social interactions or social processes can be done here.

1. Co-operation: Cooperation is the basic principle of group life. People cannot form associations
and live in communities without mutual cooperation. It is also necessary for human social and
biological existence. The Anglicization of the word 'Co-operation' is "Co-operation". The word is
derived from the Latin words "co" ['Co'] - meaning, "join together" and "operari" ["operari" -
meaning, "to work". To work together or to work together - is the literal meaning of the word co-
operation.
In simple words, “Cooperation is a joint effort by people to achieve common goals or obtain mutually
shareable rewards.
1. Horton and Hunt: The term social processes refers to the "repetitive forms of behaviour which are
commonly found in social life".
2. A.W. Green: "Social processes are merely the characteristic ways in which interaction occurs".
3. In simple words, co-operation is "joint activity in pursuit of common goals or shared rewards".
Cooperation may be direct or indirect and is continuous and universal. It is the essence of group life
and society. From birth to death we are bound in the formula of cooperation. The reproduction of
human beings also requires cooperation between men and women. Not just to help others; Self-help
needs it too. It is needed for smoothness of life, solution of problems, calm-satisfied and peaceful
life.

2. Competition: Competition, like cooperation, is a universal and fundamental social process.

Competition, the result of the struggle for existence, pervades many spheres of human existence
today. The competition is based on the fact that it is impossible for all individuals to fulfill all their
desires. When things that people generally want are limited in supply, competition becomes
inevitable to obtain them. Thus, 'competition' is the continuous struggle between individuals and
groups for a limited amount of goods.

According to Horton and Hunt, competition is the attempt to establish a monopoly on rewards by
pushing out all competitors.”
Competition is a struggle to gain something. The forms of competition are many: in social, economic,
political, cultural and ethnic spheres it can be seen in different forms. Competition in increasing
performance, gaining new experience and motivating achievement; Contributing to achieving
economic socio-technical progress, social movement thereby gets a special impetus.

Although we are bound by the formula of cooperation, society is not free from competition. If
cooperation is necessary for life, competition is necessary to make life colorful and exciting. If there
is no competition, dullness, passivity, inertia and laziness will be at home in the society. But
competition has given life a shine and a vision to lead it meaningfully and brilliantly. The outlook of
our lives lies in competition. It is only when it goes to extremes that it gives us a fatal blow.

3. Conflict: Conflict is a form of social processes. Cooperation in human relations and as competition
appears, so does conflict. Relationships between individuals and groups cannot always be
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characterized by intimacy, intimacy, cooperation and mutual understanding. Due to external reasons,
the relationship is weak and conflict may arise. Conflict occurs when people's opinions, ideals,
values, are in conflict with each other. Also, excessive competition can result in conflict, which can
lead to serious consequences as conflict is a very fierce form of struggle.

1. According to Horton and Hunt “conflict is the process of establishing a monopoly over rewards
by weakening or destroying opponents.'!

2. According to AW, Greene, conflict is “an attempt to deliberately oppose, resist, and coercively
suppress the will of another or others.

• The forms of conflict are many;

1. Group and Personal Conflict 2. Class Conflict 3. Racial Conflict 4. Caste Conflict 5. Latent and
Manifest Conflict 6. International Conflict

Conflict is as universal as cooperation-competition, and conflict plays a very central role in human
life. It can lead to both his downfall and prosperity. Conflict can have deadly and devastating
consequences.
'Conflict' has also followed us like cooperation and competition. Excessive competition leads to
conflict. Conflict can also appear in non-competitive contexts. Conflicts are inevitable and
unavoidable even though they can sometimes lead to harmful consequences. According to Kingley
Davis, society itself creates conflict situations. The internal structure of the society is complementary
to it. That is why CH. Cooley also called conflict and cooperation two sides of the same coin. They
run together in all societies of the world. A fully cooperative or perpetually conflict-free society is
only imaginary, as cooperation, competition and conflict can be seen in different forms and levels in
different societies.

4. Accommodation
'Adaptation is an important form of social process.
This is essential for the installation of the program. According to Park and Burgess, human
organizations are formed as a result of a compromise between conflicting elements. A human being
has to face many conflicting situations throughout his life. But conflict cannot go on forever. Hence,
he wants compromises. Thus the process by which a human being adapts to his environment and
companions can be called 'adaptation'.

1. According to Ogburn and Nimkoff, sociologists use the term 'compatibility' to refer to the
adjustment of dissimilar individuals or groups.
2. According to McKever “Adaptation is mainly the process of achieving harmony with the
environment."
Adaptation, like cooperation-competition, is continuous and universal, but its effects may vary
according to context. That is the inevitable outcome of conflict. It can happen knowingly or
unknowingly.

There are several methods or forms of adaptation: Gillin and Gillin have proposed six main methods.
They are as follows: 1. Coercion, 2. Compromise or agreement, 3. Tolerance, 4. Conversion, 5.
Exaltation and 6. Synoptic explanation.
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Adaptation reduces the likelihood of further damage to the social system. It helps to stop conflict and
move towards cooperation. This sets the stage for staunch enemies or adversaries to approach. This
can happen at the individual level or at the collective-society level.

5. Assimilation
Self-identification is more like cultural self-identification. Stangification is another type of social
interaction. It is also a form of social adjustment. Here an individual or a group can be seen slowly
and gradually absorbed into the new conditions. This is called the process of assimilation of one
culture into another culture. If the relations of individual, group and group were to remain only at the
level of compatibility, there would not be much opportunity for reconciliation between individuals
and groups. Instead, assimilation is an opportunity for one culture to unite and assimilate with
another. So very fundamental changes have to be made in privatisation.

1. According to Ogburn and Nimkoff, ".....assimilation is a term used by the sociologists to

describe the adjustment of hostile individuals or groups."
2. Maclver says that "the term assimilation refers particularly to the process in which man attains
sense of harmony with his environment."

Individuation is a slow process that takes time. It is not a convergence; But it is double-edged. Those
who are different from each other should come closer here. This happens more often unconsciously
than consciously. Tolerance, cultural similarity, education, equal socio-economic opportunities, close
social ties all give special impetus to assimilation. Similarly, isolation, cultural diversity, ethno-
physiological diversity, dominance of prejudices, authoritarianism and feelings of inferiority hinder
this process.

Stangification can take place at the level of individuals, groups and the wider culture. When it
happens at the level of culture, we call it “cultural appropriation”.

The Need and Importance of the Study of Social Interaction

“The sociology of everyday life means the study of the social interactions that make our social life
possible. Therefore, the need for the study of interrelationships in the study of society i.e. sociology
emerges here. Only through such study can we see the light of new knowledge about human behavior.
Need for the Study of Interaction
1) To Know The Deeper Dimensions of Social Life: (To Know The Deeper Dimensions of Social
Life) : The interactions of daily life are not visible on the surface but are very deep and hidden. We
become familiar with the social dimensions of our own lives eg people
1. According to Young and Mack, "assimilation is the fusion or blending of two previously distinct
groups into one".
2. Samuel Koenig writes "Assimilation is the process whereby persons and groups acquire the culture
of another group....."
3. David A. Karp and William C. Yoels in their "Sociology in Everyday Life" - Page 26-28]
Temple-going is not just about piety; behind it to remove their loneliness; There are other unspoken
aspects of cementing one's bond with one's community, showing one is not an atheist. It is noticeable.

2) To recognize the ever-repeating patterns in social life

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Cooperative [To Identify the Recurring Patterns of Social Life] : There are innumerable cases of
social events and behaviors in society. Although society is the aggregate of all of them, no one can
identify and study each of them after identification. It is also impossible. The idea then to find out
which of them is important is to identify the events, cases, attitudes in social life - which are repeated
over and over again - and find their significance. For example, when we do that, human behavioral
patterns like cooperation - competition - conflict, adaptation, harmony - homogeneity, integration -
solitude - come to our attention. In the background of daily life, they are repeated over and over
again, then they come to our attention. This point can be found from the following comparison.

Eg: Sir Isaac Newton discovered the theory of gravitation when he observed an apple falling from a
tree to the ground: It is true that the apple tree has been falling from the top down to the earth for
thousands of years. But why are those fruits not going up only for Newton? Why is it falling only to
the top of the ground below? - He came to know the importance of the earth's gravity only when he
was observing, criticizing and pondering deeply. Similarly, only when sociologists delve into and
study social life do they become convinced of its internalities, its recurring patterns - etc. [Info: Karp
and Yoells – Page 26]

4. Sociological Analyzes Must Always Carry us Beyond the Specific Contexts or Events Which We
Are Studying or Investigating [Sociological Analyzes Must Always Carry us Beyond the Specific
Contexts or Events Which We Are Studying or Investigating]. .But, taking it as a base, it should help
us to look further and generalize about what happens in such common cases. For example, a specific
study of how college students who are caught in highly stressful, stressful, conflicting, dangerous
situations cope with final exams? In other such cases [i.e., It should be helpful to generalize how
students typically behave in similar stressful, uncomfortable, conflicting, and anxious situations.

Importance of Social Interaction in Group Life: A Final Word 'Social interaction' is a very important
concept in social analysis. Human group life is based on social interaction. It is true that groups and
societies exist and grow because of interaction, group life has security, stability, orthodoxy and
stability. But, that same life involves dynamism, change and conflict. People caught in the whirlwind
of such a fast-paced life are usually seen cooperating, sometimes competing, sometimes contradicting
each other, reconciling, surrendering to the situation, sometimes accepting its challenge and
persuading others.
A person develops his personality in the framework of social interaction. Society exists only because
so many people are involved in a system of interaction. Determining the boundaries of society and
imposing limits on its sphere of action is intra-activity, beyond the boundaries of human inter-activity
there can be no human environment. Exchange of ideas, comparison of ideas and enhancement of
mental activities and development of inner strength are possible due to interaction.
Criticisms Concerning the Way of Study of Sociology of Everyday Life
Based on observations of the inner workings of daily life “everyday life
A couple of important criticisms have also been made by the critics about the type of study conducted
by "sociology" and these are mentioned here:
(i) A very important objection or criticism about this type of study is that sociologists sometimes
choose trivial events for their study and concentrate on them. .generalizations that can be made based
on these (generalizations) run the risk of misleading us.

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(ii) The second criticism is that there are no well-defined rules for sociological study of everyday
life. How to recognize forms of social life, patterns of events? How, in what manner, how seriously
to study them-? The difficulty here is that the procedural rules regarding etc. are still unclear.

(i) Neglect of broad-based studies i.e. comprehensive sociological studies – is another shortcoming
here. A micro system is a small part of a larger system and should not be neglected. It cannot be
forgotten that the impact of the whole social system is certain on its smaller units.

A final word on the importance of the study of social interactions

(i) The study of the common events, situations, and interactions of everyday life - situations and
events that are ordinarily taken for granted - to obtain a new and deeper insight into them. Fresh and
a deeper insight] is possible.
(ii) Such studies shed new light on the dramas of daily life that we perform in a wide range of
institutional and historical settings [settings]. As members of political parties, religio-cultural
organizations, family members, office workers – etc. – why do we have to deal in certain ways? Why
act? Why can't we always deal according to our personal choices? All these questions will be
answered here.
(iii) There are several realities we need to realize: (i) Social configurations narrow our individual
choices. (ii) At the same time we, the human members of these formations, influence such formations
by our craft. Then, our behavior is neither the result of social conditioning nor our personal choice.
Instead, “Our Behavior is the result of the interplay between cultural expectations and people's
interpretations of situations."

In conclusion, the interactional perspective, including the symbolic interactional perspective, is a

very important aspect to address. Thus: “By interacting with other individuals and responding to their
interactions, people collectively reshape, shape, and ultimately reshape the social world in which
they live.

Why the Study of Interactions has been Neglected-?

Arguing that sociologists have long neglected the study of the social interactions of everyday life,
Karp and Yoells [pp-25-26] give their own two reasons for this.

1. Sociologist's Greater Concern for Conventional Scientific Method of Investigation:

Sociologists, who were overly concerned with making sociology scientific, did not realize that there
is a need to study the inner workings of daily life scientifically and systematically. Since the 19th
century sociologists were looking at and developing sociology on the model of natural sciences, they
limited themselves to the same scientific tools, the same methods and the same measures. They are
not so concerned about non-quantifiable data and variables.
Karp and Yoells' metaphor for the above statement is that of a clockwork. The outer frame of the
watch, its hands, the spare parts like the pendulum that strikes the alarm - all this does not understand
the inner workings of a watch that tells the time. This is also true about society. Social context - when
we know how interactions take place at the most subtle level, when we observe closely the
conversation-communication of individuals there - based on that, we can predict how people behave
in general.

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1. .......our behavior is the result of a dynamic interplay between cultural expectations and people's
interpretations of situations." - Karp and Yoells - Page 30]

2. "An important idea in this symbolic perspective is that individuals collectively shape, mould and
refashion their social worlds through the process of communicating with others and responding to
their communications." - Karp and Yoells - Page 30]

2. The Belief that Investigative Studies Connected with Social Policies are More Important: Eg:
Crime, Juvenile Delinquency, Poverty, Unemployment, Drug Abuse, Divorce, Prostitution, Aging,
Homosexuality – Etc. Subjects [problems] in their intensity, prevalence, impact etc. – are closer to
government programs for their alleviation, making it easier to get funding for conducting research.
For this reason, social research studies of a more empirical and realistic nature, even those not based
on the social interactions of everyday life [perhaps because their implications are less alarming], have
been neglected in many Western countries.

Nature and Characteristics of Sociology

Sociology has its own unique place in the group of social sciences. It differs from other social
sciences due to some of its characteristics. Some of the main characteristics of sociology are
mentioned by Robert Bierstadt.

1. Sociology is a separate and independent discipline: Sociology is now a separate and Considered
as an independent study. It is history and social philosophy today nor is political philosophy
considered a branch of any such studies.
2. Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Science [A Social Science and not a Physical
Science]: Sociology belongs to the family of social sciences and not to the group of physical sciences.
Sociology, one of the social sciences, studies man, his society, social activities and social life. Also
it is closely connected with history, political science, economics, psychology, anthropology.
3. Is Sociology a Categorical Science and Not a Normative Science?: Sociology studies things "as
it is" and not "as it ought to be". It is not studied with a view to It is silent on values. Its perspective
is neither moral nor immoral, but moral-absolute. [not moral orimmoral, but amoral). That is,
sociology has a neutral stance on moral issues.
4. Sociology is a 'Pure' Science and not an Applied Science [A Pure Science and not an Applied
Science]: A Pure Science and not an Applied Science: The purpose of sociology as a "pure science"
is to acquire knowledge and not to use the acquired knowledge for the benefit of man like the
"practical sciences". However, the knowledge provided by sociology can be used by administrators,
legislators, politicians, teachers, labor welfare officers in factories, supervisors, Social workers as
well as common citizens all benefit in one way or the other.
5. Sociology is an abstract science and not a concrete science [An Abstract Science and Not a
Concrete Science]: Sociology is not interested in concrete publication of some specific human
phenomena. But it is concerned only with the "form" and "patterns" of ordinary human events. Eg:
Sociology is not interested in any specific war or revolution like history. But it treats war and
revolution as social phenomena i.e. different types of social conflicts, their general nature. And
practices the symptoms.
6. Sociology is a generalizing science and not an individualizing science [A Generalizing Science
and Nota Particularizing or Individualizing Science: Sociology does not study every event that occurs
in society. That is impossible. Instead it tries to draw some general rules and conclusions on the basis
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of some selected facts, eg : (i) Joint families are more secure and regressive than central families : (i)
Social transformations occur more rapidly in urban communities than in rural and tribal communities,
etc.
7. Sociology Both an Empirical and a Rational Science: There are two ways of acquiring
knowledge scientifically. (i) Empiricism: Here experience or experiment is given priority.
Observation and experiments are tools to confirm experience; (ii) Rationalism: Here thinking,
reasoning is given priority. Logical judgments or conclusions [logical inferences] are preferred here.
The scientist collects facts and information from experiments, and organizes them logically. Both
factual information and philosophy are necessary for the organization of knowledge. These are also
essential in social research, sociology uses both of these approaches.

Its studies and researches are going on so that there is no doubt. The need for the study of sociology
or its major uses are as below: |

Need for Sociology OR Its Importance or Uses

Is it necessary to study sociology? But what is the importance? What are the benefits of its learning
or understanding to our real life? What do we gain from knowing it more? All such questions emerge
from a "pragmatic view" or "Utilitarian View". Answers such as "knowledge is for knowledge sake"
are not appropriate when answering such questions. Because, here, does the learning of sociology
facilitate the smoothness of our daily lives? Or the power of society. And by understanding its
weaknesses [strength and weaknesses of society], it is possible to get a general understanding of how
and what role we can play in the balanced and safe functioning of society? The following explanation
is about the utility of sociology.

1. Sociology Alone Provides a Comprehensive Knowledge of Human Society: The primary task
of sociology is to provide a scientific and comprehensive knowledge of human society. Before the
establishment of sociology, it was not possible to study society scientifically. Sociology is the only
social science involved.
2. Sociology Helps to Develop a Critical Approach towards the Social World: The study of
sociology is to make us capable of critically understanding the social world we live in. It also makes
us aware of the faults and weaknesses of our own society. It helps us to adapt to the rapidly changing
social system.
3. Sociology Makes Us to Become Broadminded: Analytical study of sociology has made us
develop rationality, criticality, unbiased view and broad mindedness. We may have prejudices,
misconceptions, class and religion towards people of other communities, groups and societies.
Sociology is helpful in overcoming weaknesses like hatred, color-hatred and egoistic feeling that we
may have towards ourselves.
4. Sociology Helps Us to Make an Objective Study of Social Problems: Poverty, unemployment,
begging, overpopulation, prostitution problem, rise in AIDS, crime, juvenile delinquency, scourge of
alcohol and family in a country like India. And sociology is helpful in understanding the problems
like disintegration of communities, caste hatred, communal riots, terrorism, fundamentalism,
problem of disabled people with an objective and analytical attitude. Sociology also provides useful
advice and assistance in solving such serious problems.
5. Role of Sociology in underdeveloped: Sociology is also important in nation building. No matter
the development of any country, it is the social situation there Being highly dependent cannot be
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ignored. Similarly, economists today are from many countries. The fact that the social situation there
is mostly responsible for the state of economic underdevelopment have found until there are proper
changes in the social conditions of such countries. He is convinced that economic growth is difficult.
"An economist is also a sociologist”.
6. Necessity of Sociological Knowledge in Social Planning and Policy Making: Sociology has a
role in social planning and social policy making. Sociology is sometimes considered as a carrier of
social reform and social order. The advice of sociologists who have worked in the fields of work,
social welfare, rural development, community development, rehabilitation of slums - etc. is very valid
today.
7. Sociology of Daily Life Role in Social Policy Making: Sociological knowledge is used to inform
government policy related to issues such as population control, family planning, child labour,
environmental pollution, elimination of begging, reservation for weaker sections, improvement of
status of women, raising of marriageable age, etc., and to frame social legislation as necessary. is
cooperative.
8. Sociology is helpful for the upliftment of marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, Women Community etc. [Sociology Helps the Promotion of Welfare of the
Marginalized Groups Such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Women, etc.] : In a multi-group
society like India, there are severely backward classes in economic, social, educational and political
fields. For example, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women-community, some of you and
weaker sections are in such marginalized and exploited condition. Sociologists can give useful advice
as to what programs the government should undertake to achieve real prosperity for these classes and
groups.
9. Helps in the Development of Human Personality: The role of social education or socialization
given to a person in shaping his personality is very large. In this process the important units of society
- family, school, temple, state, literature, mass media - play a crucial role. Sociology develops this
relational social awareness.

10. Sociology Has Created Various Types of Job Opportunity: It is no longer the case that
"Teachers are only available to those who have graduated in Sociology. There is a high demand for
those who have received special education in Sociology in many other fields. Eg : Education, Social
Welfare, Family Welfare, Women and Child Welfare, Harijan , development of tribal and backward
people, public health and sanitation, journalism, public administration department, religious sector,
industry, trade organization, rehabilitation department of old age, convicts and juvenile offenders,
career advisory boards, etc. Preference is given to those who have education in sociology. Service
[LA.S.], Indian Foreign Service [I.FS.] Karnataka Administrative Service [K.A.S.]- etc. Sociology is
also incorporated as an important subject in the syllabus of competitive examinations.
11. Sociology Provides Latest Information about Modern Social Situations and Developments:
Sociology keeps us aware of the changing social situation by giving us the latest information about
the important developments in the social world around us. We are able to realize what our role and
responsibilities are in the situation.

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