SOCIOLOGY

Nicole A. Apongol
 WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

Sociology is the scientific and systematic study of society

and human behavior. It examines the social life and
interaction of groups and individuals, as well as the
institutions, cultures, and processes that shape and change
them.
The term "Sociology" is derived from the Latin word
‘Socius’, meaning companion or associate, and the Greek
word ‘Logos’, meaning study of science.
 WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

• The term sociology was coined by French

philosopher Auguste Comte in 1838, who for this
reason is known as the “Father of Sociology.”
• It emerged in the early 19th century in response to
the challenges of modernity. Increasing mobility
and technological advances resulted in the
increasing exposure of people to cultures and
societies different from their own.
Auguste Comte 
• Sociology is a Social Science not a Physical Father of Sociology

Science.
 TYPES OF SOCIOLOGY

Microsociology
Focus on the individuals that
make up society.
Change in an individuals life
depends on social and
environmental stimuli.
Macrosociology
Analysis of social system and
population on a large scale.
Focuses on a society as a
whole and aims to establish a
general characteristics of
society.
 THREE TYPES OF SOCIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE,
EACH WITH ITS OWN STRENGTHS,
LIMITATIONS, AND PRACTICAL USES

1. Positivist Sociology
2. Interpretive Sociology
3. Critical Sociology
 POSITIVIST SOCIOLOGY

It is introduced above with regard to the pioneers of the

discipline August Comte and Émile Durkheim is most
closely aligned with the forms of knowledge associated with
the natural sciences. The emphasis is on empirical
observation and measurement (i.e., observation through the
senses), value neutrality or objectivity, and the search for
law-like statements about the social world.
 POSITIVIST SOCIOLOGY

Two forms of Positivism Sociology:

Quantitative Sociology 
- uses statistical methods such as surveys with large
numbers of participants.
Structural Functionalism
- a society as a system that of interconnected parts that
work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance
and social equilibrium for the whole
 INTERPRETATIVE SOCIOLOGY

• Interpretive sociology is an approach developed by

Max Weber that centers on the importance of meaning
and action when studying social trends and problems.
This approach diverges from positivistic sociology by
recognizing that the subjective experiences, beliefs,
and behavior of people are equally important to study
as are observable, objective facts.
 CRITICAL SOCIOLOGY

Critical Sociology is an international peer

reviewed journal that publishes the highest quality
original research. The journal seeks to engage and
promote critical thinking by publishing articles
from all perspectives broadly defined as falling
within the boundaries of critical or radical social
science. 
THANK YOU!