Introduction to sociology

1. SociologySociology
Unit IUnit I
Sociology of NursingSociology of Nursing

2. IntroductionIntroduction
Definition of SociologyDefinition of Sociology
Nature and Scope of SociologyNature and Scope of Sociology
Importance and application of Importance and application of
Sociology in NursingSociology in Nursing

3. IntroductionIntroduction
The word sociology was coined by The word sociology was coined by
Auguste ComteAuguste Comte – French Philosopher in – French Philosopher in
1839. He is consider as a father of 1839. He is consider as a father of
Sociology. Sociology.
Sociology is the youngest of all the Social Sociology is the youngest of all the Social
Sciences. Sciences.
The word Sociology is derived from the The word Sociology is derived from the
Latin Word ‘Latin Word ‘SocietusSocietus’ which means ’ which means
‘‘societysociety’ and the Greek word ‘’ and the Greek word ‘logoslogos’ means ’ means
‘‘science or study or advanced studyscience or study or advanced study’.’.
Science of society or study of society. Science of society or study of society.

4. Definitions of SociologyDefinitions of Sociology
L.F. Ward L.F. Ward defines, “Sociology is the science of defines, “Sociology is the science of
society or of social phenomena”.society or of social phenomena”.
GinsbergGinsberg says, “Sociology is the study of human says, “Sociology is the study of human
interaction and interrelation of their conditions and interaction and interrelation of their conditions and
consequences”.consequences”.
Emile Durkheim Emile Durkheim defines, “ Sociology as a science of defines, “ Sociology as a science of
social institutions”. social institutions”.
Ogburn and Nimkoff Ogburn and Nimkoff defines, “Sociology as the study defines, “Sociology as the study
of social life”.of social life”.
Kimball Young Kimball Young defines, “Sociology deals with the defines, “Sociology deals with the
behaviour of men in groups”.behaviour of men in groups”.

5. Subject matter of SociologySubject matter of Sociology
Sociology is Sociology is
–the study of societythe study of society
–the science of social lifethe science of social life
–the study of social relationshipsthe study of social relationships
–the study of human behaviour in groupsthe study of human behaviour in groups
–the study of forms of social relationshipsthe study of forms of social relationships
–the study of social actionthe study of social action
–the study of social groups and social systemsthe study of social groups and social systems

6. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
1.1.Sociology is an Independent ScienceSociology is an Independent Science
2.2.Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical
ScienceScience
3.3.Sociology is a Categorical and not a Normative Sociology is a Categorical and not a Normative
DisciplineDiscipline
4.4.Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied
ScienceScience
5.5.Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science not a Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science not a
Concrete ScienceConcrete Science
6.6.Sociology is a Generalising and not a Particularsing Sociology is a Generalising and not a Particularsing
or Individualising Scienceor Individualising Science
7.7.Sociology is Both a Rational and an Empirical Sociology is Both a Rational and an Empirical
ScienceScience

7. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is an Independent Science.Sociology is an Independent Science.
–Sociology has now emerged into an Sociology has now emerged into an
independent science.independent science.
–It is not treated and studied as a branch It is not treated and studied as a branch
of any other science of any other science like philosophy or like philosophy or
political philosophy or history.political philosophy or history.
–As an independent science it has its own As an independent science it has its own
field of study, boundary and methodfield of study, boundary and method..

8. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is a Social Science and not Sociology is a Social Science and not
a Physical Science.a Physical Science.
–As a As a social science it concentrates its social science it concentrates its
attention on man, his social behaviour, attention on man, his social behaviour,
social activities and social life.social activities and social life.
–The fact that sociology deals with the The fact that sociology deals with the
Social universe it distinguishes from Social universe it distinguishes from
astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology,
mathematics and other physical sciences.mathematics and other physical sciences.

9. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is a Categorical and not a Sociology is a Categorical and not a
Normative DisciplineNormative Discipline
–Sociology Sociology “confines itself to statements about “confines itself to statements about
what it iswhat it is,, not what should be or ought to benot what should be or ought to be”.”.
–But it does not mean that sociological But it does not mean that sociological
knowledge is useless and serves no purpose.knowledge is useless and serves no purpose.
–It only means that sociology as a discipline It only means that sociology as a discipline
cannot deal with problems of good and evil, cannot deal with problems of good and evil,
right and wrong, and moral and immoral. right and wrong, and moral and immoral.

10. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is a Pure Science and not Sociology is a Pure Science and not
an Applied Sciencean Applied Science
–Each pure science may have its own Each pure science may have its own
applied field.applied field.
–For example: physics is a pure science For example: physics is a pure science
and engineering is its applied field.and engineering is its applied field.
–Sociology as a pure science has its Sociology as a pure science has its
applied field such as administration, applied field such as administration,
diplomacy, social work etc.diplomacy, social work etc.

11. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science
and not a Concrete Scienceand not a Concrete Science
–Sociology is Sociology is not interested in concrete only it not interested in concrete only it
demonstrations of human eventsdemonstrations of human events..
–It is more concerned with the form of human It is more concerned with the form of human
events and their patterns.events and their patterns.
–For example: For example: sociology is not concerned with sociology is not concerned with
particular wars and revolutions but with war and particular wars and revolutions but with war and
revolution in generalrevolution in general, as a social phenomena, , as a social phenomena,
as a type of social conflict.as a type of social conflict.

12. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is a Generalising and not a Sociology is a Generalising and not a
particularising or individulalising Scienceparticularising or individulalising Science
–Sociology tries to find out the general laws Sociology tries to find out the general laws
of principle about human interaction and of principle about human interaction and
association, about the nature, form, content association, about the nature, form, content
and structure of human groups and and structure of human groups and
societies.societies.
–It does not study each and every event that It does not study each and every event that
takes place in society. It is not possible also. takes place in society. It is not possible also.

13. Nature of SociologyNature of Sociology
Sociology is Both a Rational and Sociology is Both a Rational and
Empirical ScienceEmpirical Science
–Rationalism, stresses reason and the Rationalism, stresses reason and the
result from logical inference. result from logical inference.
–Empiricism, is emphasises experience and Empiricism, is emphasises experience and
the facts that result from observation and the facts that result from observation and
experimentation.experimentation.
–In Sociological inquiry both are significant. In Sociological inquiry both are significant.

14. Scope of SociologyScope of Sociology
Two different views Two different views about the scope of about the scope of
sociology.sociology.
There is no one opinionThere is no one opinion about the scope of about the scope of
sociology.sociology.
In the broadest sense, Sociology is studying In the broadest sense, Sociology is studying
human interactions, their conditions and human interactions, their conditions and
consequences.consequences.
There are There are two main schools two main schools of thought among of thought among
sociologist on this issue.sociologist on this issue.
–Specialistic or Formalistic SchoolSpecialistic or Formalistic School
–Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School

15. Specialistic or Formalistic Specialistic or Formalistic
SchoolSchool
In this group of sociologists demarcates, In this group of sociologists demarcates,
Sociology clearly from other branches of social Sociology clearly from other branches of social
study and confines it to the study and confines it to the “enquiry into certain “enquiry into certain
defined aspects of human relationshipdefined aspects of human relationship” or ” or
“Sociology as pure and independent”.“Sociology as pure and independent”.
Sociology has a limited field of enquiry Sociology has a limited field of enquiry and and
deals those problems which are not dealt with deals those problems which are not dealt with
other social scienceother social science..
–Specialistic or Formalistic School.Specialistic or Formalistic School.

16. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
The other group maintains that the field of The other group maintains that the field of
social investigation social investigation is too wide for any other is too wide for any other
social science social science and and “Sociology as special social “Sociology as special social
science” science” Such as Economics, Anthropology, Such as Economics, Anthropology,
History, etc.History, etc. there is also consider of a there is also consider of a
“Sociology is a general science”. “Sociology is a general science”.
Sociology Sociology studies everything and anythingstudies everything and anything
under the sun.under the sun.
–Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School

17. Specialist of Formalistic Specialist of Formalistic
SchoolSchool
SimmelSimmel
SmallSmall
VierkandtVierkandt
Max WeberMax Weber
Von WieseVon Wiese
TonnieTonnie

18. Specialist of Formalistic Specialist of Formalistic
SchoolSchool
This group led by This group led by SimmelSimmel views sociology is views sociology is
confined to the enquiry of confined to the enquiry of certain defined certain defined
aspects of human relationship aspects of human relationship and they and they
consider sociology as pure and independent.consider sociology as pure and independent.
Simmel’s view Simmel’s view sociology deals with same sociology deals with same
topics as they from a different angle topics as they from a different angle – from the – from the
angle of different modes of social relationships.angle of different modes of social relationships.

19. Specialist of Formalistic Specialist of Formalistic
SchoolSchool
Small’sSmall’s views - views - sociology does not study all sociology does not study all
the activities of societythe activities of society. The scope of . The scope of
sociology is the study of the sociology is the study of the generic generic
(general) forms of social relationships(general) forms of social relationships, ,
behaviours and activities, etc.behaviours and activities, etc.

20. Specialist of Formalistic Specialist of Formalistic
SchoolSchool
Vierkandt’s Vierkandt’s view – sociology is a special view – sociology is a special
branch of knowledge branch of knowledge dealing with the ultimate dealing with the ultimate
forms of mental or psychic relationships forms of mental or psychic relationships
which unite people in society.which unite people in society.
He further maintains that similarly in dealing He further maintains that similarly in dealing
with culture with culture sociology should not concern sociology should not concern
itself with the actual contents of cultural itself with the actual contents of cultural
evolution but it should confine itself to only evolution but it should confine itself to only
the discovery of the fundamental forces of the discovery of the fundamental forces of
change and persistence. change and persistence.

21. Specialist of Formalistic Specialist of Formalistic
SchoolSchool
Max Weber’s Max Weber’s view – sociology aims to view – sociology aims to
interpret and understand social behaviour interpret and understand social behaviour
but it does not include all human relations but it does not include all human relations
because all of them are not social.because all of them are not social.
According to him, According to him, Sociology concerned with Sociology concerned with
the analysis and classification of types of the analysis and classification of types of
social relationships. social relationships.
Von Wiese’s Von Wiese’s view – the scope of sociology view – the scope of sociology
is the study of forms of social relationships.is the study of forms of social relationships.

22. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
Sociology Sociology studies everything and anythingstudies everything and anything
under the sun.under the sun.
According to this group sociology is a general According to this group sociology is a general
science.science.
It wants sociology to be a synthesis It wants sociology to be a synthesis (mixture) (mixture)
of the social sciences of the social sciences or a general science.or a general science.

23. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
DurkheimDurkheim
HobhouseHobhouse
SorokinSorokin
Karl mannheimKarl mannheim
GinsbergGinsberg
Alex InkelesAlex Inkeles
J.B. MckeeJ.B. Mckee

24. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
Durkheim’ s Durkheim’ s view – sociology can be divided view – sociology can be divided
into three major divisionsinto three major divisions
–Social MorphologySocial Morphology
Is Is concerned with geographical or territorial basis concerned with geographical or territorial basis of the of the
life of such as its volume and density, local distribution life of such as its volume and density, local distribution
and the life. and the life.
–Social PhysiologySocial Physiology
Is Is divided into a number of branches divided into a number of branches such as Sociology of such as Sociology of
religion, of Morals, of Laws, of Economic life, of Language religion, of Morals, of Laws, of Economic life, of Language
etc. this activities related to the various social groups.etc. this activities related to the various social groups.
–General SociologyGeneral Sociology
Is Is discover the general character discover the general character of these social facts.of these social facts.

25. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
Hobhouse’sHobhouse’s view – sociology is a synthesis of view – sociology is a synthesis of
many social studies – task of three fold.many social studies – task of three fold.
–Studies in particular partStudies in particular part of the field. of the field.
–InterconnectInterconnect the results given the results given by different social by different social
sciencessciences..
–Interpret social life Interpret social life as a whole.as a whole.
Sorokin’sSorokin’s view- the subject matter of sociology view- the subject matter of sociology
–The The study of relationship between different aspects study of relationship between different aspects
of social phenomenaof social phenomena..
–The study of The study of understanding the relationship understanding the relationship
between the social and non-social aspects.between the social and non-social aspects.
–The study of general characteristics of social The study of general characteristics of social
phenomena. phenomena.

26. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
Karl Mannheim’s Karl Mannheim’s view – two branches.view – two branches.
–Systematic and General SociologySystematic and General Sociology..
Describes one by one the main factorsDescribes one by one the main factors of living together of living together
as far as they may be found in every kind of society. as far as they may be found in every kind of society.
–Historical SociologyHistorical Sociology..

Deals with the Deals with the historical variety historical variety and actuality of the and actuality of the
general forms of society. general forms of society.

Historical Sociology falls into two main sections.Historical Sociology falls into two main sections.
–Comparative SociologyComparative Sociology
Deals with Deals with historical variations of the some historical variations of the some
phenomena phenomena and tries to find by comparison and tries to find by comparison general general
features as separated from industrial features.features as separated from industrial features.
–Social DynamicsSocial Dynamics
Deals with the Deals with the interrelations between the various social interrelations between the various social
factors factors and institutions in a certain given society, for and institutions in a certain given society, for
instance, in a primitive society. instance, in a primitive society.

27. Synthetic SchoolSynthetic School
Alex Inkeles’s Alex Inkeles’s view;view;
–Social AnalysisSocial Analysis
–Primary Concepts of Social LifePrimary Concepts of Social Life
–Basic Social InstitutionsBasic Social Institutions
–ProcessProcess
J.B. Mckee’s J.B. Mckee’s viewview
–Social Action, Social Structure, Social Social Action, Social Structure, Social
Process and Social Institutions are included Process and Social Institutions are included
in the scope of Sociology.in the scope of Sociology.

28. Importance and Importance and
application of Sociology application of Sociology
in Nursingin Nursing

29. Importance of sociologyImportance of sociology
1.1.Sociology makes a Scientific of Society.Sociology makes a Scientific of Society.
2.2.Sociology studies the role of the institutions in Sociology studies the role of the institutions in
the development of the Individual.the development of the Individual.
3.3.The study of Sociology is indispensable for The study of Sociology is indispensable for
understanding and planning of society.understanding and planning of society.
4.4.Sociology is of great importance in the Sociology is of great importance in the
solution of social problems.solution of social problems.
5.5.Sociology has drawn our attention to the Sociology has drawn our attention to the
essential worth and dignity of man.essential worth and dignity of man.

30. Importance of sociologyImportance of sociology
6.6.Sociology has changed outlook with regard Sociology has changed outlook with regard
to the problems of crime etc.to the problems of crime etc.
7.7.Sociology has made great contribution to Sociology has made great contribution to
enrich human culture.enrich human culture.
8.8.Sociology is of great importance in the Sociology is of great importance in the
solution of international problems.solution of international problems.
9.9.Sociology is useful as a teaching subject.Sociology is useful as a teaching subject.
10.10.Sociology as a profession. Sociology as a profession.

31. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Sociology is includes in the Sociology is includes in the curriculum of curriculum of
nursing nursing because health is include social because health is include social
component.component.
Most of the illness have social causes and Most of the illness have social causes and
social consequences.social consequences.
Sociology gives knowledge Sociology gives knowledge to deal with patient to deal with patient
and to understand this habits norms, culture and to understand this habits norms, culture
and behaviour etc..and behaviour etc..
The nurse has to understand the necessity of The nurse has to understand the necessity of
changing the environment or surrounding.changing the environment or surrounding.

32. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
To adjustment and services of the family To adjustment and services of the family
members are important in the recovery members are important in the recovery
process of the patient. So process of the patient. So for understand this for understand this
knowledge of family is essential for the nurseknowledge of family is essential for the nurse..
Without sociological knowledge a nurse Without sociological knowledge a nurse
cannot understand the community.cannot understand the community.
The sociological knowledge the nurse The sociological knowledge the nurse
understand the factors of caste, faith, understand the factors of caste, faith,
community, religion etc..community, religion etc..

33. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
So this knowledge helps her So this knowledge helps her to avoid prejudices to avoid prejudices
and discrimination. and discrimination.
As well as a nurse should As well as a nurse should understand the social understand the social
position, status and social responsibilities position, status and social responsibilities with with
regard to health field by studying sociology. regard to health field by studying sociology.
She as to work is accordance with rules and She as to work is accordance with rules and
norms of it by norms of it by removing egoistic and impulse removing egoistic and impulse
based behaviour. based behaviour.
The nurse to understand the necessity to The nurse to understand the necessity to
changing the environment for making recovery changing the environment for making recovery
betterbetter. .

34. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Social correlates of disease including Social correlates of disease including
demographic factors can be understood by the demographic factors can be understood by the
nurse with the knowledge of Sociology. nurse with the knowledge of Sociology.
It helps the nurse to approach the patient at It helps the nurse to approach the patient at
various level.various level.
–Emotional levelEmotional level
–Cultural levelCultural level
–Intellectual levelIntellectual level

35. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Emotional level.Emotional level.
–The nurse should understand the patient The nurse should understand the patient
emotions.emotions.
–Nurse give some opportunity to patient for Nurse give some opportunity to patient for
ventilate their feelings.ventilate their feelings.
–Which will reduce their emotional burden.Which will reduce their emotional burden.
–It is really helps to build up the rapport which It is really helps to build up the rapport which
is essential for effective curative is essential for effective curative
intervention. intervention.

36. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Cultural levelCultural level
–Patients may not be able to adjust with Patients may not be able to adjust with
hospital environment because limitation of hospital environment because limitation of
cultural environment.cultural environment.
–For example: For example: A female patient not to be ready A female patient not to be ready
to remove her mangal sutra at the time of to remove her mangal sutra at the time of
surgery because of their cultural sentiments. surgery because of their cultural sentiments.
–The nurse should explain the cultural thinking The nurse should explain the cultural thinking
and give explanation the need for removing and give explanation the need for removing
mangal sutra. mangal sutra.

37. Importance of Sociology in Importance of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Intellectual levelIntellectual level
–The patient is unable to understand the The patient is unable to understand the
instructions and guidelines given by the nurse instructions and guidelines given by the nurse
or doctors.or doctors.
–So here the knowledge of Sociology help to So here the knowledge of Sociology help to
nurse to understand the intelligence of nurse to understand the intelligence of
patients. patients.
–This knowledge makes the nurse to approach This knowledge makes the nurse to approach
the patient sympathetically without emotional the patient sympathetically without emotional
reaction. reaction.

38. Application of Sociology Application of Sociology
in Nursingin Nursing
Sociology is a recent addition to the syllabus of Sociology is a recent addition to the syllabus of
medical education.medical education.
Sociology is needed in general to all the medical Sociology is needed in general to all the medical
professions and especially Nursing because professions and especially Nursing because
social conditions are sometimes responsible for social conditions are sometimes responsible for
health problems.health problems.
Sociology helps to understand the relationship Sociology helps to understand the relationship
between disease and social condition.between disease and social condition.

39. Application of Sociology in Application of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Man is an integral part of societyMan is an integral part of society
–Man does not exist alone.Man does not exist alone.
–For health condition in sociological terms For health condition in sociological terms
the emphasis in not on the handicap but the emphasis in not on the handicap but
one of the person.one of the person.
–so as a Nurse should take care about the so as a Nurse should take care about the
patients. patients.

40. Application of Sociology in Application of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Economic condition and patient care:Economic condition and patient care:
–If a patient belongs to working or middle class, the If a patient belongs to working or middle class, the
family will face economic problems and the patient family will face economic problems and the patient
will have the fear of destitution.will have the fear of destitution.
–Inspite Inspite of the willingness of the patient nobody of the willingness of the patient nobody
prefers to employ him.prefers to employ him.
–As a result the patient is forced to lead an idle life As a result the patient is forced to lead an idle life
which leads to serious economic problems.which leads to serious economic problems.
–So the Nurse should feel their economic condition.So the Nurse should feel their economic condition.

41. Application of Sociology in Application of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Importance of social environment: Importance of social environment:
–A patient with physical handicap should be A patient with physical handicap should be
understood in the context of his social milieu.understood in the context of his social milieu.
–Psychological, social and vocational Psychological, social and vocational
handicaps of the handicaps of the disabled person and disabled person and
patietns are often related with false attitudes patietns are often related with false attitudes
of the people. of the people.
–The nurse should understand the social The nurse should understand the social
environment for develop the patient health environment for develop the patient health
condition. condition.

42. Application of Sociology in Application of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Importance of understanding the social Importance of understanding the social
factors.factors.
–Sociology helps Nurse to understand the Sociology helps Nurse to understand the
social factors which from the barriers to social factors which from the barriers to
treatment, rehabilitation and positive treatment, rehabilitation and positive
outcome. outcome.
–Nurse to understand the importance of Nurse to understand the importance of
supportive social factors in treating and supportive social factors in treating and
rehabilitating the patient. rehabilitating the patient.

43. Application of Sociology in Application of Sociology in
NursingNursing
Intervention measures: Intervention measures:
In the absence of social worker the Nurse may In the absence of social worker the Nurse may
have to deal with family and other problems have to deal with family and other problems
such as housing, finance, social, isolation such as housing, finance, social, isolation
and psychological disturbances of the and psychological disturbances of the
patient. patient.
Intervention on finance and social security Intervention on finance and social security
measures.measures.
Social change and treatment.Social change and treatment.
Modification of attitudes.Modification of attitudes.

44. Thank youThank you