DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

QUEEN MARYS COLLEGE, CHENNAI

INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY
Sociology is the systematic study of human action
in social context. It is based on the idea that our
relations with other people create opportunities
for us to think and act but also set limits on our
thoughts and action.

...THE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF HUMAN
SOCIETY
SYSTEMATIC
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE THAT FOCUSES ATTENTION
ON PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR
HUMAN SOCIETY
GROUP BEHAVIOR IS PRIMARY FOCUS; HOW
GROUPS INFLUENCE INDIVIDUALS AND VICE VERSA
AT THE HEART OF SOCIOLOGY
THE SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE WHICH OFFERS A
UNIQUE VIEW OF SOCIETY
Sociology studies society in a scientific way.
Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man.
Sociology improves our understanding of society and increases the
power of social action.
The study of sociology helps us to know not only our society and
men but also others, their motives, aspirations, status, occupations,
traditions, customs, institutions, culture etc.
The contribution of sociology is not less significant in enriching
culture.
The study of great social institutions and the relations of individuals
of each one of them is another aspect of the practical side of sociology
Sociology is useful as a teaching subject too.
The need for study of sociology is greater especially in
underdeveloped countries
The study of society is of paramount importance in solving
social problems
Sociological knowledge is necessary for understanding and
planning of society
Study of society has helped several government to promote
the welfare of the weaker sections
Sociology has drawn our attention to the intrinsic worth and
dignity of man
Sociology keeps us up-to-date on modern social situations and
developments
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AUGUSTE COMTE (1798-1857)
POSITIVISM; LAW OF THREE
STAGES; THE TWIN PILLARS
KARL MARX (1818-1883)
CLASS CONFLICT/STRUGGLE
HERBERT SPENCER (1820-1903)
SOCIAL DARWINISM
EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917)
GROUP FORCES; SOCIAL
SOLIDARITY
EDUCATION AND LIBERAL ARTS
WELL-ROUNDED AS A PERSON
SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS
MORE APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY
THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
DOMESTIC SOCIAL MARGINALITY
ENHANCED LIFE CHANCES
MICRO AND MACRO UNDERSTANDING
INCREASE SOCIAL POTENTIALS
CULTURE
The knowledge, language, values, customs, and
material objects that are passed from person to person
and from one generation to the next in a human group
or society

Material World
Material Culture
The physical or tangible (see, touch) that members of a
society make, use, and share
Raw Materials Technology Stuff
Non-Material Culture
The abstract or intangible human creations of society
that influences peoples behavior
Language, beliefs, values, rules of behavior, family patterns,
political systems
Components of Culture
Symbols
Anything that meaningfully represents something else
Language
A set of symbols that expresses ideas and enable people to
think and communicate with one another
Values
Collective ideas about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and
desirable or undesirable in a particular culture
Norms
Established rules of behavior or standards of conduct
OTHER WAYS SOCIOLOGY ALLOWS US TO SEE
ANEW
ADVANTAGES OF A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL MARGINALITY
ALLOWS US TO NOTICE DIVERSITY
SOCIOLOGY DRAWS ATTENTION TO SOCIAL CRISIS
IMPORTANCE OF THESE ITEMS
THEY ALLOW US TO SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN
MICRO AND MACRO SOCIAL ELEMENTS
GLOBAL LINKAGE
SOCIOLOGY OFFERS STUDENTS THE
OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE GLOBAL
VILLAGE
ALL SOCIETIES ARE INCREASINGLY CONNECTED
THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND ECONOMICS
INTERDEPENDENCY OF NATIONS
MANY SOCIAL PROBLEMS FACED BY AMERICANS ARE
MORE SERIOUS ELSEWHERE
MORE AWARENESS
UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL ISSUES AND THE WORLD
AROUND AMERICA ALLOWS STUDENTS TO BETTER
UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES
FEWER ETHNOCENTRIC TENDENCIES
OBSERVATIONS ARE CERTAINLY IMPACTED BY THE
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES THROUGH WHICH
PEOPLE COME TO VIEW THE WORLD
SOCIAL PARADIGMS
THEORY: A STATEMENT OF HOW AND WHY
FACTS ARE RELATED
PARADIGM: A SET OF FUNDAMENTAL
ASSUMPTIONS THAT GUIDES THINKING
PEOPLE HOLD DIFFERING
OPINIONS ABOUT THEIR
SOCIAL WORLD

WE ALL COME FROM
DIFFERENT SOCIAL
EXPERIENCES AND THEY
BIAS OUR ASSUMPTIONS
CAREERS IN SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is not only an intellectual discipline,it is also
a profession
Sociologists play a vital and varied role in todays
society
They serve as
consultant,policymaker,teacher,researcher,administrat
or,clinical counsellor, social critic ,parole worker career
counsellor, programme evaluator, urban planner,
marketing administation coordinator and personnel
manager.
KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIOLOGY IS USED IN THE
FOLLOWING AREAS OF SOCIAL LIFE
Professions-medicine,law,engineering,business etc.
Industry
Rural and urban planning
Business consultancy
Politics
Architecture
Computer industry
Military intelligence

Child welfare and health care
Gerontology
Entrepreneurship
International relations
Criminal justice
New emerging careers: (a) action programme, and (b)
development