Sociology

Definition of Sociology

Auguste Comte referred to sociology as “the science of social phenomena subject to natural and invariable laws, the discovery of which is the object of investigation.” Around 1839, Comte published his influential work “Positive Philosophy,” in which he used the term “sociology” for the first time. The term “sociology” comes from the Latin word “socius,” which means “companion,” and the Greek word “logos,” which means “study of,” and literally translates to “the study of companionship.” So, sociology’s etymological definition of this discipline is “the study of society.”

Explanation

Sociology is the scientific study and analysis of human societies, including how they are structured and organized, how they have evolved through time and the many kinds of societies that exist.

Sociology is the systematic study of people in groups and social structures that emerged from the 18th and 19th century economic and scientific revolutions. It is now a well-established field of study in social sciences and has provided students of several generations with essential insights into the societal environment in which they live. This field is among the social sciences that take the most in-depth look at social conflict and development in contemporary society.

According to Comte, sociology was the pinnacle of scientific accomplishment, providing us with an understanding of social laws on par with our knowledge of natural ones.

Comte and Saint Simon laid the groundwork for developing the discipline at a very fledgling level, which was subsequently given impetus by Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, and Max Weber. 

This field is sometimes referred to as the “queen” of the social sciences since it brings together and extends the knowledge and insights of all other disciplines that are adjacent to it on a single platform.

Its primary objectives are studying society, human behavioral patterns, social interactions, socialization, and elements of culture involved with day-to-day living. The topics covered in this discipline include society, associations, institutions, cultures, communities, nations, and social issues like poverty.

In the sociological examination of society, methodologies applied include empirical research, critical analysis, comparative method, historical method, micro-level studies, and macro-level studies.

Example

The study of social discrimination faced by ethnic minorities like African Americans in the United States in social, economic, and political spheres is an area of concern for sociology.