Introduction to Sociology

 What is Sociology
 Defining Sociology
 Nature of Sociology
 Significance of Sociology
 Sociology as Science
 Historical Overview
 Perspectives in Sociology through sociological theories
 Sociological Imagination
 Questions

What is Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Its
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. It unifies the study of diverse subjects with a purpose of
understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are
shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures.

It is illuminating field of study that analyses 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 behaviour, 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.

Sociology offers a distinctive and enlightening way of seeing and

understanding the social world in which we live and which shapes our
society. 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.

Defining Sociology
The first social scientist to use the term sociology was a Frenchman
Auguste Comte who lived from 1798-1857. The term sociology is a
combination of two words, first part of the term is a Latin, Socius- that
means “society, association, togetherness or companionship” and the
other word, logos, is of Greek origin meaning “to speak about or word”.
Thus, the etymological, literal definition of sociology is that it is the word
or speaking about society. A simple definition “it is the study of society
and culture”.

"Sociology is the science of social relationship, the network of social

relationship or society". Mc. Iver &
Page

"Sociology is the science which attempts the interpretative understanding

and social action". Max
Weber

“Sociology is the science that deals with social groups, their internal forms
and modes of organization, the process that tend to maintain or change
this form of organization & relation between groups”. H.M.
Johnson

"Sociology is a science of society and social phenomena". L.F.

Ward

"Sociology is the synthesizing & generalizing science of man, of all his

social relationship".
A.W. Green
"Sociology is said to be the study of interactions arising from the
association of living beings".
Gillin & Gillin

"Sociology is the science of collective representation" Emile

Durkhiem

(Collective representation means collective symbols that are accepted by

the majority of the people as they are social facts, instrumental in guiding
and controlling the individual behaviour)

Nature of Sociology
Sociology is the branch of knowledge and it has its own characteristics.
Through these characteristics nature of Sociology in society can be
identified. The following are the main characteristics of sociology as
enlisted by Robert Bierstedt in his book " The Social Order" and they are
as follows:-

1. Sociology is a social sciences that deals with social system

and process

It focuses on various aspects of human behaviour in the social world. We

cannot predict human behaviour with absolute certainty or formulate
principles and laws which are universally valid.

2. Sociology is a general social science that deals with society

as a whole

Sociology deals with the larger society, as well as the relationship among
different aspects of society and the inter-connection between each of the
parts and the society as a whole.

3. Sociology is a pure science , not an applied science

Sociology is concerned with the acquisition of knowledge about society,

knowledge that can be used for the betterment of society. The
sociological knowledge we acquire about society will be a valuable tool for
social workers who want to build a better society. It is a science of society
that investigates social relationships, institutions and behaviours’ and
attempts to formulate some general principles.

4. Sociology is relatively an abstract science and not a

concrete science

Sociology is more concerned with the form of human events and their
patterns. It is not interested in concrete-manipulation of human events.

5. Sociology is generalizing and not a particularising or

individualizing science

Sociology does not study each and every event that take place in society.
It tries to find out the general laws or principles about human interaction
and association, about the nature, form, content and structure of human
groups and societies. It tries to make generalization on the basis of study
of some selected events.

6. Sociology is a categorical and not a normative discipline

Sociology is ethically neutral and does not make any kind of value
judgements. As a science, sociology is necessarily silent about questions
of value.

7. Sociology is an independent science

Sociology has now emerged into an independent science. As an

independent science it has its own field of study, boundary, methods and
concepts.

8. Sociology is both a rational and empirical science

As an empirical science sociology stresses on experience and the facts

that result from observation and experimentation. Sociologists employ a
wide variety of techniques to collect and analyse data of human
experience. As a rational science it gives importance to reason and
theories result from logical inference.
Significance of Sociology
Prior to the emergence of sociology the study of society was carried on in
an unscientific manner and society had never been the central concern of
any science. It is through the study of sociology that the truly scientific
study of the society has been possible. It has led to deep understanding of
significance of sociology in society for better survival together.

1. Sociology studies society in a scientific way

The scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to

achieve progress in various fields. Sociology improves our understanding
of society and increases the power of social action. Knowledge of society,
social groups, social institutions, etc. helps us to lead an effective social
life.

2. Sociology studies role of the institutions in the development

of the individuals

It is through sociology that scientific study of the great social institutions

and the relation of the individual to each is being made. The home and
family ,the school and education, the church and religion, the state and
government ,industry and work ,the community and association, these are
institutions through which society functions. Sociology studies these
institutions and their role in the development of the individual and
suggests suitable measures for re-strengthening them with a view to
enable them to serve the individual better.

3. Study of sociology is indispensable for understanding and

planning of society

Society is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of intricacies. It is

impossible to understand and solve its numerous problems without
support of sociology. Without the investigation carried out by sociology no
real effective social planning would be possible. It helps us to determine
the most efficient means for reaching the goals agreed upon. A certain
amount of knowledge about society is necessary before any social policies
can be carried out.

4. Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social

problems

The present world is suffering from many problems which can be solved
through scientific study of the society. It is the task of sociology to study
the social problems through the methods of scientific research and to find
out solution to them. The scientific study of human affairs will ultimately
provide the body of knowledge and principles that will enable us to control
the conditions of social life and improve them.

5. Sociology has drawn our attention to the intrinsic worth and

dignity of man

Sociology has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human

beings. In a specialized society we are all limited as to the amount of the
whole organization and culture that we can experience directly. We can
hardly know the people of other areas intimately. In order to have insight
into and appreciation of the motives by which others live and the
conditions under which they exist knowledge of sociology is essential.

6. Sociology has changed our outlook with regard to the

problems of crime

It is through the study of sociology that our whole outlook on various

aspects of crime has change. The criminals are now treated as human
beings suffering from mental deficiencies and efforts are accordingly
made to rehabilitate them as useful members of the society.

7. Sociology has made great contribution to enrich human

culture

Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of sociology. The
social phenomenon is understood in the light of scientific knowledge and
enquiry. Sociology has given us training to have rational approach to
questions concerning oneself, one's religion, customs, morals and
institutions. It enables man to have better understanding both of him and
of others. Sociology also impresses upon us the necessity of overcoming
narrow personal prejudices, ambitions and class hatred.

8. Sociology is of great importance in the solution of

international problems

The progress made by physical sciences has brought the nations of the
world nearer to each other. But in the social field the world has been left
behind by the revolutionary progress of the science. The world is divided
politically giving rise to stress and conflict. Men have failed to bring in
peace. Sociology can help us in understanding the underlying causes and
tensions.

9. The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us update

on modern situations

It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to the

community problems. It adds to the knowledge of the society. It helps the
individual find his relation to society. Sociology has a strong appeal to all
types of mind through its direct bearing upon many of the initial problems
of the present world.

Sociology as Science
Sociology is a science. It is concerned with systematically observing and
classifying facts, and establishing verifiable laws. It, like any other science
employs scientific method, which is the source for scientific knowledge.
Scientific Method

The scientific method is a logical system used to evaluate data derived

from systematic observation. The scientific method as a precise way of
designing and conducting research consists of the following basic steps
such as
  Establishing a hypothesis, a general statement based on observed
facts;
 Determining ways to test the hypothesis, incorporating them in
research design
 Testing the hypothesis through research and further observation.

There are some strong characteristics of sociology which give its

position as a science such as

1. Sociology employs scientific method

The scientific method is a procedure used in seeking knowledge on the

basis of certain assumptions. All the methods used in sociology are
scientific in nature. Sociology makes use of scientific methods in the study
of its subject matter. It employs techniques which apply quantitative
measurements to social phenomenon. So, these techniques are
comparable to the methods of experimentation. The techniques and
methodology used by sociologists may differ from those of physical
sciences, but they adopt the same scientific methods to systematize
knowledge.

2. The Principles of Sociology are Verifiable

The laws of sociology can be verified at any time. For example, the
statement “we arrive at the conclusion that illiteracy is the cause of
criminality among the people” would be regarded as a scientific fact only
when we can verify from our own observation that the number of
criminals among the literate is smaller than that among the illiterate.

3. Sociology delineates cause-effect relationships

Sociology has discovered a cause-effect relation between the social
phenomena. To take an example, one can consider the law that the
increase in the number of divorce indicates acceleration of family
disorganization. In this case, divorce is a cause and family disorganization
is one of its effects. Similarly, illiteracy may be a cause of criminality
among the people.

4. Sociology can make predictions

On the basis of cause-effect relationships sociology can anticipate the

future and make predictions concerning social relationships, activities,
incidents etc. If disorganization in the families becomes definite, it can
make predictions concerning the number of divorce, illicit relationships
and many other things. Sociology frames laws and attempts to predict it.

5. Sociology makes accurate observation

Observation is possible in the field of sociology even if it does not possess

a laboratory. Accurate observation is also possible outside the laboratory.
The whole social world is the laboratory of sociology. Even if Sociology
does not possess a laboratory still it can make accurate observation. As a
matter of fact, laboratory experiment is not the only criteria of science.
Hence Sociology is a science.

6. Objectivity is possible in sociology

Like natural sciences, Sociology also makes objective study. The

statement that dowry is a social evil is an objective statement which is
based on facts collected by sociologists. It can make objective study of
social phenomena. New techniques and methods are also introduced to
make social phenomena more objective such as survey, projective
techniques etc.

7. 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 can measures social relationships.

There are some challenges opposing the status of sociology as

Science which are as follows:-

1. The problem of objectivity

The objection which is raised to question the claim of sociology being

called a science is that an unbiased and objective study cannot be made
in sociology due of man’s own prejudge and judgements.

2. The problem of accuracy and reliability

Responses differ from person to person, from place to place and from time
to time. Response of an individual may also differ over a period of time or
at different intervals. Therefore, reliability and accuracy of sociological
studies comes under scrutiny.

3. The problem of predictability

Human behaviour is too complex to allow sociologists to predict precisely

any individual’s action. Each individual in the society has his own
individualistic approach towards society, which is spontaneous and can be
impulsive.

4. The lack of laboratory research

Sociological studies suffer from complete lack of laboratory research. The

laboratory method is only one general procedure of accurate observation.
We cannot put human beings to laboratory tests. Society is so complex
and variable that it is not possible to separate and analyse its different
elements as it is possible in case of physical sciences.

5. The problem of terminology

Sociology also suffers from exact and clear terminology in the sense that
same words convey different meanings to different persons. It has not
developed an adequate set of scientific terms.

6. Other factors such as lack of measurement, problem of

unpredictability, problem of generalization etc. are the challenges
faced.

Historical Overview
Sociology emerged from a common tradition of reflection of social
phenomena; interest in the nature of human social behaviour and society
has probably always existed; however, most people in most past societies
saw their culture as a fixed and god- given entity. This view gradually was
replaced by more rational explanations beginning from the 17th century
especially in Western Europe. The sociological issues, questions and
problems had been raised and discussed by the forerunners starting from
the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers' and Hebrew prophets' times.

Sociology as an academic science was thus born in 19th century (its

formal establishment year being 1837) in Great Britain and Western
Europe, especially in France and Germany, and it greatly advanced
throughout 19th and 20th centuries.

The development of sociology and its current contexts have to be grasped

in the contexts of the major changes that have created the modern
world). Further, sociology originated in 18th century philosophy, political
economy and cultural history.

The major conditions, societal changes, upheavals and social ferments

that gave rise to the emergence and development of sociology as an
academic science include the Industrial Revolution which began in Great
Britain, the French Political Revolution of 1789, the Enlightenment and
advances in natural sciences and technology. These revolutions had
brought about significant societal changes and disorders in the way
society lived in the aforementioned countries. Since sociology was born
amidst the great socio-political and economic and technological changes
of the western world, it is said to be the science of modern society.

The pioneering sociologists were very much concerned about the great
changes that were taking place and they felt that the exciting sciences
could not help understand, explain, analyse and interpret the fundamental
laws that govern the social phenomena. Thus sociology was born out of
these revolutionary contexts.

The founders or the pioneering sociologists are the following:-

1. Auguste Comte, French Social Philosopher (1798- 1857)

Comte was the first social philosopher to coin and use the term sociology.
He was also the first to regard himself as a sociologist. He defined
sociology as the scientific study of social dynamics and social static. He
argued that sociology can and should study society and social phenomena
following the pattern and procedures of the natural science.

Comte believed that a theoretical science of society and the systematic

investigation of human behaviour were needed to improve society. He
argued that the new science of society could and should make a critical
contribution towards a new and improved human society.

Comte defined sociology as the study of social dynamic and social static,
the former signifying the changing, progressing and developmental
dimensions of society, while the latter refers to the social order and those
elements of society and social phenomena which tend to persist and
relatively permanent, defying change.

2. Karl Marx (German, 1818-1883)

Marx was a world-renowned social philosopher, sociologist and economic

historian. He made remarkable contributions to the development of
various social sciences including sociology. He contributed greatly to
sociological ideas. He introduced key concepts in sociology like social
class, social class conflict, social oppression, alienation, etc. Marx,
like Comte, argued that people should make active efforts to bring about
societal reforms.

According to Marx, economic forces are the keys to underestimating

society and social change. He believed that the history of human society
has been that of class conflict. He dreamed of, and worked hard towards
realizing, a classless society, one in which there will be no exploitation
and oppression of one class by another, and wherein all individuals will
work according to their abilities and receive according to their needs.
Marx introduced one of the major perspectives in sociology called social
conflict theory.

3. Herbert Spencer, British Social Philosopher, (1820-1903)

Spencer was a prominent social philosopher of the 19th century. He was

famous for the organic analogy of human society. He viewed society as an
organic system, having its own structure and functioning in ways
analogous to the biological system. Spencer's ideas of the evolution of
human society from the lowest ("barbarism") to highest form ("civilized")
according to fixed laws were famous. It was called "Social Darwinism",
which is analogous to the biological evolutionary model. Social Darwinism
is the attempt to apply by analogy the evolutionary theories of plant and
animal development to the explanation of human society and social
phenomena.

4. Emile Durkheim, French Sociologist, (1858- 1917)

Durkheim was the most influential scholar in the academic and theoretical
development of sociology. He laid down some of the fundamental
principles, methods, concepts and theories of sociology; he defined
sociology as the study of social facts. According to him, there are social
facts, which are distinct from biological and psychological facts. By social
facts, he meant the patterns of behaviour that characterize a social group
in a given society. They should be studied objectively. The job of a
sociologist, therefore, is to uncover social facts and then to explain them
using other social facts. Some regard Durkheim as the first sociologist to
apply statistical methods to the study of social phenomena.

5. Max Weber, German Sociologist (1864-1920)

Weber was another prominent social scientist. According to him, sociology

is the scientific study of human social action. Social action refers to any
action oriented to influence or influenced by another person or persons. It
is not necessary for more than one person to be physically present for
action to be regarded as social action. It is concerned with the
interpretive understanding of human social action and the meaning
people attach to their own actions and behaviours and those of others.
Weber was a renowned scholar who like Marx, wrote in several academic
fields. He agreed with much Marxian theses but did not accept his idea
that economic forces are central to social change. Weber argues that we
cannot understand human behaviour by just looking at statistics. Every
activity and behaviour of people needs to be interpreted. He argued that a
sociologist must aim at what are called subjective meanings, the ways in
which people interpret their own behaviour or the meanings people attach
their own behaviour.

Perspectives in Sociology through sociological

theories
Sociology as science employs perspectives or theories to understand,
explain, analyse and interpret social phenomena. To interpret social facts,
they must be subjected to a theoretical framework. A theory may be
defined as a general statement about how some parts of the world fit
together and how they work. They are a set of interconnected hypotheses
that offer general explanations for natural or social phenomena.

There are three major theoretical perspectives in sociology that have

provided an overall framework for sociological studies. These are
structural functionalism, social conflict theory and symbolic
interactionism.
 1. Structural functionalism

This is one of the dominant theories both in anthropology and sociology. It

is also called as functionalism. The theory tries to explain how the
relationships among the parts of society are created and how these parts
are functional (having beneficial consequences to the individual and the
society) and dysfunctional (meaning having negative consequences). It
focuses on consensus, social order, structure and function in society. It
has its origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially
interested in how social order is possible or how society remains relatively
stable. The other notable theorists including are Herbert Spencer, Talcott
Parsons, and Robert K. Merton.

Overview of the theory

Functionalism interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes

to the stability of the whole society. Society is more than the sum of its
parts rather each part of society is functional for the stability of the whole.
Durkheim actually envisioned society as an organism and just like within
an organism, each component plays a necessary part, but none can
function alone, and one experiences a crisis or fails, other parts must
adept to fill the void in some way.

Within functionalist theory, the different parts of society are primarily

composed of social institutions, each of which is designed to fill different
needs and each of which has particular consequences for the form and
shape of society. The parts all depend on each other. The core institutions
defined by sociology and which are important to understand for this
theory includes; family, government, economy, media, education, and
religion. According to functionalism, an institution only exists because it
serves a vital role in the functioning of society. If it no longer serves a
role, an institution will die away. When new needs evolve or emerge, new
institutions will be created to meet them.

Let's consider an example; in most societies, the government, or state,

provides education for the children of the family, which in turn pays taxes
on which the state depends to keep itself running. The family is
dependent upon the school to help children grow up to have good jobs so
that they can raise and support their own families. In the process, the
children become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens, who in turn support the
state. From the functionalist perspective, if all goes well, the parts of
society produce order, stability, and productivity. If all does not go well,
the parts of society then must adapt to produce new forms of order,
stability, and productivity.

American functionalist sociologists Robert K. Merton divided human

functions into two types such as Manifest functions and Latent
functions. Manifest functions are the intended functions of a
phenomenon in a social system. Latent functions are the unintended
functions of a phenomenon in a social system. An example of manifest
and latent functions is education. The manifest purpose of public
education is to increase the knowledge and abilities of the citizen to
prepare them to contribute in the workforce. A latent function of the
public education system is the development of a hierarchy of the learned.
The most learned are often also the most affluent. Thus, while education's
manifest function is to empower all individuals to contribute to the
workforce and society, it also limits some people by creating boundaries
of entry into occupations.

Functionalism has been critiqued by many sociologists for its neglect of

the often negative implications of social order. Functionalism does not
encourage people to take an active role in changing their social
environment, even when doing so may benefit them. Instead,
functionalism sees agitating for social change as undesirable because the
various parts of society will compensate in a seemingly natural way for
any problems that may arise.

2. Conflict Theory

Conflict theory states that tensions and conflicts arise when resources,
status and power are unevenly distributed between groups in society and
that these conflicts become the engine for social change. In this context,
power can be understood as control of material resources and
accumulated wealth, control of politics and the institutions that make up
society and one's social status relative to others (determined not just by
class but by race, gender, sexuality, culture and religion among other
things).

Overview of the theory

Conflict theory originated in the work of Karl Marx, who focused on the
causes and consequences of class conflict between the bourgeoisie (the
owners of the means of production and the capitalists) and the proletariat
(the working class and the poor). Focusing on the economic, social and
political implications of the rise of capitalism in Europe, Marx theorized
that this system, premised on the existence of a powerful minority class
(the bourgeoisie) and an oppressed majority class (the proletariat),
created class conflict because the interests of the two were different and
resources were unjustly distributed among them.

Within this system an unequal social order was maintained through

ideological coercion which created consensus and acceptance of the
values, expectations and conditions as determined by the bourgeoisie.
Marx reasoned that as the socio-economic conditions worsened for the
proletariat, they would develop a class consciousness that revealed their
exploitation at the hands of the wealthy capitalist class of bourgeoisie and
then they would revolt, demanding changes to smooth the conflict.
According to Marx, if the changes made to appease conflict maintained a
capitalist system, then the cycle of conflict would repeat. However, if the
changes made created a new system, like socialism, then peace and
stability would be achieved.

Although this theory gained fame in recent decades, it came under sharp
criticism, for its overemphasis on inequality and division, for neglecting
the fact of how shared values and interdependence generate unity among
members of society. It is also criticized for its explicit political goals.
Another critique, which equally applies also to structural functionalism, is
that it sees society in very broad terms, neglecting micro-level social
realities.

3. Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that

people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction.
Although it traces its origins to Max Weber's assertion that individuals act
according to their interpretation of the meaning of their world, the
American philosopher George Herbert Mead along with Charles Horton
Cooley, William I Thomas introduced this perspective to sociology in the
early 20th century.

Overview of the theory

Symbolic interaction theory analyses society by addressing the subjective

meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviours.
Subjective meanings are given importance because it is believed that
people behave based on what they believe and not just on what is
objectively true. Thus, society is thought to be socially constructed
through human interpretation. People interpret one another’s behaviour
and it is these interpretations that form the social bond.

For example, why would young people smoke cigarettes even when all
objective medical evidence points to the dangers of doing so? Studies find
that teenagers are well informed about the risks of tobacco, but they also
think that smoking is cool, that they themselves will be safe from harm,
and that smoking projects a positive image to their peers. So, the
symbolic meaning of smoking overrides those actual facts regarding
smoking and risk.

Some fundamental aspects of our social experience and identities, like

race and gender can be understood through the symbolic interactionist
theory. Race and gender are social constructs that function based on what
we believe to be true about people, given what they look like. We use
socially constructed meanings of race and gender to help us decide who
to interact with, how to do so, and to help us determine, the meaning of a
person's words or actions.

One ideal example of how this theoretical concept plays out within the
social construct of race is manifested in the fact that many people,
regardless of race, believe that lighter skinned blacks and Latinos are
smarter than their darker skinned counterparts. This phenomenon occurs
because of the racist stereotype the meaning that has been encoded in
skin colour as the symbol over centuries. In terms of gender, we see the
problematic way in which meaning is attached to the symbols "man" and
"woman" in the sexist trend of college students routinely rating male
professors more highly than female ones.

Critics of this theory claim that symbolic interactionism neglects the

macro level of social interpretation. The perspective receives criticism for
slighting the influence of social forces and institutions on individual
interactions. In the case of smoking, the functionalist perspective might
miss the powerful role that the institution of mass media plays in shaping
perceptions of smoking through advertising, and by portraying smoking in
film and television. In the cases of race and gender, this perspective
would not account for social forces like systemic racism or gender
discrimination, which strongly influence what we believe race and gender
mean.

There are contemporary sociological theories that have emerged in recent

decades that have heavily influenced sociological and anthropological
thinking. These include the following:-

Feminist Theory or Feminism

Feminist theory is one of the major contemporary sociological theories,

which analyses the status of women and men in society with the purpose
of using that knowledge for betterment of women's lives. It also points the
differences between women, including how race, class, ethnicity,
sexuality, nationality and age intersect with gender.

Feminist theory is most concerned with giving a voice to women and

highlighting the various ways women have contributed to society.

There are perspectives in feminist thinking and research which are as

follows:-

 Liberal feminism is based on the idea that a just society results

from the free choices of educated and aware people. They argue
that social problems arise primarily from ignorance and social
constraints on freedom of choice. Gender inequality results primarily
from socialization that forces people to grow up with distorted and
harmful ideas about males and females and from cultural ideas that
restrict people’s freedom to freely choose how to live their lives.
Liberal solutions focus on changing ideas and cultural practices,
such as rewriting textbooks or reforming legal codes.
 Radical feminists believe that gender inequality is a result of the
collective efforts of men to dominate, control and exploit women.
Violence against women, compulsory heterosexuality, and the
organization of the traditional family are all viewed as ways to
ensure male dominance through female subordination to and
dependence upon men.

Sociological Imagination
Sociological theories describe causes and effects of human behaviour,
study the social life and society as a whole. The theories display two
concepts of importance, human being at the micro level and society at the
macro level.
Sociological imagination is a sociological theory that encapsulates two
concepts of individual, and society. An individual is an element of society.
The society acts forces on this element. Sociological imagination enables
the individual to identify these forces, their impacts and the ability of
connecting micro level to the macro level and distinguishing personal
troubles and social issues.

Sociological imagination is a sociological term coined by American

sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959. It is the ability to look beyond one’s
own everyday life as a cause for daily successes and failures and see the
entire society in which one lives as potential cause for these things. It
suggests that people look at their own personal problems as social issues
and, in general, try to connect their own individual experiences with the
workings of society. The sociological imagination enables people to
distinguish between personal troubles and public issues. For example,
people in poverty might stop to consider that they are not alone and
rather than blaming themselves should criticize the social forces that
directed them into their present condition.

According to Mills there are three types of questions that can be

addressed using the sociological imagination:-

a) What are the essential components of social structure? (e.g.,

economic, political, civil, etc.)
b) How has society changed throughout human history to lead to this
historical moment? How is society currently changing? How does
this moment differ from other moments? What are the mechanics
that are driving the process of historical change?
c) What are the characteristics of the population at this moment and in
this society? How are people socialized? What is the meaning of
“human nature”?

Having sociological imagination is critical for individual people and

societies at large to understand. It is important that people are able to
relate the situations in which they live their daily lives to the local,
national, and global societal issues that affect them. Without the ability to
make these relations, people are unable to see societal issues that affect
them and are unable to determine if these issues require change to better
their everyday lives.

Throughout history different societies and nations have obtained different

levels of social imagination. Some societies have never had it, others have
obtained and lost it, while others have obtained it and thrived on it. The
societies that have not obtained it or that have lost it are usually within
nations that have suffered ongoing persecution, poverty, and social
injustice. The societies that have obtained it and thrived on it are usually
within the nations with the most freedoms and with the most advanced
cultures. For example, in everyday life in the United States, men and
women have equal rights, slavery does not exist, religious freedom is a
reality, and the ability for poor people to change their outlook is a reality.
This is primarily due to the people of the United States embracing
sociological imagination after the countries revolution and recognizing the
effects of external forces such as government, economic models, and
global trade.

This opposing theme of sociological imagination is again exampled such

as Japan was in a unique position to control its interactions with outside
nations through most of its history. This lead to Japan’s ability to consume
the cultures, economic models, and political models that it desired from
other nations and transform its own culture to thrive with western views.

This is certainly not to say that societies without sociological imagination

are bad or will never obtain it. It is to say that there are obvious
advantages of understanding the causes of one’s position in the world and
what can be done to change that position past personal adjustment.

Conclusion
In the family of social sciences, sociology is a new entrant. Sociologists
are not unanimous about definition of sociology. Wide variety of definition
of the subject shows that there are differences of opinion about the scope
of the subject. These definitions however make clear that sociology is
concerned with human relations and social institutions.

August Comte is considered as the most influential philosopher of 1800s.

He is called as the father of sociology. He hoped that systematic study of
social behaviour will eventually lead to more rational interaction.
Durkheim made pioneering contribution to sociology and is remembered
as one of the founding fathers of sociology.

Sociologists view society in different way. The perspectives i.e.

functionalist, conflict, interactionalist are most widely used by sociologists
to give an introductory look at the discipline. Functionalist perspective is
based on the assumption that society is stable and orderly
system .Society is composed of interrelated parts, each of which serves a
function and contribute to the overall stability of the society. According to
conflict perspective, groups in society are engage in a continuous power
struggle for control of scare resources. Many sociologists are more
interested in understanding society through social interactions. The
interactionist perspective generalizes about fundamental or everyday
forms of social interaction.

The term sociological imagination was developed by C. Wright Mills to go

beyond personal experience and to rely on an unusual type of creative
thinking. The sociological imagination require us above all, to think
ourselves away from the familiar routines of our daily life in order to look
at them as new.

Questions:-

1. “Sociology is a systematic study of social behaviour and human

group”. Discuss the statement with reference to various definition
and subject matter of sociology.
2. What is meant by scientific study? Illustrate with examples to
support the argument whether sociology in a science or not.
3. Critically analyse the nature and significance of sociology.
4. Briefly highlight the contribution of early thinkers towards the
development of sociology.
5. Discuss the various perspectives in sociology. Which one do u think
is important and why?
6. Explain in detail how sociological imagination helps one to develop a
better understanding of society and social problem.