Topics
Introduction of Sociology
Contribution of Western and Indian Sociologists
- Introduction to Western Sociologists
- Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
- Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
- Karl Marx (1818-1883)
- Abdul Rahman Ibn-khaldun
- Harriet Martineau (1802 – 1876)
- Durkheims’ Theory of Suicide
- William Du Bois (1868 – 1963)
- Marxian Theory of ‘Class Conflict’
- Introduction to Indian Sociologists
- Dr. G. S. Ghurye (1893-1983)
- Dr. M. N. Srinivas (1916-1999)
- Dr. Iravati Karve (1905-1970)
Basic Concepts in Sociology
- Introduction of Society
- Definition of Society
- Characteristics of Society
- Introduction of Community
- Definition of Community
- Elements of Community
- Introduction of Social Group
- Definition of Social Group
- Characteristics of Social Group
- Types of Social Group
- Concept of Social Status
- Types of Social Status
- Concept of Social Role
- Social Role Related Concept
- Concept of Social Norms
- Types of Social Norms
Social Institutions
- Concept of Social Institutions
- Characteristics of Social Institutions
- Concept of Family
- Functions of Family
- Forms of Family
- Twenty-first Century Families
- Concept of Marriage
- Forms of Marriage
- Family, Marriage and Kinship
- Economy and Work
- Concept of Education
- Types of Education
- Importance of Education
- Education and Social Division
Culture
Socialization
Social Stratification
Social Change
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Society:
According to Aristotle, ‘man is a social animal’. He cannot live without society. Man is subjected to some elemental and derived needs which he can only satisfy within the framework of an organisation. Therefore, the collectivity which man has created during the long course of his evolution is known as society. In society, we find a definite order of mutual behaviour and relations. Hence, when individuals enter into social relations, society is formed.
The term ‘society’ is the most fundamental one in Sociology. It is derived from the Latin word ‘socius’ which means companionship or friendship. George Simmel has given importance to ‘Sociability’. It is an indication that we always live in the company of other people.
The word ‘society’ is a very broad and known word and it is used frequently or in day-to-day life by people. For example, Arya Samaj, Tribal Society, Mahila Samaj, Co-operative Society, industrial society, etc. Sociology is a science of society and hence it is necessary to understand its exact meaning. Many times the word society is used to denote an ‘association’, ‘organisation’ or ‘group’. For example, ‘People’s Education Society’, Deccan Education Society, Ideal Housing Society, etc. However, such an interpretation of society is not accepted in Sociology. In Sociology, we use the term ‘society’ with a specific meaning, with some kind of scientific thinking behind it. Just as physical sciences use distinct terminology, Sociology also uses distinct terms.
