This document provides an introduction to the field of sociology. It defines sociology as the scientific study of human society and social interaction. Three main sociological perspectives are discussed: functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together; conflict theory sees society as groups competing for power and resources; and symbolic interactionism emphasizes how human behavior is influenced by symbolic definitions and meanings created through social interaction.

1. Introduction to
Sociology
Shyamasree Saha
Ph.D. Scholar
NIT Agartala

2. Sociology: The Term
Auguste Comte, the French Philosopher,
who is considered as the “ Father of
Sociology” invented the term “Sociology”
at about 1839.
The term “Sociology” is derived from the
Latin Word Socius, meaning companion
or associate, and the Greek word Logos,
meaning study or science. Thus,
etymologically sociology means the
“Science of Society”.

3. Sociology as a Social Science
• Sociology is concerned with the life and
activities of man.
• It analyses the group life of man and examines
the bonds of social unity.
• Sociology tries to determine the relationship
and inter-dependence between different
elements of social life.
• Sociology also discovers the fundamental
conditions of social stability and social change.
• It throws more light on various social problems
like poverty, unemployment, over population,
etc.

4. Sociology: Definition
• “ Sociology is a general science of society”
- Kingsley Davis
• “Sociology is the science which attempts the
interpretative understanding of social action
in order thereby to arrive at a casual
explanation of its course and effects”
– Max Webber
• “In broadest sense, sociology is the study of
human interactions and inter-relations, their
conditions and consequences”
– Morris Ginsberg

5. Uses of Sociology
• Studies society in a scientific way
• Throws more light on the social nature of the
man.
• Improves our understanding of society and
increases the power of social action
• To know not only our society and men but also
others, their motives, aspirations, status,
occupations, traditions, customs, institutions,
culture, etc.
• Significant in enriching culture.
• Study of great social institutions and the
relations of individuals of each one of them.

6. Uses of Sociology
• The need for the study of sociology is greater
especially in underdeveloped countries.
• In solving social problems.
• For understanding and planning of society.
• Has helped several governments to promote
the welfare of the tribal people.
• It keeps us up to date on modern social
situations and developments.
• As Prof. Giddings has pointed out “ Sociology
tells us how to become what we want to be”

7. The Three Main Sociological
Perspectives
• Functionalist Perspective
• Conflict Perspective
• Symbolic Interaction Perspective

8. Functionalist Perspective
According to functionalism, society is a system
of interconnected parts that work together in
harmony to maintain a state of balance and
social equilibrium for the whole.
For example, each of the social institutions
contributes important functions for society:
Family provides a context for reproducing,
nurturing, and socializing children; education
offers a way to transmit a society’s skills,
knowledge, and culture to its youth; politics
provides a means of governing members of
society, etc.

9. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the
interconnectedness of society by focusing on
how each part influences and is influenced by
other parts.
Functionalists use the terms functional and
dysfunctional to describe the effects of social
elements on society. Elements of society are
functional if they contribute to social stability
and dysfunctional if they disrupt social stability.
Some aspects of society can be both
functional and dysfunctional. For example,
crime is dysfunctional in that it is associated
with physical violence, loss of property, and
fear.

10. Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective views society as
composed of different groups and interest
competing for power and resources. The
conflict perspective explains various aspects
of our social world by looking at which groups
have power and benefit from a particular
social arrangement.
Conflict doesn’t necessarily imply outright
violence. It includes tension, hostility, severe
competition and disagreement over goals
and values. It is regarded as “a constant
process and an inevitable part of social life”.

11. Symbolic Interaction
Perspective
Symbolic interactionism reflects the micro-
sociological perspective and emphasizes that
human behaviour is influenced by definitions and
meanings that are created and maintained
through symbolic interaction with others.
Symbolic interactionism also suggests that our
identity or sense of self is shaped by social
interaction. We develop our self-concept by
observing how others interact with us a label us.
By observing how others view us, we see a
reflection ourselves that Cooley calls the
“looking glass self”