What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociologys subject matter is diverse, ranging
from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs
of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these
diverse subjects of study is sociologys purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape
and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures.
Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal
lives, our communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and
consequences of such things as romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behavior, aging,
and religious faith. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and
wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community, and social
movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and
peace, and economic development.
Sociologists emphasize the careful gathering and analysis of evidence about social life to develop and enrich our
understanding of key social processes. The research methods sociologists use are varied. Sociologists observe the
everyday life of groups, conduct large-scale surveys, interpret historical documents, analyze census data, study
video-taped interactions, interview participants of groups, and conduct laboratory experiments. The research
methods and theories of sociology yield powerful insights into the social processes shaping human lives and social
problems and prospects in the contemporary world. By better understanding those social processes, we also come
to understand more clearly the forces shaping the personal experiences and outcomes of our own lives. The ability
to see and understand this connection between broad social forces and personal experiences what C. Wright
Mills called the sociological imagination is extremely valuable academic preparation for living effective and
rewarding personal and professional lives in a changing and complex society.
Students who have been well trained in sociology know how to think critically about human social life, and how to
ask important research questions. They know how to design good social research projects, carefully collect and
analyze empirical data, and formulate and present their research findings. Students trained in sociology also know
how to help others understand the way the social world works and how it might be changed for the better. Most
generally, they have learned how to think, evaluate, and communicate clearly, creatively, and effectively. These
are all abilities of tremendous value in a wide variety of vocational callings and professions.
Sociology offers a distinctive and enlightening way of seeing and understanding the social world in which we live
and which shapes our lives. Sociology looks beyond normal, taken-for-granted views of reality, to provide deeper,
more illuminating and challenging understandings of social life. Through its particular analytical perspective, social
theories, and research methods, sociology is a discipline that expands our awareness and analysis of the human
social relationships, cultures, and institutions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.

Major Figures in Sociology

Asch, Solomon - (19071996) A psychologist who investigated social conformity by studying how people reacted
when their perceptions of events were challenged by others. Asch found that most individuals changed their own
opinions in order to agree with the group, even when the majority was clearly wrong.
Becker, Howard - (18991960) The sociologist who developed the labeling theory of deviance. Becker concluded
that the labels a person is assigned in society dictate his or her behavior.
Chambliss, William - (1933 ) The sociologist who performed the Saints and Roughnecks study. Chambliss
discovered the extent to which the labels attached to two groups of individuals during high school affected their
success later in life.
Cloward, Richard - (19262001) Sociologists who theorized that the greatest responsibility of industrialized
societies was to prepare the next generation of workers. Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin also developed the concept of
illegitimate opportunity structure, or access to various illegal means for achieving success.
Cooley, Charles Horton - (18641929) A sociologist whose theory of socialization was called the looking-glass
self. Cooley said that we develop our self-images through our interactions with significant others. He referred to
significant others as those people in our lives whose opinions matter to us and who are in a position to influence
the way we think about things, especially about ourselves.
What Makes Sociology So Important?
At a fundamental level, the different disciplines of sociology involve the study of social interactions between
different people and groups. Sociologists take the time to analyze interactions between different people and may
also look at the management or organization of various groups. Sociology disciplines are focused on the effects of
social behavior and how different social traits or norms form in the first place. The field of sociology is a branch of
social sciences and encompasses several sub-categories and sub-fields. Some sociologists focus more on the field
of education and psychology, while others will focus more on political sciences, business communication and
organizational development.
Many students who are considering declaring a sociology major ask themselves, why study sociology? What
exactly do sociologists do and what is a typical educational career path for aspiring sociologists? You can get
answers to many of these questions by talking to an admissions counselor or career counselor at the college or
university you wish to attend.

Reasons for Studying Sociology

Many students pursue a sociology degree because they want to make a contribution to society and solve problems
that affect society at large. Others want to make a difference for an organization or to use their research and data
analysis skills for a special purpose. When you are considering the reasons for studying sociology and the
importance of sociology, take some time to learn about the different fields or branches of sociology and the
various types of career paths available to you.
So why study sociology? Here are some common reasons why many people pursue this interesting and dynamic
discipline:

To provide scientific contributions to society. Many sociologists are involved in scientific research and are
able to solve large-scale problems that affect the world around us.
To study the roles of institutions, organizations and individuals. Sociologists study how social institutions
such as family, education, religion and governmental control affect human behavior.
To use scientific knowledge and sociology theories to solve social problems. Sociologists can draw upon
data and scientific studies to draw conclusions about certain situations and solve social problems.
To enrich human culture. Sociologists have made great contributions throughout history, and these have
provided us with in-depth knowledge about human culture, norms and behaviors.
To improve international relations. Some sociologists work for government agencies where they can
reduce the effects of political unrest and conflict between nations, and work towards solving common
problems.

Branches of Sociology
As sociology is considered a very popular and fast growing science came into existence (only after 1839 AD) is vast
and broad discipline. It has lots of specialists so that we can divide it into various sub-divisions on the basis of its
contents.
The main branches of sociology are as follows:

Theoretical Sociologist
It includes micro theory or small/middle/large theory. The theories of Karl Marx, August Cimte, Max Wever,
Emmile Durkhaim, Sorokin, etc are studied under the theories of sociology.
Eg. The theories of Economic determinism and the theory of Class Struggle of Karl Marx.
Eg. Theory of Sucide by Emmile Durkhaim.

Historical Sociology
It is the study of social facts and social groups. It studies the background of any social events. How and when
different social groups or organizations originated ?
Eg. The history of Hindu, Roman, Greek, etc. and other major civilizations were studied by P.A. Sorkin.
Sociology of Knowledge
The newly emerged branch of sociology indicates that our knowledge is the product of social phenomena. This
means our knowledge is always influenced by society. The economic religious political and other intrests save the
human belief and idea.

Criminology
This branch of sociology studies the criminal behavior of individuals or groups. Origin of crime its types nature,
causes as well as law, punishment, police, etc. come under this study, The efforts for the improvement is also
studied.
Different organizations establish to control the crime as well as their role also come under its study.

Sociology of Religion
This branch studies the structure of the religion in social system as no society is free from the influence of it. It
analyses the social behavior of human beings. It also studies the religious constitutions and their role in the
society.
Augste Comte, Emmile Durkheim, Herbet Spencer did the study of elementary forms of religious life.

Sociology of Economy
This branch of sociology studies production, distribution, consumption and exchange of goods and services.
This branch also studies the economic activities of the society in which the focus is given about the socio-cultural
factors. The access in production, the mode of distribution, the real consumers, the role of culture in such activities
are studied under it.
Eg.. Why Hindus dont eat Cow?

Rural Sociology
This branch of sociology studies the way of life of rural people as the rural population is higher than the urban. The
patterns of life such as behavior, belief, culture, tradition norms, values, etc. are totally different than of urban
people. So, it studies the rural society in scientific way. It also studies rural life, social institutions, social structure,
social processes, etc. of the rural society.

Urban Sociology
This branch of sociology studies the way of life of urban people. It gives information about the social organizations
and instution of urban society as well as social structure and social interaction. It also studies the social pathology
of urban society such as discrimination) crime, corruption, robbery, beggary, loot, theft, unemployment,
prostitution, environmental pollution, etc.

Political Sociology
This branch of sociology studies different political moments of the society. It includes the study of different
political ideology (view), their origin, development and functions. In this study, different political parties are
considered as social institutions. Various activities and behavior of political parties are studied in this branch. As
they are the part of social system.

Sociology of Demography
Demography of scientific mathematical and statically study of population. It studies about size, situation,
composition, density, distribution, and measurement etc. of the population.
In this branch of sociology, we study the distribution of human population with the analysis of population change
in sociological perspectives. It also finds out the determining factors of population change and its trend.

Sociology of Law
Sociology of law and legal system are considered as the part of society, as social institution. Law is one of the very
important means of social control. Law is related with other different social sub systems. Such as economy, nature
of distribution, authority, structure of family kinship relationships, etc. So, this branch of sociology is related to
moral order for the society as formulation and implementation of rules and regulations, law and order come under
this.

Industrial Sociology
This branch of sociology is concerned with the industrial relationship of the human beings. It studies the different
industrial organizations and institutions. As well as their interrelationship and links with other various institutions
of society. It also studies the inter relationships of industrial institutions with various aspects of human life such as
culture, beliefs, customs, religion or the way of life.