Sociology, as a discipline, is a broad and multifaceted field of study with a diverse nature.
It can be characterized as a scientific, social, abstract, and general discipline that studies human society, social behavior, and social structures.
It aims to understand how individuals interact with each other and with society, and how social institutions and structures shape human behavior.
Key Characteristics of Sociology:
- Scientific: Sociology utilizes scientific methods, including observation, experimentation, and data analysis, to study social phenomena and draw conclusions about social behavior and structures.
- Social: Sociology focuses on the study of society, social relationships, and social interactions.
- Abstract: Sociology studies society in an abstract or theoretical way, rather than focusing on specific individuals or events.
- General: Sociology is concerned with general laws and principles of social behavior, rather than the specific details of individual cases.
- Independent Science: Sociology is considered an independent science, distinct from other disciplines like philosophy or history.
- Social Science: Sociology is a social science, meaning it studies human society and human behavior in social contexts.
- Categorical and Not Normative: Sociology focuses on what is, rather than what should be or ought to be, in terms of social phenomena.
- Pure Science: The primary goal of sociology is to acquire knowledge about society and social phenomena, rather than applying that knowledge to solve specific problems.
- Empirical and Rational: Sociology relies on both empirical evidence and logical reasoning to study social phenomena.
Source: Sociology Books:
Introduction to Sociology by Anthony Giddens, Sociological Theory by George Ritzer, Sociology Themes and Perspectives by Haralambos & Holborn, A Dictionary of Sociology by John Scott, Sociological Thought by Francis Abraham and John Henry Morgan, An Introduction to Political Theory by O P Gauba