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
Notes
Nature of Social Change:
Change is an integral part of human society. Changes occur in the natural world as well as, in all human societies. Communities - whether tribal, rural or urban, backward or modern, simple or complex, also experience change. Indeed, the nature of change and the direction of change will vary from one society to another, but change is inevitable. Changes may be slow or rapid; the consequences of change may be positive/constructive or negative/destructive. Social change is a continuous, ongoing process.
For example, Auguste Comte has given us a Theory of Three Stages of human thought. This is an example of linear change. Of course, change does not always proceed multilinear, that is, changes can take place in several different directions at the same time. Then again, change may be cyclical; for example, this is common in the world of fashion. Styles of dressing or hairstyling which were popular a few generations ago have become popular today. The speed of change is also different. Obviously, one cannot measure the speed of change in terms of precise scales of measurement like in natural sciences, when dealing with societal changes.
However, it is possible to perceive that changes are taking place slowly or at a quicker pace. Terms such as ‘slow’ or ‘fast’ are relative. The term ‘social change’ refers to changes that take place in the structure and functioning of social institutions for example government, education, economy, marriage, family, religion.
