Lesson 1what is sociology?

Sociology

•Sociology is the study of how human society works.•It is a dynamic subject.•The discipline is rooted in the range and depth of its theories and accuracy in research methods.

Definitions

•Auguste Comete, the founding father of sociology, defines sociology as the science of social phenomena "subject to natural and invariable laws, the discovery of which is the object of investigation".

•Kingsley Davis says that "Sociology is a general science of society".

•Emile Durkheim: "Science of social institutions".

Sociology and Common Sense•Common sense assumptions are usually

based on very limited observation.•Moreover, the premises on which common

sense assumptions are seldom examined.•Sociology seeks to:

• use a broad range of carefully selected observations; and

• theoretically understand and explain those observations.

•While sociological research might confirm common sense observation, its broader base and theoretical rational provide a stronger basis for conclusions.

Early thinkers

Theoretical Perspectives: Functionalism

• Functionalism sees society as a system of highly

interrelated parts that work together harmoniously

• The image that functionalists use to understand

society is a living organism

• Each part of society works together for the benefit

of the whole much like a living organism

• Robert K. Merton: Social structures has many

functions. Manifest functions (Intended &

Recognized) Latent functions (Unintended &

Unrecognized)

Theoretical Perspectives: Conflict Theory

• Conflict theory is grounded in the work of Karl

Marx

• Society is understood to be made up of conflicting

interest groups who vie for power and privilege

• This dynamic results in continuous social change,

which is the normal state of affairs

• Conflict theory focuses heavily on inequality and

differential distribution of power and wealth

Theoretical Perspectives: The Interactionist Perspective

•Focuses on how individuals make sense of and interpret the world

•This perspective tends to focus on the “micro-order” of small groups

•Has given rise to several specific approaches:▫Symbolic Interactionism developed by

George Herbert Mead▫Dramaturgy developed by Erving Goffman

What is Industry?

•It is an economic activity concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.

•Industry is the production of an economic good or service within an economy.

What is Industrial sociology?

Industrial sociology,

•Industrial Sociology is concerned with industry as a social system, including those factors (technical, economic, political) which affect the structure, the functions and the changes in that system. 

Significance Of Industrial Sociology

Industrial Sociology has acquired significance in progressive society where industrial revolution played great role which was necessitated to cater the growing demands of ever increasing population.

Use of Scientific Methods

Understanding the Social Aspect of Industry

Solutions from Industrial Society to the Problems of Industry

Industrial social relations

Internal Relations Studying the social or interpersonal relations

among individuals connected directly or indirectly with industry.

If those relations are confined to a single industry, factory or mill these are called internal relations.

External Relations Relations established on account of work &

position. The formal relations exclude personal

relations. The formal relations are functional.

Informal Relations The personal & individualized relations. These relations may obtain among

individuals or many groups.

Mixed Relations Relations which are neither purely formal

nor purely informal. The students & teacher relations are mixed

relations. HR (Manager) & worker relations. These are called socio-technical or socio-

functional relations.

Division of Labor

Economic Planning

Industrial Automation

Industrial Management

Integration of Family

There are 3 vantage points:•Pessimists point out that industrial

societies are complex, resource-consuming, and environmentally degrading only.

•Proponents of moderate scenarios share with the pessimists the common theme that industrial society is sustainable indefinitely only if changes are made in its basic operating assumptions.

•Optimists insist that despite all the problems facing industrial societies, the future is not bleak but is instead filled with possibilities.