Comparison
In basic words, the comparative approach is the method of comparing two objects, like in sociology, the comparison, and analysis of societies or the individuals that comprise society and determining if the outcome of the comparison demonstrates a distinction between them.
Sociologists have welcomed what is known as the comparative technique as the most effective means to expose commonly accepted ‘truths’ or rules. Comte, for example, used it to demonstrate how different societies developed along similar principles.
Comparative analysis has been helpful in biology. Comparing social forms with those of lower animals, coexisting conditions, and historical systems might provide significant insight into the functioning of the social cosmos. According to Comte, comparing present and absent components and similar or different information about the essential aspects of the social environment is possible.
Comte classified the comparison process into three categories.
- To begin, researchers may contrast humans with lower animal communities.
- Second, Comte thought comparing human and animal societies would provide helpful information about humanity’s fundamental nature. It also includes a comparison between societies and communities across the globe.
- Third, researchers may compare the various phases of society throughout time. This latter category was especially significant to Comte, who dubbed it the “main scientific instrument” of sociology.