SYLVIA ESTHER ADU-GYAMFI
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
What is SOCIOLOGY?
The aims, objectives, nature, scope and justification
for the study of sociology. Sociological knowledge and common sense knowledge. Sociology and related disciplines (Psychology, Anthropology, Economics etc.)
Origin of the word “Sociology”
Coined from two words Socius (Latin)- Means, people, companion, society
Logos (Greek)- Means, reason or knowledge
Coined by Auguste Comte (1830)
What is SOCIOLOGY?
Definition: The study of human social behaviour, interaction and organization.
“Sociology is the scientific study of human society and
social behaviour” (Ian Robertson, 1987)
Why is sociology a science?
Has an Empirical nature
(i.e. based on observation and reasoning) Theoretical (i.e. Because knowledge is accumulated) Non-ethical (i.e. Does not judge human action as good or bad)
AIMS 0F SOCIOLOGY
To discover the basic structure of human society
Identifying the main forces that hold groups together
or weaken them Unearth conditions that transform social life
Sociological Imagination
(C.Wright Mills) Viewing your own society as outsider
SOCIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMMON SENSE
SOCIOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Specific Tries to qualify its statement Tries to prove its assertions COMMON SENSE Vague Oversimplified Contradictory
SOME EXAMPLES
NB. Proverbs or words of wisdom are rooted in common sense and are often illogical! Look before you leap (he who hesitates is lost) ii. Out of sight out of mind (Absence makes the heart grow fonder) iii. Birds of a feather flock together (opposites attract) iv. ... v. ...
i.
Sociology and the other social sciences
Sociology and related disciplines
Psychology
Anthropology
Economics
Sociology and Psychology
Similarity They both study human behaviour Difference Psychology’s interest lies in processes and behaviours relating to the individual Sociology looks at behaviour collectively (group)
Sociology and Anthropology
Similarity They both study human behaviour in society Difference The difference lies in the type of society (i.e. Complex or simple )
Sociology and Economics
Similarity Both study the economic behaviour of people Difference Economics deals with demand and supply, and make assumptions about cost and price, savings and investment Sociology sees how these bring about stability and change in society