SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is a combination of two words Socious and logos which are derived from Latin and
Greek language. Which Means People, to study or understand. Hence, sociology is the
scientific study of people.
Sociology is a branch of the social sciences that uses systematic methods of empirical
investigation and critical analysis to develop and refine a body of knowledge about human
social structure and activity, sometimes with the goal of applying such knowledge to the
pursuit of social welfare it subject matter ranges from the micro level of face-to-face
interaction to the macro level of societies at large.

Sociological Imagination:
The sociological imagination, a concept established by C. Wright Mills (1916-1962) provides
a framework for understanding our social world that far surpasses any common sense notion
we might derive from our limited social experiences.
Sociological imagination is an outlook on life that involves an individual developing a deep
understanding of how their biography is a result of historical process and occurs within a
larger social context.
The sociological imagination is making the connection between personal challenges and
larger social issues. Mills identified “troubles” (personal challenges) and “issues” (larger
social challenges), also known as biography, and history, respectively. Mills’ sociological
imagination allows individuals to see the relationships between events in their personal lives
(biography), and events in their society (history). In other words, this mindset provides the
ability for individuals to realize the relationship between their personal experiences and the
larger society in which they live their lives.

Nature:
Sociology is an independent science it is not treated as the branch of the any other science. It
is Different from astronomy,physics,chemistry. Sociology is a categorical and not a
Normative Discipline, it confines itself to the statement what is, not what should be or ought
to be. It is a pure science and not an Applied Science, it’s main aspect is acquisition of
knowledge about human society. It is more likely abstract science that the concrete science.

Scope:
Due to the comprehensive and focus and link with society, the scope of sociology is very vast.
It extends to public administration, political science and management science based upon the
area of employment. For example;
N GO'S
Law firms
International organization
Survey conducting company
Media research houses
Etc.

Importance:
Before the emergence of sociology there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study
human society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a
scientific manner. This scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to
achieve progress in various fields. Sociology focus on human being as a part of society. Man
as a social animal why he live in a group, communities and society and their interrelationship.
Knowledge of society, social groups, social institutions, associations their functions it helps
us to lead an effective social life.
Perspective:
Sociological perspective is an approach to understand human behavior by placing it within
it’s broader social context.
Sociology has its three main theoretical perspectives:
 Functional perspective
 Conflict
 Symbolic interaction

Functionalist Perspective:
According to the functionalist perspective, also called each aspect of
society is interdependent and contributes to society’s functioning as a whole.
“It is framework that sees society as a complex system whose parts works together to
promote solidarity and stability.”
This approach looks on society through macro level which has focus on social structure.

Conflict:
A perspective that emphasizes the social, political or material inequality of a social
group that generate conflict and change. For example power, colour, race, gender etc

Symbolic Interaction:
A perspective that emphasizes on interaction among people of
society either using symbols or words.
Symbolic interaction is a theoretical approach to understand the relationship between humans
and society.
Example: Words, gesture, facial expression, action etc.

Relation with other subjects:

 Sociology and Economics:

Common points of attention are and employment inflation human
resources development human resource management labor welfare human migration brain
drain labor union etc.
 Sociology and Political science:
Common points of attention are and employment inflation human
resources development human resource management labor welfare human migration brain
drain labor union etc.
