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1. Introduction to Sociology Sunday, August 20, 2023

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After going through this unit, you will be able to: Examine the term ‘sociology’ as a new academic discipline among the social sciences. Describe the nature of sociology Discuss the scope and importance of sociology Explain the relation of sociology with other social sciences Sunday, August 20, 2023 2

3. What is Sociology? A dictionary defines sociology as the systematic study of society and social interaction. The word “sociology” is derived from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of), meaning “the study of companionship.” Socius companion Logos study of Sociology Sunday, August 20, 2023 3

4. Definitions of Sociology L.F. Ward defines , “Sociology is the science of society or of social phenomena”. Ginsberg says , “Sociology is the study of human interaction and interrelation of their conditions and consequences”. Emile Durkheim defines , “ Sociology as a science of social institutions”. Ogburn and Nimkoff defines, “Sociology as the study of social life”. Kimball Young defines, “Sociology deals with the behaviour of men in groups Sunday, August 20, 2023 4

5. What is Sociology? Sociology is a social science that studies human society and behavior. Sociologists are mainly interested in social interactions – how people relate to one another and how they influence each others decisions. Sociologists focus on the group, rather than the individual. Sociologists examine social phenomena or observable facts or events involving human interaction to make predictions about future trends and behaviors. Sunday, August 20, 2023 5

6. “ Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interactions.” Sunday, August 20, 2023 6

7. Nature of Sociology 1 . Sociology is an Independent Science 2. Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Science 3. Sociology is a Categorical and not a Normative Discipline 4. Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied Science 5. Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science not a Concrete Science 6 . Sociology is a Generalising and not a Particularsing orIndividualising Science 7. Sociology is Both a Rational and an Empirical Sunday, August 20, 2023 7

8. Nature of Sociology Sociology is an Independent Science . Sociology has now emerged into an independent science. – It is not treated and studied as a branch of any other science like philosophy or political philosophy or history. – As an independent science it has its own field of study, boundary and method Sunday, August 20, 2023 8

9. Nature of Sociology Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Science . – As a social science it concentrates its attention on man, his social behavior, social activities and social life. The fact that sociology deals with the Social universe it distinguishes from astronomy , physics, chemistry, geology, mathematics and other physical sciences Sunday, August 20, 2023 9

10. Nature of Sociology Sociology is a Categorical and not a Normative Discipline – Sociology “confines itself to statements about what it is, not what should be or ought to be”. – But it does not mean that sociological knowledge is useless and serves no purpose. – It only means that sociology as a discipline cannot deal with problems of good and evil, right and wrong, and moral and immoral. Sunday, August 20, 2023 10

11. Nature of Sociology Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied Science – Each pure science may have its own applied field. – For example: physics is a pure science and engineering is its applied field. – Sociology as a pure science has its applied field such as administration, diplomacy , social work etc Sunday, August 20, 2023 11

12. Nature of Sociology Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science and not a Concrete Science – Sociology is not interested in concrete only it demonstrations of human events. – It is more concerned with the form of human events and their patterns. – For example : sociology is not concerned with particular wars and revolutions but with war and revolution in general, as a social phenomena, as a type of social conflict Sunday, August 20, 2023 12

13. Sociology is Both a Rational and Empirical Science – Rationalism, stresses reason and the result from logical inference. – Empiricism, is emphasises experience and the facts that result from observation and experimentation . – In Sociological inquiry both are significant. Sunday, August 20, 2023 13

14. What is Society and Culture? Sociologists study all aspects and levels of society. A society is a group of people whose members interact, reside in a definable area, and share a culture. A culture includes the group’s shared practices, values, and beliefs. Sunday, August 20, 2023 14

15. Society Definition of Society We define the term ‘society’ as a group of people who share a common lifestyle, territory, behaviour pattern and organisation . It refers to an ordered community, engaged in a continuous social interaction with the members. In simple terms, society implies the bunch of people who organise themselves and lives together in a particular geographical area and come in contact with each other. The members of the society share common attributes like values, traditions and customs. Sunday, August 20, 2023 15

16. Culture Definition of Culture The term culture refers to a system of beliefs, customs, knowledge, behaviour , religion, practices, etc., which is commonly shared by a group of people. It is described as the people’s way to live such as their learned behaviour , values, morals, art, law, symbols, lifestyle which they accept completely without any second thought in mind. In general, culture is handed down through the generations, by communication, teaching and imitation. It is considered as the social heritage of the organised group. Culture is a pattern of responses (thinking, feeling, behaving) developed by the Society for solving problems arising due to the interaction of the group members and the environment Sunday, August 20, 2023 16

17. Scope of Sociology Two different views about the scope of sociology . There is no one opinion about the scope of sociology . In the broadest sense, Sociology is studying human interactions, their conditions and consequences . There are two main schools of thought among sociologist on this issue. – Specialistic or Formalistic School – Synthetic School Sunday, August 20, 2023 17

18. Quiz What does the word "sociology" mean etymologically? A) The study of the natural world B) The study of companionship C) The study of mathematics D) The study of languages According to Ginsberg, what is the primary focus of sociology? A) The study of physical sciences B) The study of human behavior in isolation C) The study of human interaction and its consequences D) The study of individual psychology Sunday, August 20, 2023 18

19. How does Kimball Young describe the focus of sociology? A) The study of human behavior in isolation B) The study of social institutions C) The study of the natural world D) The study of human behavior in groups According to Ogburn and Nimkoff , what is the subject matter of sociology? A) The study of the natural environment B) The study of technology C) The study of social life D) The study of individual behavior Sunday, August 20, 2023 19

20. Specialistic or Formalistic School In this group of sociologists demarcates,Sociology clearly from other branches of social study and confines it to the “ enquiry into certain defined aspects of human relationship ” or “ Sociology as pure and independent ”. Sociology has a limited field of enquiry and deals those problems which are not dealt with other social science. – Specialistic or Formalistic School Sunday, August 20, 2023 20

21. Synthetic School The other group maintains that the field of social investigation is too wide for any other social science and “ Sociology as special social science ” Such as Economics, Anthropology, History, etc. there is also consider of a “Sociology is a general science”. Sociology studies everything and anything under the sun. – Synthetic Schoo Sunday, August 20, 2023 21

22. Comparison Chart BASIS FOR COMPARISON CULTURE SOCIETY Meaning Culture refers to the set of beliefs, practices, learned behavior and moral values that are passed on, from one generation to another. Society means an interdependent group of people who live together in a particular region and are associated with one another. What is it? It is something that differentiates one society from the other. It is a community of people, residing in a specific area, sharing common culture over time. What it does? It unites the social framework through influence. It shapes the social framework through pressure. Represents Rules that guide the way people live. Structure that provides the way people organize themselves. Includes Beliefs, values and practices of a group. People who share common beliefs and practices. Examples Fashion, lifestyle, tastes & preferences, music, art, etc. Economy, village, city etc. Sunday, August 20, 2023 22

23. Why Study Sociology? Sociology can give you a new perspective on yourself and the world around you. Its called the sociological perspective, sociological imagination or sociological lens. ( C.Wright Mills) By adopting the sociological perspective you can look beyond commonly held beliefs to determine hidden meanings behind human actions. The sociological perspective h elps us understand that peoples behavior is influenced by social factors and learned behaviors from those around us. Sunday, August 20, 2023 23

24. The sociological perspective can help us view the world through the eyes of others. By developing this perspective we can begin to use the sociological imagination; the ability to see a connection between the larger world and one’s personal life . Sociology teaches people not to accept easy explanations. It teaches them a way to organize their thinking so that they can ask better questions and formulate better answers. Sunday, August 20, 2023 24

25. C. Wright Mills coined the term “sociological imagination” to refer to “... the vivid awareness of the relationship between private experience and the wider society.” Sunday, August 20, 2023 25

26. Sociology and Science The nature of sociology as a science has become a controversial issue. Some critics do not support the ideology of sociology being regarded as a science like all other social sciences. Sociology can be regarded as a science since it comprises objective and systematic methodologies of examination and assessment. It can also be evaluated as asocial reality on the basis of empirical data and explanation. However, it cannot be directly compared to natural sciences, since human behaviour is not similar to natural sciences. A science may be defined in at least two ways: (i) A body of organized, verified knowledge which has been secured through scientific investigation (ii) A method of study whereby a body of organized and verified knowledge is discoverED Sunday, August 20, 2023 26

27. The Scientific Method Analyze Data Review of literature Formulate hypotheses Choose research design Gather Data Sunday, August 20, 2023 27

28. Social Sciences Social Sciences are the related disciplines (fields) that study various aspects of human social behavior. The other social sciences include: history, anthropology, psychology, economics and political science. Anthropology : the study of past and present cultures. It ’ s the most similar to sociology. Anthropologists focus / concentrate on the past cultures and present simple cultures or less advanced societies. While sociologists are more interested in group behavior in complex more advanced societies. Sunday, August 20, 2023 28

29. Social Sciences Psychology : deals with the behavior and thinking of organisms. Psychology focuses more on individual behavior. While sociology is focused on group behavior. Economics : is the study of the choices people make in an effort to satisfy their needs and wants. Economists focus on the process in which goods and services are produced, distributed and consumed. Sunday, August 20, 2023 29

30. Social Sciences Political Science : is the examination of the organization and operation of governments. Some areas of political science and sociology overlap, such as the formation of political parties and with voting patterns. History : is the study of past events. Sociologists are also interested in the past. Like many social historians, sociologists study past events in an effort to explain current social behaviors and attitudes. Sunday, August 20, 2023 30

31. Other Social Sciences Despite the different focus’ of the fields they are all related in terms of their study of human beings and their interactions; whether past or present. Many sociologists now borrow freely from the various social sciences in an effort to better understand the social forces that help shape our lives. Sunday, August 20, 2023 31

32. History of Sociology In the 13th century, Ma Tuan-Lin , a Chinese historian, first recognized social dynamics as an underlying component of historical development in his seminal encyclopedia, General Study of Literary Remains. Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406) of Tunisia. He wrote about many topics of interest today, setting a foundation for both modern sociology and economics, including a theory of social conflict, a comparison of nomadic and sedentary life, a description of political economy, and a study connecting a tribe’s social cohesion to its capacity for power. Sunday, August 20, 2023 32

33. How did Sociology Develop? Throughout history scholars have always been interested in the social life and interactions of people. Despite this Sociology did not develop as a field of study until the 1800’s. Several factors led to its development: 1. The rapid political and social changes that took place in Europe as a result of the Industrial Revolution. 2. The rapid growth of cities and their problems as a result of Industrial Revolution. 3. The questioning of traditional beliefs. People across Europe began to question traditional roles and expectations. Sunday, August 20, 2023 33

34. Who were the early Sociologists? Sociology took root in the 1800’s primarily in England, France, and Germany. These countries were the most affected by the Industrial Revolution. Like today, the early sociologists believed that through the collection of data, observations and scientific research you could predict future social trends and behaviors to improve society. The early European leaders included; Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Some of the early leaders of sociology in the United States included W.E.B. Dubois and Jane Addams. Sunday, August 20, 2023 34

35. The Father of Sociology The term sociology was first coined in 1780 by the French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès (1748–1836) in an unpublished manuscript ( Fauré et al. 1999). In 1838, the term was reinvented by Auguste Comte (1798–1857). Set out to develop the “science of man” that would be based on empirical observation Sunday, August 20, 2023 35

36. Focused on two aspects of society: Social Statics— forces which produce order and stability Social Dynamics— forces which contribute to social change Comte named the scientific study of social patterns positivism. He described his philosophy in a series of books called The Course in Positive Philosophy (1830–1842) and A General View of Positivism (1848). Sunday, August 20, 2023 36

37. Karl Marx (1818-1883) Marx is the father of conflict theory Saw human history in a continual state of conflict between two major classes: Bourgeoisie— owners of the means of production (capitalists) Proletariat— the workers Marx predicted that inequalities of capitalism would become so extreme that workers would eventually revolt. This would lead to the collapse of capitalism, which would be replaced by communism. Sunday, August 20, 2023 37

38. Communism is an economic system under which there is no private or corporate ownership: everything is owned communally and distributed as needed. Marx believed that communism was a more equitable system than capitalism. Sunday, August 20, 2023 38

39. Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) Authored the first sociology text, Principles of Sociology Most well known for proposing a doctrine called “Social Darwinism” Suggested that people who could not compete were poorly adapted to the environment and inferior This is an idea commonly called survival of the fittest Sunday, August 20, 2023 39

40. Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) Durkheim moved sociology fully into the realm of an empirical science Most well known empirical study is called Suicide , where he looks at the social causes of suicide Generally regarded as the founder of functionalist theory Sunday, August 20, 2023 40

41. Max Weber (1864-1920) Much of Weber’s work was a critique or clarification of Marx His most famous work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism directly challenged Marx’s ideas on the role of religion in society Weber was also interested in bureaucracies and the process of rationalization in society Sunday, August 20, 2023 41

42. Theoretical Perspectives Today there are three approaches to the study of sociology. 1. The Functionalist Perspective: They view society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable environment. ( Comte, Spencer, Durkheim) Functionalism sees society as a system of highly interrelated parts that work together harmoniously. Sunday, August 20, 2023 42

43. By parts of society, Spencer was referring to such social institutions as the economy, political systems, healthcare, education, media, and religion. According to this sociological viewpoint, the parts of society are interdependent . This means each part influences the others. In a healthy society, all of these parts work together to produce a stable state called dynamic equilibrium (Parsons 1961). Sunday, August 20, 2023 43

44. 2. Conflict Perspective They focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change. ( Karl Marx ) Conflict theory sees society as being made up of individuals who must compete for social, political, and material resources such as political power, leisure time, money, housing, and entertainment. Society is understood to be made up of conflicting interest groups who compete for power and privilege . Sunday, August 20, 2023 44

45. This dynamic results in continuous social change, which is the normal state of affairs . Conflict theory focuses heavily on inequality and differential distribution of power and wealth. Georg Simmel (1858–1918 ): The intensity and violence of the conflict depended upon the emotional involvement of the different sides, the degree of solidarity among the opposing groups, and if there were clear and limited goals to be achieved Sunday, August 20, 2023 45

46. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective They focus on how individuals interact with each other and there outcomes . Blumer coined the term “symbolic interactionism” and identified its three basic premises : 1. Humans act toward things on the basis of the meanings they ascribe to those things. 2 . The meaning of such things is derived from, or arises out of, the social interaction that one has with others and the society. Sunday, August 20, 2023 46

47. 3. These meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretative process used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters ( Blumer 1969). In order for something to be a symbol, everyone in a society must agree on what it means/stands for. Examples of symbols: American flag, Bald Eagle, Uncle Sam are all symbols of America. Sunday, August 20, 2023 47

48. Sociology in the Workplace • an understanding of social systems and large bureaucracies, • the ability to devise and carry out research projects to assess whether a program or policy is working, • the ability to collect, read, and analyze statistical information from polls or surveys, • the ability to recognize important differences in people’s social, cultural, and economic backgrounds, • skills in preparing reports and communicating complex ideas, • the capacity for critical thinking about social issues and problems that confront modern society. Sunday, August 20, 2023 48

49. Assignment Scope and Importance of Sociology Sunday, August 20, 2023 49

50. Thank you Sunday, August 20, 2023 50