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
Importance of Education:
Why is education an important issue for sociologists? Key figures in Sociology like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons have focussed on the important role of education for both individuals and society. The functions of education can be summed up as follows:
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Children coming from diverse family and community backgrounds gain an understanding of the common values and moral beliefs in society through school education. This unites a multitude of separate individuals.
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Through education, children learn self-discipline. They internalize the social rules that contribute to the smooth functioning of society.
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The education system teaches the specialized skills needed for a complex modern economy. Along with providing individuals with basic intellectual foundations, higher education institutions are also catering to this need by accrediting certain levels of knowledge and skills.
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Schools also instill the value of individual achievement in children. In schools, children are assessed on the basis of universal standards. Their conduct is assessed according to the yardstick of formal school rules; their achievement is measured by performance in examinations. Schools, like wider society, largely operate on a meritocratic basis. Those with ability and talent achieve their just rewards.
