SOCIOLOGY

What is Sociology and Why is it Important?

What is Sociology and Why is it Important?

Introduction

Today, the word “sociology” is well known and from the common perspective, as the word implies is related to “social life”. Many of us today, know that sociology is something related to social life but too few of us completely understand the impact of sociology and its effects on our day to day life. Therefore, the question what is sociology and why do people study it? need to be answered to many people. Sociologists believe that, human beings are social animals and in the world where social life is everything, the study about it, surely is the thing to be studied. Sociologists believe that, through their proper research and analysis, the power of sociology can be implemented in various ways for the betterment of the world and to control the masses and improve the efficiency of working of many organizations.

Discussion

What is Sociology?

It is the study of social life and society. It employs methods of critical analysis and empirical investigation, which helps in developing of and improvement of people living and involved in social life. Most of the study in sociology is based on researches, surveys, studies and interviews. Theories are developed on the basis of these studies and observations are made; logical conclusions are achieved and then previously made theories are further refined, modified, rejected and evolved.

Different publics are targeted at different times, depending on the needs of the study. At a time the whole world, a country, city, organization, group of people or even a family or individual may be studied. The target public depends on the requirements of the study. E.g. a company may conduct a sociological research by targeting the employees of that company and then use the results or observations for the betterment of the company. Traditionally, sociology has put its focus in the areas of culture, social class, social stratification, social mobility, religion, law secularization and deviance. With the passage of time and success in the implementation of knowledge of sociology, the field expanded its domain and started to cover the internet, penal institutions, military, medical and health care industries as well.

History and Origin

The study of sociology dates back to the 14th century. Ibn Khaldun an Arabic Islamic scholar belonged to the era of medieval Islam. His work, Muqaddimah was the first work done, which is considered as a part ...