Introduction to Sociology

What is sociology? Its major concern is society, and hence it is popularly known as the “science of society”. Auguste Comte introduced the term “Sociology” for the first time in his famous work “Positive Philosophy” in 1839. (Father of Sociology) The term Sociology is derived from the Latin word Socius, meaning companion or associate and Greek word Logos, meaning study or science. Thus the meaning of Sociology is the science of society.

Sociology is the study of individual in a social setting that includes group’s organization, cultures and societies; and of the interrelation of individuals, groups, organizations, cultures and societies. The social setting in which people live have been created by individuals throughout the course of history.

DEFINITIONS Emile Durkheim defines sociology as the “science of social institutions”. Kingsley Davis says that “sociology is a general science of society”. American Sociological Association: Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.

‘Society’ is the most fundamental one in sociology. It is derived from the Latin word ‘socius’, which means ‘companionship’. Companionship means sociability. It is this element of sociability which defines the true essence of society. It indicates that man always lives in the company of other people. Society “is a web of social relationship” MacIver “The term society refers not to group of people, but to the complex pattern of the norms of interaction, that arise among and between them”. Lapiere “A society is a collection of individuals united by certain relations or modes of behavior which marks them off from others who do not enter into the relations or who differ from them in behavior” Ginsberg

Characteristics Of Society Society consists of people Mutual recognition (recognise the presence of others) Mutual interaction/ awareness A sense of belonging together Interdependence Co-operation of labour (division of labour) Society is dynamic (Subject to constant change) Culture (own way of culture; shared belief, attitudes, customs and values)

How can sociology help us in our lives? Or Uses of sociology Sociology studies society in a scientific way 2. Sociology gives us an awareness of cultural difference that allows us to see the social world from many perspectives 3. Sociological research provides practical help in assessing the results of policy Initiatives