Sociology Assignment

-Nausheen Ali Nizami

-Department of Psychology
Conflict and transformation
Unravelling Society’s Threads: Exploring the Depths of Sociology
Delving into the intricate tapestry of human society, it’s the art and science of deciphering
the melodies of social interactions, unravelling the patterns of behaviour, and exploring the
underlying structures that shape our collective existence. Through keen observation and
rigorous analysis, sociology unveils the hidden harmonies of communities, institutions, and
cultures, offering profound insights into the complexities of human relationships, societal
norms, and the ever-changing dynamics of our world.
Its history travels back a millennium because the need to understand complex human
interactions was felt by early thinkers and leaders. Conflicts and social disharmony became a
part of the society even before the complete understanding of what a society actually is, was
formed. Early empires saw the rise of sociology as a means of peacebuilding between
communities without the term in use. In 1700s thinkers like Voltaire, John Locke and Thomas
Hobbes talked about social problems that could be amended through social reforms. Voltaire
emphasized reason, tolerance and education; Locke advocated for natural rights and limited
government while Hobbes argued for a strong centralized authority to prevent societal
disorder. Then came the industrial revolution that set the stage for comprehensive research in
the field of sociology with the emergence of social classes like the workers and the factory
owners, capitalism, inequity in resource distribution and an urban middle-class along with
massive cities. Later, came in the picture the father of sociology August Comte (1798-1857)
who coined the term “sociology” itself and had deep inclination towards a scientific approach
being incorporated in this previously philosophical field, this idea came to be known as
Positivism which mean the scientific study of societal patterns.
The other important theorists include-
Karl Marx (1818-1883)- Who focused on social conflict and class struggle which has been
explained later in this essay.
Max Weber (1864-1920)- He emphasized the significance of rationalization, bureaucracy and
the impact of culture and religion on social change.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)- He studied social integration and solidarity and conducted
extensive research on suicide and laid the foundation for the understanding of social
institutions and rationalization of modern society.
In the 20th century also came DuBois who was an African American sociologist and worked
on race and double consciousness along with George Simmel and Jane Addams who focused
on social interactions, social forms and urban sociology and applied sociology respectively.
Types and characteristics
Sociology, the study of human society and social interactions, encompasses various types,
each shedding light on different aspects of our complex world.

1. General Sociology: This broad category explores fundamental social phenomena,

analysing human behaviour, institutions, and social structures in diverse contexts. It
forms the foundation of sociological inquiry.

2. Applied Sociology: This type focuses on utilizing sociological theories and

methodologies to address real-world issues. Applied sociologists work in fields such
as social work, public policy, and community development, aiming to solve practical
problems and bring about positive social change.

3.Comparative Sociology: Comparative sociologists examine social phenomena across

different societies and cultures. By comparing social institutions, norms, and behaviours, they
gain insights into universal patterns and cultural variations.

3. Clinical Sociology: Clinical sociologists apply sociological theories to individual

cases, offering counselling and interventions. They help individuals navigate social
challenges, promoting mental health and social well-being.

5.Historical Sociology: This type explores how society has evolved over time, analysing
historical events and social changes. By understanding the past, sociologists gain valuable
perspectives on the present and future trends.
Characterized by empirical research, critical analysis, and a focus on social patterns,
sociology equips us with a deep understanding of human behaviour and society’s intricacies.
It encourages empathy, social awareness, and informed decision-making, making it an
indispensable tool for addressing the complexities of our interconnected world.

Significance
-Sociology helps us look more objectively at our society and other societies. It directs
attention to how parts of society fit together and change as well as makes us aware of the
consequences of that social change.
-The study of sociology helps the individual to understand human society and how social
system work. A comparative study of human societies enables us to understand that people in
different societies have different solutions to the universal human problems of making a
living.
-It provides us with a more holistic understanding of why people do what they do and how
systemic remedies can improve the quality of life for all people. Asking tough questions,
analysing and being more thoughtful with our interactions can pave the way for great societal
change in the future.

Key takeaways:
- Sociology studies human society, behavior, and social structures.
- Early thinkers paved the way for sociological inquiry.
- August Comte introduced sociology and emphasized a scientific approach
- There are various types of sociology namely General, Applied, Comparative, Clinical, and
Historical Sociology.
- Sociology fosters empathy, awareness, and informed decision-making.
- Conflict arises from incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference.
- Types include interpersonal, intrapersonal, intergroup, intragroup, and international
conflicts.

References: G.Ritzer, Sociological Theory, (eighth edition) ,McGraw Hill Publications

Dr.G Ganiel, Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
Karl Marx & Conflict theory: Crash Course Sociology retrieved from CrashCourse
https://youtu.be/gR3igiwaeyc?si=dzb134EOIqK4WDEC
Conflict theory| Society and Culture: Khan Academy retrieved from khanacademymedicine
https://youtu.be/LPYTndFFTko?si=J2GoqEWWdaHhBuYN

Harmony Amidst Chaos: Navigating Conflict and Transformation

Introduction
In sociology, conflict refers to a struggle to achieve certain goals and aspirations due to
opposition from others. It could arise due to differing political, social or economic motives.
From the macro perspective wars, riots and distraught diplomatic relationships between
countries are examples of conflicts, whereas on the micro perspective we see joint family
problems, marital issues and unhealthy parent-child relationships as conflicts of day-to-day
life. Conflict has deep rooted causes which have linkages with factors like access to
resources, culture, ethnicity, financial status and existence of democracy and equity.
Sociologists like Karl Marx and Gramsci have tried to study and used the class-based society
of 18th century Europe to bring life to what we know as the ‘’conflict theory” which argues
that society is characterized by inequality and competition for limited resources and conflict
is a fundamental aspect of social life which can lead to societal change and transformation.
Transformation means significant and enduring changes in various aspects of society
including its institutions, structures, cultures, norms, values and interpersonal relationships.
Emile Durkheim’s contributions are central to understanding societal transformation, he
traced the developments of the society from an aristocratically feudal society towards
modernity. Early 20th century after Durkheim came Max Weber who critically examined the
rise of bureaucracy and how religious and cultural factors influenced social change,
emphasizing the importance of understanding subjective meanings in social actions.
Understanding of the transformative potential of conflicts in people is essential for building a
socially progressive and justiciable society. It develops a feeling of empathy and a desire to
work for peacebuilding in humanity, preventing undesired consequences like mass sufferings
and fostering social harmony. It also helps us embrace innovative problem solving and
tolerance amongst all. Conflicts lead to positive transformations in society. Additionally, it
sensitizes us towards sustainability and the implications of war on climate and encourages
inclusive governance to avoid future political instability.

The Nature of Conflict in Sociology

“Like slow dancing barefoot on broken shards of glass.” Quote Clair Canfield,
Communication studies, senior lecturer, Utah State University. This is how he describes the
feeling of an internal conflict gives us. It is certainly not likeable but is necessary for building
and maintenance of healthy interpersonal relationships. It is an expressed struggle between
interdependent parties involving the perception of incompatible goals, scarce resources and
interference. In a conflict both parties or persons involved must be aware of the struggle
otherwise it is just one person being upset or unsatisfied. The main idea of conflict we are
dealing with is the one that occurs between parties that regularly come in contact with each
other and are interrelated professionally or personally. Fighting on the street with a guy over a
car damage is a conflict but the latter is much broader in context and meaning. All fights lead
to conflicts but not all conflicts lead to a fight which means physical combat. Conflict is
intrinsic and natural to human existence. It has content, relational and procedural dimensions.
The content dimension refers to the reason or the cause of the conflict it could be anything
from a chocolate stolen by your sibling to a harsh government policy. There is a relational
dimension which means to describe what kind of relationship you hold with the other party
involved. In this case you are a brother/sister who got their favorite chocolate stolen and in
the other you are a responsible citizen who will have to face the repercussions of this
government move. Finally, the procedural dimension is how you go by the conflict in this
particular relationship. In your sibling’s case you might cry or yell at them but in the
governmental conflict that would not make any desired changes so you file a petition or
maybe the citizens collectively write a referendum.
Conflict can be both direct and indirect which means it can be one-on-one with immediate
arguments and can be indirect where one person might not be aware of the conflicting
intentions of the other and is detrimental for honest long-term relationships. It can be both a
cause of tensions and a catalyst for growth. Conflict can arise when two things are moving to
occupy the same space but which also means it can create a place for differing ideas to
coexist like the Catholics and Protestants, Communism and Democracy, and Capitalism and
Socialism. Among nations there is competition for resources. Degree of conflict increases
with decrease in social distance. Social inconsistencies can exist without tension and tension
can exist without conflict. Social conflict is an outcome of prevailing social tensions.
Manners after traveling across USA, interacting with bureaucrats and lawyers even Queen
Victoria who invited Martineau to her coronation after being fascinated by her work. The
books were further divided into volumes which focused on ideals such as democracy, justice
and freedom. She also looked deeper into topics such as religion and reason, she was deeply
fascinated by Comte’s work and was the first to translate his book from French to English.
She was also hugely involved in the study of capitalism which, according to her was often at
odds with Americans’ moral beliefs.

Conflict resolution
The sociological study of peace and conflict uses sociological theory and methods to analyze
peace processes, peacebuilding and models and peace policies, conflict and its causes, war as
a social problem, media and violence, scope of conflict, group conflicts, collective violence
and alternative constructive nonviolent forms of conflict transformation.
The interplay of conflict and transformation
Conflict and transformation are inseparable. They are often manifested in the context of wars
that leave profound and significant impact on society and changes it forever. The World War
II was a transformative conflict that brought historic changes into the world order. We saw
the emergence of future superpowers that were the United States and the Soviet union. The
mass destruction caused by the war led to the formation of a supranational organisation the
United Nations which aimed at promoting cross-border peace and preventing future conflicts
through dialogues. The American Civil War between 1861 to 1865 abolished slavery in
America creating a just social structure. It also resolved the issue of states’ rights versus
federal authority solidyfing the nation into one unified land. The Vietnamese War brought a
communist government to the island nation along with new vigour for liberty and integrity
amongst the masses. Furthermore, the Indian independence struggle that brought life to the
world’s largest democracy changing the country’s fate from a socially stratified unlettered
British colony to a constitutionally independent, accommodative and an educated nation.
Conclusion
In the intricate tapestry of human society, sociology stands as a guiding thread, unravelling
the complexities of social interactions and the underlying patterns shaping our collective
existence. From early thinkers to modern pioneers, sociology has provided profound insights
into human relationships and societal dynamics.
Through its various branches like General, Applied, Comparative, Clinical, and Historical
Sociology, this discipline offers a holistic perspective on society, enabling us to analyze
conflicts – be they interpersonal, intergroup, or international. Conflict theory, rooted in
sociology, emphasizes the necessity of societal change and transformation.
Understanding the power dynamics inherent in conflicts is crucial. Addressing power
imbalances through inclusive governance and neutral mediation is essential for sustainable
conflict resolution. Sociology challenges societal norms, advocating for social justice. The
race-conflict theory and gender-conflict theory spotlight racial and gender disparities, urging
societies to promote equality.
Historical transformative conflicts like World War II, the American Civil War, the Vietnamese
War, and the Indian independence struggle have reshaped nations, emphasizing the interplay
of conflict and societal transformation.
Sociology acts as a compass, guiding us toward a more empathetic, inclusive, and
harmonious world. By delving into its depths, we unravel society’s threads, fostering a
profound understanding of our shared humanity and paving the way for a more equitable and
peaceful future.