What Is Sociology?What Is Sociology?

““Sociology is the study of social action”. (Mex Weber)

“sociology is the scientific study of society”. (August Comte)

““Sociology is the study of social facts through social institutions”.

(Emile Durkhiem)

“Sociology is the scientific study of social aspects of human life”.

(Mack Young)

“Sociology is the study of humans living together”.

(Tonnies)

“Sociology is the study of social groups on the basis of social interaction”.

(Simmel)

“Sociology is the study of collective behavior”.

(Park & Burgess )

MEANING OF SOCIOLOGY:

The term has been derived from two words. The Latin “Socious” mean companionship and the Greek “logos” mean study.

So the term literally means the study of human companionship or association or society.

ORIGIN / HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SOCIOLOGY:

Systematic study of Sociology started with Greeks, they considered men as a social animal and the need of society. The modern sociology was coined by August Comte. He is considered as the founder of modern sociology. He called it “Social Physics”.

Conclusion: On the basis of above definitions, we can conclude that sociology is the science of society, human behavior, human interaction and relationships.

The scope has been divided into two divisions.

• Scope in the field of knowledge.

• Scope in the field of profession.

Scope in the field of knowledge:

Sociologists have the primary and basic aim to build up knowledge about the society and social interaction. The sociologists are required to gain the know-how about the social problem and their solution.

The specialized fields of sociology, which give knowledge to the students of sociology about different aspects of human social life, are as follow.

Rural Sociology. 8. Industrial Sociology

2. Urban Sociology. 9. Social Change and Development.

3. Medical Sociology. 10. Sociology of Social Problems.

4. Criminology. 11. Sociology of Education.

5. Social Psychology. 12. Political Sociology.

6. Economic Sociology. 13. Sociology of the Family.

7. Sociology of Religion.

In the field of profession:

• Sociology is also a professional discipline. It performs the following services as a profession:

• Teaching.• Research.• Administration.

The EndThe End