Module 1

INTRODUCTION
Sociology is relatively a new science.
As a discipline of academic interest, it is of recent origin. Though the roots of sociological
writings go back to the Greek and the Roman philosophy; it emerged as a new discipline only
in the first half of the 19th century, as a response to the crisis caused by the French and the
industrial revolutions. Earlier, History, Economics, Political Science, and Philosophy
attempted a study of various problems related to society. Later, when man was confronted
with complexities of social life, it became necessary to establish a separate discipline for the
study of society. The social, economic, political and intellectual background of the 18th
century Europe facilitated the emergence of sociology. It emerged in European society
corresponding to its socio-historical background which had its origin in the Enlightenment
period. This period embodied the scientific, technological, intellectual and commercial
revolutions in Europe on the one hand; and the French revolution of 1789 on the other. The
Enlightenment period stretched from 14th to 18th century and had given rise to force of
social change which rocked the feudal monarchy and church in Europe. Similarly, the
industrial revolution in England brought about deep rooted changes in the nature of society
and role of individual in the society.
1. It gave rise to varieties of social and cultural problems. All these developments provided
the requisite impetus to the scholars and thinkers of that period to develop a science of
society which could address these problems. Notable among them was Auguste Comte, a
French philosopher, who developed a science of society and named it as sociology. In
his famous took “ Positive Philosophy “, Comte pointed out the need for the creation of a
distinct science of society which he first called “Social Physics” and later “Sociology” that
should concern itself with an analysis and explanation of social phenomena. Sociology has
been defined as the science of society. It is the scientific study of social relationships or
activities. It studies social life, actions, behaviors and incidents. Auguste Comte, Emile
Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber and Herbert Spencer made significant contribution to the
development of sociology.

Every subject or branch of knowledge has its own history and subject matter, so also
sociology. Every subject has its own approach, concepts and methods through which it
studies its subject and becomes distinguished from other. Hence, our concern in this unit is to
study the foundations of sociology. This first unit of the paper-1, i.e. Introduction to
sociology, introduces the subject sociology as it emerged as a discipline and its subsequent
growth and development both in international and Indian context. It also tries to explain
contribution of modern pioneers to the development of sociology. This unit also highlights
the scope, subject matter and importance of sociology. It explains the two major schools of
thought on the scope of sociology i.e. Formalistic and Synthetic school of thought. This unit
also highlights the interrelationship of sociology with other social sciences. It is a well known
fact that different social sciences are interrelated and one cannot make a sharp distinction
between them. But at present, it is recognized that sociology synthesizes other social
sciences. Now, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, History etc.
share most of their views and method. What is sociology and its roots:
Sociology is the general study of social life, groups and societies. Sociology is a humanistic
social science .It study the behavior of human beings in society. Other social sciences like
Economics History etc. also study the same but their focus of interest is different. Sociology
is concerned with social relationships of man with man and social interactions. It is the
scientific study of social relationships, their variety, their forms and whatever affects them. It
aims to study social action, not in its economic, political, religious or ethical sense, but the
way it influences the social behaviour. It is the social nature of human action that concerns
sociologists. Sociology is the science of social reality and social institutions. As a science of
society, sociology studies social institutions, social groups, social processes and social
organizations.
Famous French philosopher Auguste Comte coined the term Sociology in the year 1839. The
word “Sociology” has been derived from two words i. e. the Latin word “Socius “ or
“Societus” meaning society, companion or associate and the Greek word “Logos” meaning
“study” or “science” Hence, the etymological meaning of the term sociology is the science of
society or the study of society. Society is a web of social relationships i.e. human inter-
actions and
interrelations. Sociology is the study of human behavior in groups or human interaction
among human beings. It is a science which is concerned with association of human beings
and analysis and explanation of social phenomena. Sociology is not only the study of social
relationships, activities and incidents but also of their forms. It is the synthesis of social
sciences. According to Simmel, the main object of sociology is the study of the forms of
social interaction. Sociology is concerned with the “whole” of human society and not with
the “parts” which make up the whole. Its central concern is to study society as an
interconnected whole. It subject matter is our own behavior as social being.
1.2. Emergence of sociology

In order to comprehend any subject, it is pertinent to look into the socio-cultural coordinates
of its genesis and growth. It is a truism that that the history of social life and its problems is
as old as human being itself. The origin of sociology is associated with the evolution of man.
However the roots of sociological understanding go back to the ancient Greek and Roman
literature. But the systematic study of society emerged in the West. Besides, we do find
references of law, the state and the society in Plato’s Republic (427-347 B.C) and in
Aristotle’s Ethics and politics (348-322 B.C.). Similarly, Roman philosopher Cicero’s book
De Officiis (on justice) was a treasure of insights in philosophy, law, polities and sociology.
St.Augustine’s De civitate Dei (345-430 A.D) deals with social concepts and questions.
Later on significant works of subsequent ages like the summa theological and de regimine
prnicipum of Thomas Aquinas (1227-1274) De Monarchia of Dante (1265-1321) deals with
social concepts and questions of their time. In the modern periods, there appeared some
writers who treated problems of life and society on a more realistic level. No clear cut
distinction was made between state and society until the 16th century. Machiavelli in his
famous work “The prince” made an objective discussion on state and statecraft. Another
notable author of this period was Sir Thomas Moore (1477-1535) who, in his book “Utopia”
published in 1515, dealt with day to day social problems. Scholars like Thomas Campanella
(1568-1639) in his “City of the Sun” Sir Francis Bacon in his “New Atlantis” (1561-1628)
and James Harrington in his “The common wealth of Nations” made discussion on what real
life ought to be. Similarly, famous Italian writer Vico and French scholar Montesquieu gives
stress on scientific investigation of social phenomenon. In his book”The New Science” Vico
opined that society was subject to definite laws which could be observed through objective
observation. Montesquieu in his famous work “The Spirit of Laws” had analysed the role of
external factors in life of human societies French scholar Saint Simon tried to develop a new
science which would study social life like physics studies the physical world. But the origin
of sociology is attributed to the numerous developments in the 18th and 19th century
especially
the Industrial revolution and the French revolution. These two epoch-making events changed
the entire history of human society. It resulted in metamorphic changes in the realm of
economy, polity, culture and religiosity of mankind. This altered reality attracted the attention
of the scholars like Saint Simon, Auguste Comte and others. They attempted to explain this
social transition thereby envisioning their ideas on social reconstruction. Sociology owes its
birth to this intellectual endeavour. Comte is rightly called as the founder of sociology
because he coined the term and also its theme and methodology. Study of the social
institutions was special significance for him. In his famous work “Positive Philosophy”,
Comte pointed out the need for the creation of a distinct science of society which he first
called “social physics” and later “sociology” that showed concern for analysis and
explanation of social phenomena.
1.2.1. EMERGENCE OF SOCIOLOGY IN INDIA
We find the growth of sociology as a discipline is a product of Western intellectual discourse.
However, writings about society can be traced back to the ancient Indian mythological,
religious and spiritual texts such as the Veda, Upanishads, Puranas, Smritis, writings of
Kautilya and Sukracharya that talk volumes about rites, laws, customs, economy, polity,
culture, morality, aesthetics and science. All these writings are replete with insights
concerning social order and stability, mobility, human interrelationship and social
governance. For instance, Kautilya’s Artha Shastra is a monumental treatise on political
economy and Shukracharya’s Niti Shastra offers vast wisdom on morality, social customs,
ethics, folkways and mores.
“Charaksamhita” of 8th century B.C advise the healers to take into account the norms, values
and customs of the people who would come to them. Most of the classical accounts of Indian
Society can be found in the writings of Meghasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of
Chandragupta Maurya. Detailed socio-cultural description of Indian society is also found in
the works of three Chinese travelers,Fa-hien(400-411 A.D),Yoan Change (624-644 AD) and
1-Tsing (671-695 AD). Similarly, a sort of sociological approach may be marked in the
famous Aarab traveler Al-Bironi’s (973-1030) description of the social life and customs of
the people. Valuable information on socio-cultural conditions and daily life of people of India
are available from the narratives of Ibn Batutta (1333-1347). Famous Muslim scholar in
Akbar’s court (1556-1605) Abul Fazal is known for his work “Ain-i-Akbari”. It gives a
wonderful description of society in all its aspects in Akbar’s time. Abd-al-Rahman Ibn-
khaldun (1332-1406) the famous Islam scholar is known for his popular treatise
“Muqaddamah” where he describes the rise and fall of states and gives stress on geographical
and climatic factors as causes of social change. However the above scholars were not
sociologists in the modern sense. But they were keen observers of social life and society and
thereby providing valuable material for sociology.
During British period, the rapid acquisition of knowledge of Indian Society and the
intensification of missionary activities began to develop from 1760 onward. Missionaries and
British officials made earnest effort to study the social life and culture of people of India. Dr.
François Buchanan conducted an ethnographic survey of Bengal in 1807 which is still
considered as a brilliant work of sociological importance. In 1816, Abbey Dubois, a French
Missionary in Mysore wrote a book entitled “Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies”
which is regarded as a valuable sociological document. Famous social reformer Raja
Rammohan Roy’s writings on religion, women and society continue to excite the intellectual
discourse for their rich sociological content. Besides, Vivekananda Dadabhai Naroji, M.G.
Ranade and many others also added the much needed intellectual stimulus to the larger
discourse of ‘individual and society’ in India. The making of Indian Sociology can be traced
back to this intellectual climate and its corresponding socio-cultural milieu.
Emergence of sociology as a profession in India: Sociology emerged as a separate
academic discipline in Indian universities in the 1st half of 20th century. At the beginning it
was associated with Anthropology. However, the growth of sociology and anthropology
passed through three phases such as.
1. First phase - 1773-1900.
2. Second phase - 1901-1950.
3. Third phase - 1950 till date.
The beginning of studies in sociology in Calcutta University was first started in 1907. But
there was no separate department of sociology. Later on in 1914 Social Philosophy and
Sociology were introduced in Mysore University. The first department of sociology started in
Bombay University in 1919 followed by the University of Lucknow in 1920s. Osmania
University offered sociology as one of the options at B.A level in 1928 and as an independent
MA programme in 1946. Subsequently, other Indian universities started opening Sociology
as a PG program after Independence.
1. Auguste Comte: Prominent French Philosopher Comte coined the term sociology and
contributed substantially to the making of the discipline. His important works include
Positive Philosophy, Systems of Positive Polity and Religion of Humanity. His significant
sociological themes include Law of Three Stages, Hierarchy of Sciences, Positivism, Social
Statics and Social Dynamics. His major intention was to create a science of society. Comte
opined that sociology must follow the method of natural sciences. He believes in the unilinear
theory of evolution and opines that human knowledge and society pass through certain
definite progressive evolutionary stages.
2. Emile Durkheim: (1858-1917) Another French sociologist Durkheim attempted to
establish the status of sociology as an independent and distinct science. He was a follower of
Comte’s tradition and aimed at developing a scientific sociology. He is considered as the
builder of sociology. His major contributions include Division of Labour in Society,
Elementary Forms of Religious Life, Le Suicide, Rules of Sociological Method etc. He was
the first modern thinker who emphasized on the reality of society. In his theory the ultimate
social reality is the group. He advocates the objective, factual and empirical method of study.
For him, sociology is the study of social facts. Social life has to be analyzed in terms of social
facts. He considers social facts to be external to individual.
3. Herbert Spencer: (1820-1903) Herbert Spencer, a British scholar, played a leading role in
the intellectual movement in social sciences in the 19th century. His sociology is essentially
evolutionistic. His main focus was on the evolutionary growth of social structures. For him,
evolution begins in the inorganic world of matter, goes through the organic or living world of
plants and animals and ends in the human and social world of men. He believed that all
phenomena organic, inorganic and super-organic follow the same natural law of evolution.
His main works are Social Statics, The Study of Sociology, The Principles of Sociology and
Man versus the State etc.
4. Max Weber: (1864-1920) Max Weber, a German philosopher and Sociologist, contributed
significantly to the evolution of Sociology as a scientific discipline. For him, individual is the
basic unit of society. Weber opines that it is necessary to analyse human motivations, actions
and relationships scientifically. Verstehen i.e interpretative understanding is the method
which is more effective in understanding the dynamics of society and culture which cannot be
reduced to mere observable objects. The task before the social scientist is to observe the inner
meaning of a social phenomenon. Society and culture are not elements to be quantified in line
with the objects in nature; rather they are to be interpreted. Social action and human
relationships are qualitative in nature. Therefore, it is imperative to make use of empathy
along with the property of objectivity for a comprehensive understanding of social
phenomenon. Ideal type can serve as the appropriate methodological tool for the purpose. For
him sociology is the interpretative understanding of social action. His main works are the
Protestant Ethics and the Spirit of Capitalism, Economics and Society, Methodology of
Social Sciences.
5. Karl Marx: (1818-1883). Marx, a versatile thinker, a prolific writer and a critique was a
product of German idealism. His writings carry deep imprints of the ideas of Hegel, Kant,
Feneurbach and Adam Smith. However, his writings are highly original and polemical and
are not in complete conformity with these scholars. Although he claims to be a Sociologist,
his writings are deeply concerned with burning social issues of his times. He has extensively
written
on class, class formation, struggle, exploitation, poverty, alienation and social change. The
issue of class and class struggle is central to Marx’s thought. In his words, ‘the history of all
hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggle’. His main works are Economic and
Philosophical Manuscripts, Capital, The Holy Family, the Poverty of Philosophy, The
Communist Manifesto, German Ideology etc.
6. Talcott Parsons (1902-1982): Parsons is a leading American sociologist. He views
sociology as the analysis of social relationship and cultural product. He tried to keep social
science as close to natural science. He opined that the role of reason is supreme in
sociological theory. The social science, which he calls action science, is that which deals with
the realms of interaction and values. His important books are “The structure of Social action
and ‘The Social System’. Some of his salient themes include (i) action frame of reference, (ii)
social system and (iii) pattern variable. Parsons opines that a social system consists in a
plurality of individual actors interacting with each other in a situation. The core of a social
system is the patterned normative order through which the life of a population is collectively
organized.
1.2.2: Importance of Sociology
As compared to other sciences; sociology is a new and younger science. Still sociology has
been viewed as the science of society and mother of all social science. But sociologist differs
among themselves regarding the importance and values of sociology. One set of critics
trivialize sociology as a discipline having little connectedness with social reality. On the
contrary, others argue in favour of its importance as a scientific enterprise rooted in the study
of social reality. However, importance of sociology may be known from the following.
1. A scientific study of society is only possible through sociological analysis.
2. Study of sociology also helps in understanding and analyzing various social problems.
3. Sociological insights help in effective planning, formulation of social policy and good
governance.
4. A branch of sociology called criminology helps in a proper understanding of crime and
criminality in society.
5. Study of sociology also helps in the comparative understanding of groups, culture and
societies.
6. Sociology as a discipline offers a plethora of themes and issues concerning social reality
like tribal studies, social exclusion and inclusion, gender studies, Diaspora, urban studies,
social movements etc for academic discourse and research investigations.

1.3. Scope of sociology

Every subject has its own scope and subject matter. Sociologists differ among themselves
regarding the scope of sociology. As a result, there is no unanimity of opinion amongst
scholars about the scope of sociology. Some sociologists opine that sociology studies
everything and any- thing under the sun, whereas, others opine that the scope of sociology is
very limited as it studies only those things which are not studied by other social sciences.
V.F. Calberton opines “since sociology is so elastic a science, it is difficult to determine just
where its boundaries begin and end, where sociology becomes social psychology and where
social psychology becomes sociology or where economic theory becomes sociological
theory, something which is impossible to decide”. However, an attempt has been made to
demarcate the exact scope of sociology.
1.3.1. Definitions of Sociology
Sociology is a new social science. French sociologist Auguste Comte coined the term
sociology in 1839. The term ‘sociology’ is derived from the Latin word ‘societus’ meaning
‘society’ and the Greek word ‘logos’ meaning study or ‘science’. Etymologically sociology
means the ‘science of society’ sociology concerns itself with an analysis and explanation of
social phenomena. It studies social life, actions, behaviours and incidents. Sociology is the
study of social relationships, groups and societies. Its subject matter is our own behaviour as
social beings.
Sociologists differ in their opinions about the definition of sociology. Sociology has been
defined as the science of society. Some others have defined sociology as the scientific study
of social relationships or activities. But what defines sociology is not what it studies i.e.
group or family, but how it studies a chosen thing. In this context, it is necessary to discuss
some of the definitions of sociology.
1. Auguste Comte, “sociology is the science of social phenomena subject to natural and
invariable laws, the discovery of which is the object of investigation”.
2. Alex inkles, “Sociology is the study of systems of social action and their interrelations”.
1. Emile Durkheim “Sociology is the science of social institutions”.
2. Max-Weber, “sociology is the science which attempts an interpretative understanding of
social action”.
3. Morris Ginsberg, “sociology is the study of human interactions and inter-relations their
conditions and consequences”.

4. Morris Ginsberg, “sociology is the science that deals with social groups, their internal
forms or modes of organization, the processes that tend to maintain or change these forms of
organization and relations between groups”.
5. H.P. Fairchild, “sociology is the study of the relationships between man and his human
environment”.
6. J.F. Culler, “sociology may be defined as the body of scientific knowledge about human
relationships.
7. G.A. Lundberg, “sociology is a body of related generalizations about human social
behaviour arrived at by scientific method”.
8. R.E. Park and F.W. Burgess, “sociology is the science of collective behaviour”.
9. P.A. Sorokin, “sociology is a generalizing science of socio-cultural phenomena viewed in
their generic form, types and manifold interconnections”.
10. Arnold Green, “sociology is the synthesizing and generalising science of men in all his
social relationships”.
11. Kimball Young, “sociology deals with the behaviour of men in groups”.
12. Gillin and Gillin, “sociology in its broadest sense may be said to be the study of
interactions arising from the association of living beings”.
13. G.Duncan Mitchell, “sociology is a science for scientific social development”.

An analysis of the above definitions shows that sociologists differ in their opinion about the
definition and the subject matter of sociology. But the common idea underlying all these is
that sociology is concerned with human beings and their relationships. It gives stress on the
social aspect of these relationships. MacIver opines that whatever subject may be included in
the subject matter, its real subject matter are social relationships. This social relationship is
the basis of social interaction of social processes. That is why man becomes a social animal
only when he enters into these social relationships. Hence, studying sociology means
studying social relationships.
1.3.2. Scope of Sociology
Scope means area of study, field of inquiry or the subject matter. Each subject has its own
field of study, so also sociology. Study of sociology is organized within a specific boundary
which is known as the scope of sociology. Without a demarcated boundary, it is very difficult
to study a subject systematically. Hence, it is necessary to demarcate the boundary or scope
of a subject. There are two main schools of thought among sociologists on the issue of scope
and subject
matter of sociology: Formal school or specialistic school of thought and synthetic school of
thought.
1.3.2.1. Formalistic or specialistic school
This school of thought is headed by German sociologist George Simmel. Alfred Vierkandt,
Leopold Vonwiese, Max-Weber, Albion Small, Ferdinand Tonnies, E.A. Ross, Park and
Burgess are other important supporters of this school. According to this school of thought the
subject matter of sociology consists of this school opine that sociology cannot study social
life as a whole. Hence, the scope of sociology is very limited. They want to keep the scope of
sociology distinct from other social sciences. They consider sociology as a pure and
independent science. However, the views of the supporters of this school of thought
regarding the scope of sociology are discussed below:
1. George Simmel: Formalistic school is headed by German sociologist George Simmel.
According to Simmel sociology should confine its study to formal behaviour instead of
studying actual behaviour. Sociology comprehends the forms of social science which
describes analyses, classifies and delineates the forms of social relationships, the process of
socialization and social organization etc. Simmel makes a distinction between the forms of
social relationships and their contents and opines that sociology should confine itself in
explaining different forms of social relationships and study them in abstraction where as their
contents are dealt with by other social sciences. Co-operation, competition, sub-ordination,
division of labour etc. are different forms of social relationships. As sociology confines itself
in studying forms of social relationships, its scope is very limited.
2. Alfred Vierkandt: Another leading supporter of formal school Vierkandt opines that
sociology is a special branch of study which deals with the ultimate forms of mental or
psychic relationships. These mental relationships consist in love, hate, Co-operation etc.
which shape particular types of social relationships. He maintains that sociology can be a
definite science only when it abstains from a historic study of concrete societies. Thus, in his
opinion the scope of sociology is very limited as it deals with the ultimate forms of mental or
psychic relationships like love, hatred, co-operation, competition etc.
3. Leopold Vonwiese: Another main advocate of formal school Vonwiese opined that the
scope of sociology is very limited as it only studies the form of social relationships and forms
of social processes. He has divided these social relationships and social processes into many
types. He has indentified more than 650 forms of human relationships. Similarly there are
two types of social processes in society such as associative and dissociative which includes
cooperation and conflict respectively.
4. Max Weber: Another supporter of formalistic school Max-Weber opines that the aim of
sociology is to attempt an interpretative understanding of social action and social and
classification of social action and social behavior. It should confine itself in the analysis and
classification of social action and social behaviors. Social behavior is that which is related to
the behavior of others. As social behavior does not include the whole of human relations,
hence the scope of sociology is very limited.
5. Albion Small: Another advocate of formal school A. Small opined that the scope of
sociology is much limed as it does not study all the activities of society but only confine itself
in studying the genetic forms of social relationships, behavior and activities.
6. Ferdinand Tonnies: Tonnies has supported the formal school and the idea of pure
sociology. On the basis of forms of social relationships he has differentiated between
‘Gemeinschaft’ (society) and ‘Gesellschaft’ (community) and opined that the main aim of
sociology is to study the different forms of social relationship that comes under these two
categories.
Form the above views of supporters of formalistic school it may be concluded that sociology
studies a particular aspect of social relationships. It studies the forms of social relationships in
their abstract nature not in concrete situation. Thus, the formalistic school has confined the
scope of sociology to the abstract study of the forms of social relationships.
Criticism of formalistic school: The formalistic school of thought has been criticized from the
following grounds.
1. The formalistic school of thought has extremely narrowed down the scope of sociology to
merely the abstract forms of social relationships.
2. The distinction between the forms of social relationships and the content of social
relationships is not possible. It is also not possible to study the abstract forms by separating it
from concrete relations.
3. The formalistic idea of pure and independent sociology is purely imaginary in nature.
4. Besides sociology, other social sciences like economics, political science, Psychology also
study social relationships.
5. Comparison of sociology with geometry is impractical and incorrect.

1.3.2.2. Synthetic School

It came into existence in reaction to the formalistic school of thought. It tries to make
sociology a synthesis of the social sciences or a general science and encyclopedic. According
to this school of thought, the scope of sociology is very wide and all inclusive. According to
this school of thought, different aspects of social life are inter-related. We can’t understand
society with the study of one aspect only; hence sociology should attempt to study social life
as a whole. Sociology studies the whole of social life; hence its scope is very wide. The main
advocates of this school of thought are Emile Durkheim, L.T. Hobhouse, P.A. Sorokin,
Morris Ginsberg, Karl Mannheim, Alex inkles and many others. Opinions of supporters of
this school of thought regarding the scope of sociology are described below.
1. Emile Durkheim: The main advocates of synthetic school Durkheim opines that the scope
of sociology has three main divisions or field of study i.e (i) social Morphology (ii) Social
Physiology and (iii) General Sociology.
i) Social Morphology: It includes all those subjects which are fundamentally geographic,
such as, population, its size, density, distribution, mobility etc. This comprehends two
studies. First, analysis of the size and quality of the population in as much as it affects the
qualities of social relationships and social groups. Second, study of the social structure, or a
description of the main forms of social groups of institutions as well as their classification.
ii) Social Physiology: Social physiology is inclusive of all those subjects that are studied by
particular social sciences, such as religion, economy, language, morals, law etc. In other
words, social physiology has different branches, such as sociology of law, sociology of
religion etc. which are regarded as special aspects of sociology.
iii) General Sociology: General sociology is the philosophical part of sociology. Its function
is to discover the general character of these social facts and to formulate general social laws.
2. L.T. Hothouse: Famous English sociologist L.T. Hothouse holds similar opinion like
Durkheim about the scope of sociology. He represents the philosophical side of sociology.
According to him, sociology is a science which shows social life of man as its sphere. He
opines that it is possible to have a fuller comprehension of the whole from the study of its
parts. Hence, sociologist should interpret social life as a whole. Keeping in mind the
interrelatedness of social relations, sociologists should try to interconnect the results arrived
at by social science. While studying the parts, sociologists have to correlate the results of the
study with an eye to the whole of society. Then only the study of part contributes to a fuller
comprehension of the whole.
3. P.A. Sorokin: Sociology studies various aspects of the social relationships hence can’t be
called as a special science. He also subscribes the view that sociology is a synthesis of the
social
sciences or a general science. According to him, the scope of sociology includes the study of
general features of social phenomena and the study of relationship between the different
aspects of social phenomena.
4. Morris Ginsberg: According to Ginsberg, Sociology studies and classifies all forms of
social relationship, studies the relationship between individual and society and the
relationship among different aspects of social life such as economic, political, religious, etc.
He divides the scope of sociology into four main divisions such as social morphology, social
control, social process and social pathology. Social morphology studies the quality and
quantity of population, social group, social structure, and social institutions. Social control
studies the mechanisms i.e. both formal and informal by which society controls the behaviour
of its members. Social process studies different types of interaction like cooperation and
conflict. Social pathology studies social problems of poverty, population, crime etc.
According to him the main functions of sociology is to discover sociological Principles of
social life and tries to determine the relation between different parts of social life.
5. Karl Mannheim: Another supporter of synthetic school of thought Karl Mannheim opines
that the scope of sociology is very wide. He divides sociology into two categories such as
systematic and general sociology and historical sociology. Systematic and general sociology
deals with main factors of living together found in different kinds of society where as
historical sociology deals with the historical variety and general forms of society. Historical
sociology has two divisions such as comparative sociology and social dynamics. Comparative
sociology is concerned with historical of features. On the other hand, social dynamics is
concerned with the interrelations between social factors and institutions in a particular
society.
6. Alex Inkles: Another protagonist of synthetic school of thought Alex Inkles opines that the
scope of sociology includes social analysis, Primary concepts of social life, Basic social
institutions and social processes.
Thus, it may be concluded that there is no conflict between two schools of thought about the
scope of sociology. Sociology is both a general science and a special science. It synthesizes
all special science. Hence the scope of sociology is very wide. One school studies the part
and other studies the whole. Both part and whole are interrelated we can’t study the part
without studying the whole and vice-versa.
1.2.5. Subject Matter of Sociology: Subject matter means scope, area of study or field of
inquiry. Every subject has its own subject matter so also sociology. Study of sociology is
organized within a specific boundary which is known as the scope or subject matter of
sociology which is already discussed. But, there are some critics who opined that sociology
does not have a subject matter of its own and whatever subject matter it has it is hotchpotch
of various social
sciences. Sociology borrows from other social sciences as it is merely an assemblage of
various social sciences. But this criticism is totally incorrect. Sociology is not only an
independent science with subject matter of its own but also it is considered as the mother of
all social sciences. Other social sciences have spheres within sociology just as associations
have the spheres within community as MacIver remarks.
1.4. Nature of Sociology
Sociology as A Science: There exists a great controversy about the exact nature of Sociology.
The root question is, whether sociology is a science? Sociologists get divided among
themselves into two opposite groups. For one group of sociologists, sociology is a science
because it adopts and applies the methods of natural sciences for social investigation.
Founding fathers of sociology Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim and others subscribe to this
view. On the contrary, the other camp holds a different viewpoint that sociology is not a
science. German scholar Max Weber does not entirely accept the mechanistic viewpoint of
science as advocated by Comte. However, sociology is a behavioural science which tries to
explore and explain social reality as objectively as possible.
MEANING OF SCIENCE: Science is a body of systematic knowledge. Science is based on
reason and evidences. A science is “a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of
facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.” Science
collects facts and links them together in their casual sequence to draw valid inferences.
Science adopts scientific method. Scientific knowledge is acquired through observation,
experimentation, generalization etc. Science has the following characteristics such as
objectivity, observation, accurate prediction, experimentation, accurate measurement,
generalization and cause-effect relationships.
Sociology is a Science: According to Comte and Durkheim, “Sociology is a science because
it adopts and applies the scientific method. Sociology does make use of scientific methods in
the study of its subject matter. Hence Sociology is a science. It is a science because of the
following reasons.
(1) Sociology pursues scientific method: Sociology studies social reality with the application
of scientific method. It believes that human action can be subject to scientific investigation
like natural phenomenon.
(2) Sociology uses observation as a tool: Sociologist studies social world as a social observer.
The whole world is the laboratory of sociology. The sociologist applies fieldwork method in
the understanding and interpretation of the human world.
(3) Objectivity is possible in Sociology: Like natural sciences, Sociology engages itself in
objective analysis. Sociological insights are based on facts emerging from field investigation.
(4) Sociology describes cause-effect relationship: Like natural sciences, sociology also traces
the cause and finds answers to it. While studying family or population growth, sociology
traces the relationship between family disorganization and divorce and population growth and
poverty. Family disorganization is the cause of divorce and population growth is the cause of
poverty. Thus, sociology describes cause-effect relationship in social disorganization and
population explosion. Hence sociology is a science.
(5) Sociology makes accurate measurement: Sociology, like natural sciences also accurately
measures social phenomena or relationships. By using statistical method, socio-metric scale,
scales of measurement sociology effectively and accurately measures social relationships.
Hence Sociology is a science.
(6) Prediction is possible: Like natural sciences, sociology does frame laws and attempts to
predict more accurately. On the basis of cause-effect relationship, sociology can accurately
predict about future. If there will be dowry in society then it will lead to suicide, poverty.
Cuvier opines that this predictive value of sociology is improved day by day. As Sociology
matures day by day, it predicts more accurately.
(7) Generalization is possible: The notion that generalisation drawn by social sciences is not
universal is proved wrong. Like natural sciences, sociology draws generalizations based
fieldwork which is universally applicable. The concept of incest taboo-prohibited sex
relationship among blood relatives is a universal truth.
SOCIOLOGY IS NOT A SCIENCE: There are some scholars like Max-Weber who deny the
status of science to Sociology. He said Sociology can’t be an objective Science. However,
those who deny the status of science to Sociology they put forth following arguments:
(1) Lack of Objectively: Sociology cannot be called a science because it cannot maintain
complete objectivity with social phenomena. Sociologist has his own prejudice and bias
hence he cannot observe his subject with complete detachment. Complete objectivity in the
study of human behaviour is impossible. Sociology deals with social relationships which
cannot be studied like physical objects. Hence, objectivity is not possible in Sociology.
(2) Lack of Experimentation: Sociology is not a science because it can’t make
experimentation. Sociology deals with human relationships which cannot be put to laboratory
test. We can’t see or weigh human relationship because it is abstract in nature. We can’t do
experiment with abstract things.
(3) Lack of Prediction: Like natural sciences, Sociology can’t accurately make prediction.
Natural Sciences make prediction on the basis of certain data. But Sociology deals with social
relationships and human behaviour which are so uncertain and peculiar that we can’t make
any accurate predication about it. We can’t predict what will be one’s behaviour at a certain
point of time nor can we predict about the trends or speed of social change. Hence sociology
is not a science.
(4) Lack of accurate measurement: Sociology can’t make accurate measurement like natural
sciences. There are definite standards of measurement like kilogram or meter by which it is
possible to measure things. But in Sociology we have no such measuring instruments.
Besides sociology deals with social relationships which are qualitative in nature and which
can’t be measured accurately in any yardstick. Hence Sociology is not a science.
(5) Lack of Generalisation: Sociology can’t make generalizations like natural sciences which
is universally applicable. Sociology deals with human behaviour and no two individual are
alike. Hence the conclusions drawn by Sociology can’t be uniform or universally applicable.
Social Phenomena is so complex and complicated and is governed by so many factors that it
is really difficult to draw a conclusion which will be universally applicable.
(6) Terminological Inadequacy: Sociology has yet to develop adequate sets of concepts and
terminologies that can sufficiently equip the scholars in theorization and explanation of social
reality. There is growing tendency among scholar to use commonsense vocabularies in
sociological discourses.
Famous Sociologist Robert Bierstedt in his book “The social order” clearly explains the
nature of Sociology in the following way:
1. Sociology is a social and not a natural science.
2. Sociology is a positive and a normative science.
3. Sociology is a pure science and not an applied science.
4. Sociology is an abstract science and not a concrete science.
5. Sociology is a generalizing science and not a particularizing science.
6. Sociology is both a rational and an empirical science.

1.5. Sociology and other academic disciplines

The meaning, nature and scope of sociology will be better understood in the light of its
relationship with other social sciences. For a complete understanding of human social life it is
necessary to study not only one but all the aspects minutely. Sociology is a social science and
a science of society. As a social science, it attempts to study social life as a whole. But for the
complete study of social life as a whole sociology requires the help of other social sciences.
Different social sciences are interrelated and one can’t make a sharp distinction between
them. Any such attempt to study society as a totality suggests that its study should be done as
a whole. But in recent years it is recognized that sociology synthesizes other social sciences
but it is at the same time as special science having its own individual view point. It is also
considered as the mother of all social sciences. All other social sciences depend on sociology
because no aspect of human life can be detached from its social aspect. Besides, no social
science is in a position to give a complete picture of society. Sociology endeavors to study
social life as a whole by taking help from other social sciences. Hence, there exists a very
close and intimate relationship between sociology and other social sciences. In this context
the study of interrelationships among social science is very important.
1.5.1. Relationship between social and natural sciences
Social life is very complex. To understand this complex social life it is necessary to study all
the aspects minutely. The factors and elements that influence social life are affected by both
natural and social factors and elements. Hence, the subject matter of science has been
categorized into two parts i.e. natural sciences and social sciences. The subject matter of
natural sciences is the forces of nature where of subject matter of social sciences is social
phenomena. Goal of both these sciences is same i.e. exploring the relationship between the
natural world and the human world. Hence, both are mutually related and influence each
other. At the same time both are also different from each other from multiple angles. While
natural sciences are objective social sciences are subjective. Natural sciences are studied
through scientific method. Scope and subject matter of both sciences also differ. But both are
interrelated.
1.5.2. Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology is the mother of all social sciences. Hence it has close and intimate relationship
with Anthropology. The relationship is so close that Anthropologists like A.L. Kroeber
consider Sociology and Anthropology as twin sisters. They often appear as two names for the
same subject. R. Redfield recognizes the closeness between these two social sciences.
Sociology is a science of society. It studies behaviour of man in groups. The term Sociology
has been derived from the Latin word ‘Socius’ means society, companion or association and
the
Greek word ‘logos’ means study or science. Hence Sociology is concerned with the
association of human beings. It is a science that deals with social groups.
Similarly the term Anthropology is derived from tow Greek words ‘anthropos’ meaning man
and ‘logos’ meaning study or science. Accordingly anthropology means study of man. As a
science of man it deals with man, his works and behaviour. Anthropology studies the
biological and cultural development of man. Anthropology has a wide field of study which
can be broadly divided into four main divisions such as physical anthropology, archeology,
cultural anthropology and social anthropology. Physical anthropology studies bodily
characteristics of early man and thereby tries to understand both primitive and modern
cultures. Archeology studies cultures of pre-historic period. This study facilitates sociologists
to make a comparative study of present social structure. It is concerned with the early periods
of human existence. It reconstructs the origin, spread and evolution of culture by examining
the remains of the past societies. Social anthropology deals with the behaviour of man in
social institutions. Social anthropology and sociology are one and the same. Evan Pritchard
considers social anthropology as a branch of Sociology.
However there exists a very close and intimate relationship between Sociology and
Anthropology. Both contribute to the growth of each other. Both have a symbiotic
relationship. Anthropology studies primitive man in a pre-literate society whereas sociology
studies man in modern complex societies. Anthropology is holistic in nature because it
studies all aspects of man in a social setting; whereas this is not possible in sociology because
of its vastness and complexity of modern life. However their close relationship can be known
from the following.
Anthropology contributes to the growth of Sociology. Without the help of anthropology the
study of Sociology can’t be complete. It is a part of Sociology. Anthropology provides
knowledge about ancient societies. To have a comprehensive understanding of present
society Sociology takes the help of anthropology. Contributions of many Anthropologists like
R.Brown, Linton, Mead and Pritchard enriches sociological knowledge. The origin of family,
marriage, religion etc. can be better understood through anthropological knowledge.
Sociology accepts the concepts like cultural area, cultural traits, and cultural lag etc. from
anthropology. Sociology accepts the anthropological conclusion that racial superiority is not
responsible for mental development. ‘Thus Sociology is greatly benefited by anthropological
studies.
Similarly, Sociology contributes richly towards the growth of anthropology. Anthropology
accepts many concepts of Sociology. Research and contributions of many Sociologists like
Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer is of great help to anthropology. Anthropologists greatly
benefited by the Sociological researches. Ideas and conclusions of Sociology contribute to the
research in anthropology.
Thus, there exists a close and intimate relationship between Sociology and Anthropology.
Both study human society and both are concerned with all kinds of social groups like
families, friends, tribes etc. Many of the ideas and concepts are used in both the discipline.
Hence both are interrelated and interdependent. However, in spite of the inter-relationship,
both differ from each other.
Differences: (1) Sociology is a science of society whereas anthropology is a science of man
and his behaviour.
(2) The scope of Sociology is very wide whereas the scope of Anthropology is very limited.
(3) Sociology studies society as a whole whereas anthropology studies man as a part of
society.
(4) Sociology studies civilizations which are vast and dynamic on the other hand
Anthropology studies cultures which are simple and primitive.
(5) Sociology studies modern, civilized and complex societies whereas Anthropology studies
ancient and pre-literate societies.
(6) Sociology is concerned with social planning whereas anthropology is not concerned with
social planning. On the basis of social planning sociology make suggestion for future but
anthropology do not make any suggestion for future.
(7) In the words of Kluckhon, “The Sociological attitude has tended towards the Practical and
Present, the anthropological towards pure understanding of the past.”
1.5.3. Sociology and Economics
Sociology is mother of all social sciences. Hence, it has close relationship with all social
sciences and so also with Economics. The relationship of Sociology with Economics is very
close, intimate and personal. There exists close relationship between these two because
economic relationship bears a close relation to social activities and relationships. Likewise
social relationship is also affected by economic relationships. Economic activities to a great
extent are social activities. Hence both are mutually related.
Sociology is a science of society. It is concerned with the association of human beings.
Sociology is the study of human inter-actions and inter-relations their conditions and
consequences. But
Economics deals with economic activities of man. It is a science of wealth and choice.
According to Prof.Robbins, Economics is a social “science which studies human behaviour in
relation to his unlimited ends and scare means which have alternatives uses. “It is concerned
with the activities of man such as production, consumption, distribution and exchange. It also
studies the structure and functions of different economic organizations like banks, markets
etc. It is concerned with the material needs of man as well as his material welfare.
However, there exists a great deal of inter-relationship between these two sciences. Both are
interdependent and inter-related with each other. Due to this inter-relationship Thomas opines
that, “Economics is, in fact, but one branch of Sociology. “ Similarly, Silverman opines
Economics is regarded as offshoot of Sociology which studies the general principles of all
social relations. Their inter-relationships are as follows:
Economics takes the help of Sociology. For its own comprehension economics takes the help
of sociology and depends on it. Economics is a part of Sociology hence without the help from
Sociology, Economics can’t understand itself completely. Economics is concerned with
material welfare of man which is common welfare. Economic welfare is a part of social
welfare. For the solution of different economic problems such as inflation, poverty,
unemployment etc, Economists takes the help of Sociology and takes into account the social
events of that particular time. At the same time society controls other economic activities of
man. Economics is greatly benefited by the research conducted by Sociologists like Max
Weber, Pareto etc. Some economists also consider economic change as an aspect of social
change. Economics draws its generalization basing on the data provided by Sociology. Thus,
Economics cannot go far or develop without the help of Sociology.
Similarly Sociology also takes the help from Economics. Economics greatly enriches
sociological knowledge. Economic factors greatly influence each and every aspects of social
life. Economics is a part of sociology hence without the help of economics we can’t
understand sociology properly. Knowledge and research in the field of economics greatly
contributes to sociology. Each and every social problem has an economic cause. For the
solution of social problems like dowry, suicide etc Sociologists take the help form
economics. Marx opines economic relations constitute the foundation of Society. Economic
factors play a very important role in every aspect of our social life; that is why, Sociologists
concerned with economic institutions. For this reason sociologists like Spencer, Weber,
Durkheim and others have taken the help from economics in their analysis of social
relationships. Thus both sociology and economics are very closely related with each other.
There are some problems which are being studied by both sociologists and economics.
Economic changes results in social changes and vice versa. However, in spite of the above
closeness, inter-relationship and inter-dependence both the sciences have certain differences
which are described below:
Differences: 1) Sociology is a science of society and social relationships whereas economics
is science of wealth.
(2) Sociology is a much younger science which has very recent origin whereas economics is
comparatively old.
(3) Sociology is an abstract science whereas economics is concrete in nature.
(4) Sociology is a general social science whereas economics is a special social science.
(5) Sociology is concerned with the social activities of man whereas economics is concerned
with the economic activities of man.
(6) Society is studied as a unit of study in Sociology whereas man is taken as a unit of study
in economics.
(7) Both Sociology and economics differ from each other in respect of the methods and
techniques they use for their study.
1.5.4. Sociology and Political Science
As a mother of social science, Sociology has close and intimate relationship with all other
social science. Hence, it has close relationship with political sciences as well. Their
relationship is so close and intimate that led G.E.C. Catlin to remark “Political Science and
Sociology are two faces or aspects of the same figure. “Similarly other scholars could not
find any difference between the two disciplines.
Sociology is a Science of society. It is a science of social groups and social institution. It is a
general science of society. It studies human interaction and inter-relations their conditions
and consequences. Political Science is a science of state and government. It studies power,
political processes, political systems, types of government and international relation. It deals
with social groups organized under the sovereign of the state. In the words of Paul Junet,
“Political Science is that part of social science which treats the foundation of the state and
principles of government. “It studies the political activities of man. It only studies the
organized society. However, their interrelationship can be known from their interdependence
and mutual relationship.
Sociology depends on political science. In the words of Morris Ginsberg, “Historically,
Sociology has its main roots in politics and philosophy of history.” Sociology is greatly
benefited by the
books written by political scientists like Plato, Aristotle and Kautilya such as The Republic,
The Politics and Arthasastra respectively. Each and every social problem has a political
cause. Political Science is a part of Sociology. Hence sociology depends on Political Science
to comprehend itself. To understand different political events sociology takes the help from
political science. Sociology draws its conclusions being dependent on political science. Any
change in the political system or nature of power structure brings changes in society. Hence
Sociology takes the help of political science to understand the changes in society. Hence both
are interdependent.
Similarly, political science also depends on Sociology. Political Science is a part of
sociology. To understand the part, it is necessary to understand the whole. Almost all political
problems have a social cause and for the solution of these political problems political science
takes the help of sociology. State frames its rules, regulations and laws on the basis of social
customs, tradition and values. Without Sociological background, the study of political science
will be incomplete. Political Scientists are largely benefited by the researches and research
methods of the Sociologist. Some consider political science as a branch of Sociology. State is
considered as a social group hence is a subject of Sociology.
Besides, there are some common topics which are being studied by both the subjects. These
topics include among other things War, Propaganda, authority, communal riots and law. With
the help of both political science and sociology, a new subject comes into existence which is
known as political sociology. Some political events like war are also significant social events.
Thus both political science and sociology contribute to each other. But in spite of their
interrelationship and interdependence both the sciences differ from each other in the
following way.
Differences: (1) Sociology is a science of society and social relationship whereas political
science is a science of state and government.
(2) The scope of sociology is very wide but scope of political science is limited.
(3) Sociology is a general science but political science is a special science.
(4) Sociology studied organized, unorganized and disorganized society whereas political
science studies only politically organized society.
(5) Sociology studies the social activities of man whereas political science studies political
activities of man.
(6) Sociology is a new or young science but political science is an old science.
(7) Sociology studies man as a social animal whereas political science studies man as a
political animal.
(8) Sociology studies both formal and informal relations whereas political science studies
only formal relations.
(9) Sociology analyses both conscious and unconscious activities of man whereas political
science analyses only conscious activities of man.
(10) Sociology deals with all forms of association whereas political science deals with only
one form of association named state.
1.5.5. Sociology and History
As a mother of social sciences, sociology has close and intimate relationship with all other
social sciences. It has close relationship with history, because present society bears symbols
of past. Relationship between the two is so close and intimate that scholars like G. Von
Bulow have refused to acknowledge sociology as a science distinct from history.
Sociology is the science of society. It is a study of systems of social action and their
interrelations. Sociology is a science of social groups and social institutions. History studies
the important past events and incidents. It records men’s past life and life of societies in a
systematic and chronological order. It also tries to find out the causes of past events. It also
studies the past political, social and economic events of the world. It not only studies the past
but also establishes relations with present and future. That is why it is said that “History is the
microscope of the past, the horoscope of the present and telescope of the future.
However, both the sciences are closely interrelated and interdependent on each other. Both
study the same human society. Their mutual dependence led G.H. Howard to remark that,
“History is past Sociology and Sociology is present history,” Both take help from each other.
At the same time one depends on the other for its own comprehension.
History helps and enriches Sociology. History is the store house of knowledge from which
Sociology gained a lot. History provides materials sociologists use. History is a record of past
social matters, social customs and information about different stages of life. Sociology uses
this information. Books written by historians like A. Toynbee are of great use for
Sociologists. To know the impact of a particular past event sociology depends of history.
Similarly Sociology also provides help to history and enriches it. A historian greatly
benefited from the research conducted by Sociologists. Historians now study caste, class and
family by using sociological data. Sociology provides the background for the study of
history. Now history
is being studied from Sociological angle. Every historical event has a social cause or social
background. To understand that historical event history need the help from Sociology and
Sociology helps history in this respect. Sociology provides facts on which historians rely on.
Thus history and Sociology are mutually dependent on each other. History is now being
studied from Sociological angle and Sociology also now studied from historical point of
view. Historical sociology now became a new branch of Sociology which depends on history.
Similarly Sociological history is another specialized subject which based on both the
Sciences. But in spite of the above close relationship and inter-dependence both the sciences
differ from each other from different angles which are described below.
Differences: (1) Sociology is a science of society and is concerned with the present society.
But history deals with the past events and studies the past society.
(2) Sociology is a modern or new subject whereas history is an older social science.
(3) Sociology is abstract whereas history is concrete in nature.
(4) The scope of Sociology is very wide whereas the scope of history is limed. Sociology
includes history within its scope.
(5) Sociology is an analytical science whereas history is a descriptive science.
(6) Attitude of sociology and history differ from each other. Sociology studies a particular
event as a social phenomenon whereas history studies a particular event in it’s entirely.
(7) Sociology is a general science whereas history is a special science.
1.5.6. Sociology and Psychology
Sociology is a science of society. Hence it is closely related to other social sciences and so
also with psychology. Sociology and Psychology are very closely interlinked, interrelated and
interdependent. Relationship between the two is so close and intimate that Psychologist like
Karl Pearson refuses to accept both as special science. Both depend on each other for their
own comprehension. Their relationship will be clear if we analyze their interrelationship and
mutual dependency.
Sociology is a science of social phenomena and social relationship. It is a science of social
group and social institutions. It is a science of collective behaviour. It studies human
behaviour in groups. But psychology is a science of mind or mental processes. It is a science
of human
behaviour. It analyses attitudes, emotions, perception, process of learning and values of
individuals and process of perception, process of personality formation in society. In the
words of Thouless, ‘Psychology is the positive science of human experience and behaviour.’
But both the sciences are closely related to each other which can be known from the
following.
Sociology receives help from Psychology. Psychology is a part of sociology hence without
the help from Psychology; Sociology can’t understand itself fully and properly. There are
many psychologists like Freud, Mac Dugal and others who have enriched Sociology in many
respects. They opine that the whole social life could be reduced finally to psychological
forces. Each and every social problems and social phenomenon must have a psychological
basis for the solution of which sociology requires the help form psychology. A new branch of
knowledge has developed with the combination of sociology and psychology which is known
as social psychology.
Similarly, psychology depends on Sociology to comprehend itself fully. Psychology also
requires help from sociology in many cases. As human mind and personality is being
influenced by social environment, culture, customs and traditions hence psychology takes the
help form Sociology to understand this. To understand human nature and behaviour properly
psychology depends on sociology. There are many Psychological problems which must have
a social cause. Psychology requires the help from Sociology to understand these social
problems. Research in Sociology richly contributes to psychology. Contributions and theories
of many Sociologists also are of great help to Psychologists.
Thus, Sociology and Psychology are mutually dependent on each other. One can’t
comprehend itself without the help form others. Besides there are some common area of
study such as social disorganization, public opinion etc. which are being studied by both
Sociologists and Psychologists. Social Psychology a branch of Psychology is developed with
the combination of the two. In the words of Kretch and Crutchfield, Social Psychology is the
science of behaviour of the individuals in society.
Differences: However, in spite of the mutual relationship and dependence both the sciences
differ from each other in the following ways.
(1) Sociology is a science of society but Psychology is a science of mind.
(2) Scope of Sociology is wide whereas scope of Psychology is limited.
(3) Society is the unit of study in sociology but individual is the unit of study in case of
Psychology.
(4) Sociology studies social processes whereas Psychology studies mental processes.
(5) Sociology studies and analyzes human behaviour from Sociological angle whereas
psychology studies and analyses human behaviour form Psychological angles.
1.5.7. Sociology and Ethics
Sociology is the science of society. Hence, it is closely related to all other social sciences and
so also with ethics. Different social sciences are interrelated. Hence, there exists some
interrelationship between sociology and ethics.
Ethics is the science of morality. Ethics is concerned with good or bad, ‘paapa’ or ‘punya’
and with the moral rightness and wrongness of human action. It conditions social action.
Ethics aims at the ideals of ‘satya’ and fair play. Ethics wants individuals to be ethical which
is in the interest of society. Ethics throw light on the moral life of individuals and institutions.
Ethics is a normative science. Ethics studies individuals as moral agents of society.
Sociology and ethics are very closely and intimately related to each other. Ethics wants
individuals to be ethical which is in the interest of society. Good ethical standards provided
solid foundations to society. Society make him believe. Hence, ethics and sociology go
together. Individual good must be in harmony with the general good of society. It is here that
sociology and ethics come close to each other. Ethics influences the social institutions. As a
social animal, man acquires moral values as a member of a social group. Moral life of
individuals lies amidst a social group. Degree of moral standards of individuals decides the
nature of a society. Ethics is concerned with the moral progress of society which decides the
general progress of society. Thus, there exists a close relationship between the two. This led
many scholars to consider ethics as a branch of sociology.
Besides, the above close relationships, both the science differ in many respects. Sociology
and Ethics are two distinct disciplines. As a science of society sociology is concerned with
group not individual. But Ethics mainly concerned with individual and its morality.
Sociology is a positive science but Ethics is a normative science. Scope of sociology is very
wide while that of Ethics is limited. Sociology studies individuals and their social relations
but Ethics studies moral life of individuals. Sociology is the science of society where of
Ethics is the science of morality.
Recent View
No doubt, all social sciences study their own specific aspects in the social phenomenon. All
social sciences share the same subject but their different attitudes create difference among
them. According to Simpson, social sciences are united and this unity is not imaginary. It is
the dynamic unity of different parts and every part is necessary for another and all other parts.
One can’t deny the desired and necessary unity among one specific and general social
science.
But the recent view regarding the relationship between sociology and other social sciences is
different from any view which makes a sharp difference between social sciences. In recent
years, the social scientists recognize the need for a comprehensive study of society which
can’t be made in a fragmented manner. The interdisciplinary approach is one of the basic and
fundamental developments in the area of social science. Now, sociology, social anthropology,
political science, economics, history, psychology, ethics etc. share most of their views and
method.
1.6. Let us Sum up
Though, the roots of sociological writings go back to the Greek and the Roman Philosophy,
Sociology emerged as a new discipline only in the first half of the 19th century, as a response
to the crisis caused by the French and the industrial revolution.
1. French Philosopher Auguste comte coined the term sociology in the year 1839. He is
considered as the father of sociology.
2. Prior to the origin of sociology society was studied through religion, philosophy, history,
polity and economy.
3. Comte wanted to make a scientific study of society. He wanted this new science to adopt
the methods of study of Physical sciences.
4. In his ‘Positive Philosophy’, Comte pointed out the need for the creation of a district
science of society which he first called ‘social physics’ and later ‘sociology’ that should
concern itself with an analysis and explanation of social phenomena.
5. Comte predicted that man would become the master of his social destiny as soon as he had
developed a science of society.
6. Sociology is the scientific study of social relationships, their variety, their form and
whatever affects them.
7. The term ‘sociology’ has been derived from two word i.e. the Latin word ‘socius’ or
‘societies’ meaning society, companionship and the Greek word ‘Logos’ meaning study or
science.
8. The beginning of studies in sociology in Calcutta University was first started in 1907.
9. Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Spencer, Max Weber, Karl Marx, Parsons and some
other scholars laid the foundation of sociology.
10. There are two main schools of thought of scope of sociology such as formalistic or
specialist school of thought and synthetic school.
11. According to formalistic school of thought, sociology is a pure and independent science
and its scope is limited. George Simmel, Max Weber, Vonweiese, Vierkandt and small are its
supporter.
12. According to synthetic school of thought, sociology is a synthesis of social sciences and
its scope is very wide. Emile Durkheim, Hob House, P.A. Sorokin, Alex Inkles and Morris
Ginsberg are supporters of this school of thought.
13. Two opposite views are available about the nature of sociology. For one group, sociology
is a science because it adopts and applies the scientific method. Comte, Durkheim subscribe
to this view. Other group, led by German sociologist Max Weber does not accept sociology
as a science.
14. Sociology is a social and not a natural science, a pure science and not an applied science,
an abstract and not a concrete science.
15. Sociology is the mother of all social sciences. Hence, it has close relationship with all
other social sciences.
16. Scholars like G. Von Bulow have refused to accept sociology as a science district from
history.
18.Simpson opines, social sciences are united and this unity is not imaginary.