CHAPTER 1

SOCIOLOGY THE DISCIPLINE

a) Modernity and social changes in Europe and the emergence of sociology.

WHAT ASPECTS OF ENLIGHTENMENT DO YOU THINK PAVED WAY

FOR THE EMERGENCE OF SOCIOLOGY? ELABORATE.

HOW HAD ENLIGHTENMENT CONTRIBUTED TO THE EMERGENCE OF

SOCIOLOGY ?

The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a cultural and intellectual
movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, individual freedom, and
progress1. This movement played a significant role in the development of modern
social sciences, including sociology1. Here are some key aspects of the
Enlightenment that paved the way for the emergence of sociology:
1. Emphasis on Reason and Scientific Method: The Enlightenment
promoted a rational and scientific approach to understanding human
society1. Thinkers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau challenged
traditional norms and institutions, such as the monarchy and the church,
and called for greater individual liberty and equality1. These ideas inspired a
more scientific and rational approach to understanding human society1.
2. Focus on Individual Liberty and Equality: The Enlightenment
emphasized individual freedom and progress1. This focus on the individual
and their rights led to a shift in how society was understood and studied1.
3. Belief in Progress: The Enlightenment also promoted the idea that
society could progress and improve through the application of reason and
scientific knowledge1. This belief in progress influenced the development of
sociology by promoting the idea that social problems could be studied and
solved using reason and evidence1.
4. Influence on Key Sociological Thinkers: Auguste Comte, often
considered the father of sociology, was heavily influenced by the
Enlightenment ideals of reason and progress1. He sought to apply scientific
method to the study of human society and to understand how society
evolves over time1. Comte’s work laid the foundation for the development
of sociology as a distinct discipline1.
In summary, the Enlightenment played a critical role in the emergence of sociology
by promoting a rational, scientific, and secular approach to understanding society,
emphasizing individual freedom and progress, and sought to use scientific methods
to challenge traditional beliefs and understand the social world in new and
innovative ways1.
HOW DID THE INTELLECTUAL FORCES LEAD TO THE EMERGENCE
OF SOCIOLOGY? DISCUSS
The emergence of sociology as a distinct field of study was influenced by several
intellectual forces during the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods 1. Here
are some key intellectual forces that led to the emergence of sociology:
1. Enlightenment Period: The Enlightenment period in Europe is
considered the starting point for the development of sociological theory1.
Thinkers during this period began to study human conditions in a scientific
way using methods from the natural sciences1. They upheld reason as a
measure to judge social institutions and their suitability for human nature1.
2. Post-Enlightenment Influences: Three major intellectual influences
emerged during the post-Enlightenment period1:
o Philosophy of History: Contributions from thinkers like August
Comte, Herbert Spencer, and Karl Marx reflected this intellectual
trend in their sociological writings1. This philosophy contributed
to the notions of ‘development and progress’ and provided
concepts of 'historical periods of social types’1.
o Biological Theories of Evolution: The conception of society
as an organism led to the formulation of the term 'social
evolution’1. Thinkers like Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim
reflected this intellectual trend in their writings1.
o Social Surveys: This method argued that knowledge of social
conditions is essential for solving social problems like poverty1. It
brought scientific methods into sociology, making them regarded
as the most accurate and objective1.
3. Political Philosophy: Thinkers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Rousseau
proposed ideas such as the right to choose one’s sovereign, religious
toleration, individual liberty, and separation of powers2. These ideas
influenced early sociologists2.
4. Industrial Revolution and Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution led
to significant social changes such as the rise of capitalism, urbanization, and
socialism2. These changes concerned early sociologists and became
subjects for sociological study2.
5. Conservative Reaction: Conservative thinkers wished to return to
older times when there was peace and community welfare rather than the
turmoil of contemporary society2. This reaction also influenced the
development of sociology2.
In summary, sociology emerged as an intellectual response to the conditions
unfolding in a rapidly changing European society. It grew out of reflections by great
thinkers on social changes and their impact on society1.
DISCUSS THE HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF THE EMERGENCE OF
SOCIOLOGY AS A DISCIPLINE.
The emergence of sociology as a discipline can be traced back to several historical
antecedents123:
1. Enlightenment Period: The Enlightenment period marked a radical
change from the traditional thinking of feudal Europe1. It introduced a new
way of thinking and looking at reality1. The thinkers of this period began to
study human conditions in a scientific way using the methods of the natural
sciences1.
2. French Revolution and Industrial Revolution: These two major
events embodied tremendous social, political, and economic changes1.
They led to the reorganization of classes, the overthrow of monarchy, and
the loss of religion’s important position1.
3. Philosophy of History: This philosophy assumed that society must have
progressed through a series of steps from simple to complex stages1. It
contributed to the notions of development and progress and provided
concepts of historical periods of social types1.
4. Biological Theories of Evolution: These theories reinforced the
philosophy of history and introduced the concept of 'social evolution’1.
Society was modeled as an organism, reflecting in writings by Herbert
Spencer and Emile Durkheim1.
5. Social Surveys: These emerged due to the growing conviction that the
methods of the natural sciences should be extended to the study of human
affairs1. They brought scientific methods into sociology, making them
regarded as the most accurate and objective1.
6. Influence from Other Disciplines: The influence of economics,
psychology, and other social sciences played a role in the development of
sociology as a discipline2. Early sociologists sought to understand the
interconnections between economy, politics, and society, and how
individual behavior is shaped by social and cultural factors2.
7. Rise of Social Movements and Social Activism: The rise of social
movements in the 19th and 20th centuries contributed to the development
of sociology as a discipline2. Social activists sought to address social
problems like poverty, discrimination, inequality, and early sociologists
sought to understand these problems’ causes and find solutions2.
In summary, sociology emerged as an intellectual response to these historical
antecedents unfolding in a rapidly changing European society. It grew out of
reflections by great thinkers on social changes and their impact on society1.
“SOCIOLOGY IS PRE-EMINENTLY STUDY OF MODERN SOCIETY.”
DISCUSS
Sociology is indeed pre-eminently a study of modern society 1234.
Here’s why:

1. Focus on Social Life: Sociology is the scientific study of

social life, social interaction, social change, social causes and
consequences of human behavior, and culture that surrounds
everyday life1. It focuses on society, human social behavior,
patterns of social relationships, and aspects of culture
associated with everyday life3.
2. Study of Interactions and Relationships: Sociology studies
human society as an interconnected whole and how society and
the individual interact with each other4. It unravels the
connection between a personal problem and a public issue 4.
3. Understanding Modern Society: Sociology is concerned with
understanding the dynamics of modern society2. It examines
the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as
institutions, communities, populations, and gender, racial, or
age groups2.
4. Influence of Social Institutions: Social life overwhelmingly
regulates the behavior of humans, largely because humans lack
the instincts that guide most animal behavior2. Humans
therefore depend on social institutions and organizations to
inform their decisions and actions2.
5. Interdisciplinary Nature: The broad nature of sociological
inquiry causes it to overlap with other social sciences such as
economics, political science, psychology, geography,
education, and law2. Sociology’s distinguishing feature is its
practice of drawing on a larger societal context to explain
social phenomena2.

In summary, sociology is pre-eminently a study of modern society

because it seeks to understand the complex dynamics of modern
societies and how individuals interact within these societies 1234.
: HOW DID THE EMERGENCE OF INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY CHANGE THE
FAMILY LIFE IN WESTERN EUROPE?

The emergence of the industrial society brought significant changes to family life in
Western Europe12345. Here are some key changes:
1. Separation of Work and Home Life: Industrialization led to a clear
distinction between home life and work life1. The same specialization of
labor that occurred in factories occurred in the lives of working-class
families1.
2. Changes in Living Conditions: The living conditions of families,
particularly those of the lower class, changed drastically1. Large families
were often forced to live in small quarters because they could not afford
anything else1.
3. Changes in Family Structure: The industrial revolution spawned great
changes in family structure5. Many people, especially the young, left the
farms to work in factories; this process led to the dissolution of many
extended families5.
4. Changes in Women’s Roles: During industrialization, home life and
work life became separated1. Women’s role in the industrial economy
took a major hit as they took on more of the “housewife” roles while men
worked long hours to make money for their families1.
5. Impact on Traditional Businesses: The emergence of industrial society
affected traditional businesses like weaving and farming with normal
equipment4.
In summary, the emergence of industrial society brought about significant changes in
family life, including changes in living conditions, family structure, and gender
roles12345.
“SOCIOLOGY EMERGED IN EUROPE AND FLOURISHED TO BEGIN WITH ON
SOCIAL REFORMIST ORIENTATION IN THE U.S.A.” -COMMENT .

The statement “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social
reformist orientation in the U.S.A.” is indeed accurate1234.

In Europe, sociology emerged in response to the dramatic social changes brought

about by the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and political revolutions1.
Early sociologists were influenced by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and
scientific method, and they sought to apply these principles to the study of society 1.
They were particularly interested in understanding the changes occurring in
European society, such as urbanization, industrialization, and political upheaval1.

When sociology made its way to the United States in the early 20th century, it took
on a more social reformist orientation4. American sociologists were deeply
concerned with addressing the social problems of their day, including crime, racial
issues, and economic troubles4. They believed that sociology could not only help
understand these problems but also offer solutions4.

In summary, while sociology emerged in Europe as a response to major societal

changes, it found fertile ground in the U.S.A., where it evolved with a focus on
social reform1234.
EUROPE WAS THE FIRST AND THE ONLY PLACE WHERE MODERNITY
EMERGED. COMMENT
The statement that "Europe was the first and the only place where modernity
emerged" is partially correct.

It's true that modernity, as we understand it today, first emerged in Europe¹²⁴. This
emergence was characterized by significant social, political, economic, and cultural
changes¹. The Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and political revolutions
were key events that marked the advent of modernity in Europe¹.

However, it's not accurate to say that Europe was the "only" place where
modernity emerged. While the concept of modernity originated in
Europe, it has since spread to other parts of the world³. The processes of
globalization and technological advancement have facilitated the spread of modern
ideas and values beyond Europe³.

In summary, while Europe was indeed the birthplace of modernity, the concepts and
values associated with modernity have since become global phenomena¹²³⁴.
b) Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences

DELIMIT THE SCOPE OF SOCIOLOGY IN RELATION TO OTHER SOCIAL

SCIENCES.
Sociology is a broad and methodical branch of social science with a very broad
scope1. It seeks to explore how societies emerge, persist, and then change 2. Its
scope includes the study of social groups, social institutions, and social processes2.
However, it’s important to delimit its scope in relation to other social sciences:
1. Sociology and Political Science: Sociology and political science are
closely related as both study society34. However, while political science
deals with the problems of the city or state in which people live, sociology
focuses on the social lives and emotions related to the masses34.
2. Sociology and Economics: Economics is the study of goods and
services, while sociology encompasses group interactions3. The economic
processes and developments improve one’s social life 3. However, these
economic processes and changes are largely determined by the social
environment itself3.
3. Sociology and History: Sociology is concerned with social relations in
general, and with social groups and institutions in particular 5. History, on
the other hand, studies different aspects of past societies5.
4. Sociology and Other Social Sciences: Sociology stands in such a
relation with other sciences as is the relation holding between the physical
sciences and geometry6. It comprehends the forms of social relationships
and activities, not the relationships themselves6.
In summary, while sociology is a comprehensive field that synthesizes other social
sciences1, it’s distinguished by its focus on understanding society as a whole rather
than focusing on one particular aspect345261.
FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF GROWING IMPORTANCE OF
MULTIDISCIPLINARY, HOW DO YOU RELATE SOCIOLOGY TO OTHER
SOCIAL SCIENCES?

The growing importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the social

sciences, including sociology, cannot be overstated 12. Here’s how
sociology relates to other social sciences in a multidisciplinary
context:

1. Interdisciplinary Knowledge and Research: A

multidisciplinary approach encourages creativity and promotes
important contributions in fields other than one’s own
expertise1. It enhances critical thinking skills to compare and
contrast perspectives from various disciplines1.
2. Unified Study of Phenomena: A multidisciplinary approach
encourages the study of phenomena in a unified fashion 2. It
avoids the defect of an isolated approach, gives way to
comparative study, and helps in maintaining objectivity2.
3. Synergy Among Experts: It creates a feeling of understanding
and sympathy among the experts of different fields 2. This
synergy can lead to more comprehensive and nuanced
understandings of social phenomena.
4. Sociology and Other Social Sciences: Sociology often
intersects with other social sciences like psychology,
anthropology, economics, and political science. Each of these
disciplines can offer valuable insights that can enrich
sociological understanding. For instance, psychological
theories can help explain individual behaviour within social
contexts, while economic models can shed light on societal
trends.

In summary, from the viewpoint of growing importance of

multidisciplinarity, sociology is deeply interconnected with other
social sciences. The multidisciplinary approach allows for a more
holistic understanding of social phenomena by drawing upon the
theories, methods, and insights from various disciplines 12.
SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION ENABLES US TO GRASP HISTORY AND
BIOGRAPHY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO IN A SOCIETY. C.W.
MILLS. EXPLAIN

The sociological imagination, a term coined by C. Wright Mills, is the ability

to understand the relationship between individual experiences and the
broader social and historical context in which they occur 1234.

Mills believed that neither the life of an individual nor the history of a
society can be understood without understanding both12.

He referred to the problems that occur in everyday life, or biography, as

troubles and the problems that occur in society, or history, as issues1.

The sociological imagination allows individuals to see the relationships

between events in their personal lives (biography), and events in their society
(history)2. This mindset provides the ability for individuals to realize the
relationship between their personal experiences and the larger society in
which they live their lives2.

For example, a college student who parties 4 nights out of 7, who rarely
attends class, and who never does his homework has a personal trouble that
interferes with his odds of success in college. However, when 50% of all
college students in the United States never graduate, we label it as a larger
social issue2.

In essence, Mills claimed that research had come to be guided more by the
requirements of administrative concerns than by intellectual ones1. He
believed that American society suffered from fundamental problems of
alienation, moral insensibility, threats to democracy, threats to human
freedom, and conflict between bureaucratic rationality and human reason1.

So, sociological imagination is a framework for understanding social reality.

It describes how sociology is relevant not just to sociologists, but to those
seeking to understand and build empathy for the conditions of daily life 1.

Sure, here are some examples of sociological imagination:

1. Unemployment: An individual facing unemployment might feel defeated, depleted,

and discouraged. That person is likely to look in the mirror and say, “You didn’t
work hard enough. You didn’t try hard enough …” You, you, you. If Mills were
around, he’d say, “Not you. The world around you.” Mills believed things only
worked when you saw “the vivid awareness of the relationship between experience
and the wider society.” He encouraged people to stop focusing on themselves alone
and to look at the wider landscape of society1.
2. Everyday Behavior: Something as simple as drinking a cup of tea or coffee can be
examined from several different perspectives. It’s rarely just a solitary person from
England sipping a warm cup of Earl Grey on a misty morning. What else could it
be? Tea drinking can be seen as a means of maintaining good health in the way that
one might take daily supplements or vitamins. Drinking tea or coffee can be
considered a tradition or a ritual, as many people choose to make it the same way
every day at a certain time1.
 3. Deviance: Some people may behave in a deviant way because they simply like to
harm others or want to harm themselves1.
4. Ethically Sourced Products: When sourcing a product that is ethical, you are
demonstrating a sociological imagination because you’re balancing individual need
with social good2.
5. Gym Shirt Purchase: When buying a new gym shirt, sociological imagination asks
you to look beyond simple questions, like your needs for new clothing, or your
aesthetic preferences. For instance, why are you buying a gym shirt in particular?
Why go to the gym as opposed to some other kind of exercise? Why exercise 3?

These examples illustrate how personal experiences are shaped by larger social structures and
systems.

HOW CAN I APPLY SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION IN MY DAILY LIFE?

Applying the sociological imagination in your daily life involves

understanding the connection between your personal experiences and the
societal structures around you. Here are some ways you can apply it:

1. Understanding Personal Troubles: If you’re facing a personal

trouble, try to see it in a broader social context. For example, if
you’re struggling with unemployment, rather than blaming yourself,
consider the larger economic forces at play, such as a recession or
changes in the job market.
2. Analyzing Social Issues: When you encounter social issues in the
news or in your community, try to understand them from multiple
perspectives. Consider how historical events, cultural norms, and
societal structures contribute to these issues.
3. Making Informed Decisions: Use your sociological imagination
when making decisions or forming opinions. For example, when
voting in an election, consider not just your personal circumstances
but also the wider social implications of each candidate’s policies.
4. Empathy and Understanding: Use sociological imagination to
better understand people who have different experiences from your
own. By considering the societal forces that shape others’ lives, you
can develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.
5. Critical Consumption: When buying products or services, consider
the larger social and economic systems that produced them. For
example, think about the labor practices, environmental impact, and
economic inequalities associated with the items you purchase.

Remember, the sociological imagination is all about seeing the connection

between individual experiences and larger social forces. By applying this
perspective in your daily life, you can gain a deeper understanding of both
yourself and the world around you.
. DISCUSSTHE CHANGING EQUATIONS OF DISCIPLINE OF SOCIOLOGY WITH
OTHER SOCIAL SCIENCES .
Sociology, as a discipline, has a dynamic relationship with other social sciences. It
borrows from and contributes to these disciplines, leading to changing equations
over time. Here’s how:
1. Sociology and Political Science: Sociology and political science are
closely related. Sociology is a science of society, studying human
interaction and inter-relations, their conditions, and consequences. Political
science, on the other hand, is a science of state and government, studying
power, political processes, political systems, types of government, and
international relations1. Both are concerned with the study of society but
from different perspectives21.
2. Sociology and Economics: Economics studies the economic aspects of
society such as the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and
services. Sociology, on the other hand, studies social groups and their
interactions. The economic processes and developments improve one’s
social life. Any economic change would naturally affect one’s social life 2.
3. Sociology and History: History studies past events and how they shape
the present and future. Sociology can use historical data to understand
current social dynamics2.
4. Sociology and Anthropology: Anthropology is the science of man.
Society, culture, family, religion, social stratification are some common
links of study between Sociology and anthropology2.
5. Sociology and Psychology: Psychology studies individual behavior while
sociology studies societal behavior. The two disciplines often intersect as
they both study human behavior, but from different levels (individual vs
societal)3.
The relationship between sociology and other social sciences is characterized by a
rich tapestry of interconnections4. By integrating insights, theories, and
methodologies from various disciplines, sociology expands its scope and enhances
our understanding of society4. As our understanding of society evolves over time,
so too does the relationship between sociology and other social sciences.
IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION, HAS THE SCOPE OF SOCIOLOGY BEEN
CHANGING IN INDIA? COMMENT
Yes, the scope of Sociology in India has been changing in the context of
globalization. Globalization has led to rapid integration of countries and happenings
through greater foreign trade and foreign investment1. It has virtually diminished the
distances and connected the whole world2.
The effects of globalization on Indian society are manifold. The process of
globalization has changed the industrial pattern and social life of people2. This has
had an immense impact on Indian trade, finance, and cultural system2.
Globalization has several aspects and can be political, cultural, social, and economic,
out of which financial integration is the most common aspect2. India is one of the
fastest-growing economies in the world and is predicted to reach the top three in
the next decade2. India’s massive economic growth is largely due to globalization
which was a transformational change that didn’t occur until the 1990s2.
In this context, Sociology in India has expanded its scope to understand these rapid
transformations. It now includes studies on international trade relations, economy,
technology and communication, corporate world, social and cultural expansion 2.
Sociologists are now studying the effects of globalization on various aspects of
Indian society such as its impact on Indian economy, advantages of globalization for
India, cultural impact of globalization on Indian society, effects of globalization on
Indian education, challenges of globalization in Indian society2.
So yes, in the context of globalization, the scope of Sociology has been changing in
India. It now includes a broader range of topics that reflect the changes brought
about by globalization.
 EXPLAIN HOW SOCIOLOGY HAS EMERGED AS A DIS TINCT DISCIPLINE
BASED ON RATIONALI TY AND SCIENTIFIC TEMPER.

Sociology is a social science that studies human society, social

relationships, and social behavior. It emerged as a distinct
discipline in the 19th century, during the Enlightenment and
the Industrial Revolution in Europe. The emergence of
sociology was rooted in the intellectual development of
Europe, which was characterized by rationality and scientific
temper 1.

Sociology emerged as a response to the challenges posed by

modernity, such as urbanization, poverty, and deviance. The
already established social disciplines were not able to address
these social problems, which led to the establishment of a new
discipline that could study societal phenomena scientifically 1.

The emergence of sociology was also influenced by the ideas

of philosophers such as Plato and Rousseau, who challenged
old traditions and emphasized the general will of people. The
French and industrial revolutions further challenged old forces
of production and political structures 1.

Auguste Comte, one of the founding fathers of sociology,

believed that sociology should study social phenomena on
scientific lines. He laid stress on scientific approach and
rationality 1. Emile Durkheim tried to separate sociology from
other social science subjects and also tried to give an
independent status to this subject. He emphasized the
importance of studying social facts scientifically 2.

In conclusion, sociology emerged as a distinct discipline based

on rationality and scientific temper. It aimed to study human
society scientifically and address the challenges posed by
modernity 1.
HOW IS SOCIOLOGY A PPROACH TO HUMAN ACTIONS DIFFERENT FROM THAT
OF PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH?

Sociology and psychology are two closely related disciplines

that complement each other in understanding human behavior
and social phenomena 1. While psychology studies the mind of
an individual to understand human behavior and social and
emotional reactions, sociology looks beyond individuals and
studies society, social behavior, and social institutions 12.

Psychology focuses on the individual level, studying the

internal processes, cognitive functioning, emotions, and
motivations that drive behavior. It explores how individual
experiences, personality traits, and mental processes contribute
to social interactions and influence societal outcomes 1.

In contrast, sociology provides a broader perspective by

examining the influence of social structures, cultural norms,
and societal factors on individuals and groups. It investigates
how social interactions, institutions, and systems shape
behavior, beliefs, and identities 1. Sociology studies human
behavior in the context of group associations like age, class,
gender, race, religion, and sexuality 2.

Both disciplines share a common interest in understanding

human behavior but from different angles. They often intersect
in areas such as social psychology, which explores the
interplay between individual psychology and social influences,
and in studying topics like group dynamics, social cognition,
and identity formation 1.
c) Sociology and common sense

HOW IS SOCIOLOGY RELATED TO COMMON SENSE?

Many people mistakenly believe that sociology is the study of

the obvious and that it is nothing but the application of
common sense. However, this is far from the truth. Common
sense is not always “common” or “sensible” 1. Statements like
“Birds of a feather flock together” and “Opposites attract,”
while supposedly based on common knowledge, contradict
each other. Because common sense does not always accurately
predict reality, people need something else 1. Sociology goes
beyond common sense by systematically testing common
beliefs against facts. Sociologists sort out which popular
beliefs hold true and which do not by using a variety of social
science research designs and methods 1. Sociology is a method
of inquiry that requires the systematic testing of beliefs against
evidence. Sociologists make determining whether specific
ideas are fact or fiction their job 1.

Sociology is not the same as common sense. Common sense

cannot replace the collection of concepts, methods, and data
found in sociology. Sociological knowledge aspires to be
broad, whereas common sense is specific and regional 2.

In conclusion, sociology is more than common sense. It is a

discipline that systematically tests common beliefs against
evidence and aims to understand human society scientifically
12
.
THE FOCAL POINT OF SOCIOLOGY RESTS ON INTERACTION. HOW DO YOU
DISTINGUISH IT FROM COMMON SENSE?
Sociology and common sense are two different things. Common sense is based on
individual and natural hypotheses that one makes, and this varies from person to
person since opinions are not the same among a group of people 1. Sociology, on
the other hand, is a scientific study of society that employs critical thinking and
research methods 12.
The focal point of sociology is social interaction, which refers to the ways in which
people interact with each other in society. Sociology studies social interaction
scientifically by examining how people interact with each other, how they
communicate, and how they form relationships 2.
Common sense, on the other hand, is not a systematic study and not everything can
be predicted correctly. It is based on personal experiences and is influenced by the
customs and beliefs of the family one is born into. It calls for no social changes and
wants the status quo 1.
In conclusion, sociology is a scientific study of society that employs critical thinking
and research methods to understand social phenomena. It studies social interaction
scientifically by examining how people interact with each other, how they
communicate, and how they form relationships. Common sense, on the other hand,
is based on individual and natural hypotheses that one makes and varies from
person to person since opinions are not the same among a group of people 1.
IS SOCIOLOGY COMMON SENSE? GIVE REASONS IN SUPPORT OF YOUR
ARGUMENT .
Sociology and common sense are two different things. Common sense is based on
individual and natural hypotheses that one makes, and this varies from person to
person since opinions are not the same among a group of people 1. Sociology, on
the other hand, is a scientific study of society that employs critical thinking and
research methods 12.
Sociology emerged as a response to the challenges posed by modernity, such as
urbanization, poverty, and deviance. The already established social disciplines were
not able to address these social problems, which led to the establishment of a new
discipline that could study societal phenomena scientifically 1.
Common sense is not always “common” or “sensible” 1. Sociology goes beyond
common sense by systematically testing common beliefs against facts. Sociologists
sort out which popular beliefs hold true and which do not by using a variety of
social science research designs and methods 1. Sociology is a method of inquiry that
requires the systematic testing of beliefs against evidence. Sociologists make
determining whether specific ideas are fact or fiction their job 1.
In conclusion, sociology is more than common sense. It is a discipline that
systematically tests common beliefs against evidence and aims to understand human
society scientifically 12.