Question

Why do we need to use special terms and concepts in sociology?

Answer 1

We need to use special terms and concepts in sociology to understand society better. In sociology, there are different ways of understanding society. For example, Max Weber gave importance to individuals for the existence of society whereas Emile Durkheim laid emphasis on society as a whole.

For Karl Marx, the key concepts were class and conflict to understand society whereas, for Emile Durkheim, social solidarity and collective conscience were important.

There are different kinds of individuals and groups in society that lead to different concepts and ideas. Therefore, we need special terms and concepts in sociology to differentiate it from our common sense knowledge of society.

An individual studies the society on the basis of his/her own common sense, which is often within a limited range, while sociology provides specific concepts and terms to study the structure, phenomenon, and functions of the society in a scientific way.