This document provides an introduction to sociology as the study of human society and social interaction. It defines sociology as the science of society or social phenomena. The document outlines the key topics of sociology including definitions of society, the subject matter, nature and scope of sociology. It concludes that sociology offers a way to understand the social world and trains students to think critically about human social life.

1. Introduction to
Sociology
M A N A ND SOCIET Y
Presented By
Ven. B Dhammarama (14-13)
200 Level
Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy

2. Content
 Introduction
 What is Society?
 Definition of Sociology
 Subject matter of Sociology
 Nature of Sociology
 Scope of Sociology
 Conclusion
 References

3. Introduction
 The word “Sociology” was coined by Auguste Comte-
French Philosopher in 1839. He is consider as a father of
Sociology.
 Sociology is the youngest of all the Social Sciences.
 The word “Sociology” is derived from the Latin word
„Societus‟ which means „society‟ and the Greek word „logos‟
means „science, study or advanced study‟.
 Science of society or study of society.

4. What is Society
A large group of people who live together in an organized way,
making decision about how to do things and sharing the work
that needs to be done. All the people in country, or in several
similar countries, can be referred to as a society.
Cambridge dictionary
The community of people living in a particular country or
region and having shared customs, laws and organizations is
known as a society.
Oxford dictionary

5. Definition of Sociology
L.F.Ward
“Sociology is the science of society or of social phenomena”
Ginsberg
“Sociology is the study of human interaction and
interrelation of their condition and consequences”
Emile Durkheim
“Sociology as a science of social institutions”
Orburn and Nimkoff
“Sociology as the study of social life”
Kimball Young
“Sociology deals with the behavior of men in group”

6. Subject matter of Sociology
Sociology is
• The study of society
• The science of social life
• The study of social relationship
• The study of human behavior in groups
• The study of forms of social relationship
• The study of social action
• The study of social groups and social systems

7. Nature of Sociology
• Sociology is an Independent Science
• Sociology is a Social Science and not a Physical Science
• Sociology is a Categorical and not a Nominative Discipline
• Sociology is a pure Science and not an Applied Science
• Sociology is Relatively an Abstract Science not a Concrete
Science
• Sociology is Generalizing and not a Particularizing or
Individualizing Science
• Sociology is both a Rational and an Empirical

8. Scope of Sociology
 Two different views about the scope of sociology.
 There is no one opinion about the scope of sociology
 In the broadest sense, Sociology is studying human
interaction, their condition and consequences.

9. Conclusion
Nowadays sociology becomes a very famous subject. Because
of its scope many people wish to study this.
Sociology is the study of human social relationship and
institution. It offers a distinctive and enlightening way of
seeing and understanding the social world. Students who
have been well trained in sociology know how to think
critically about human social life.

10. References
Primary Sources
Shankar Rao C.N (2008), Primary Principles of Sociology, Published by S.
Chand Publisher, India.
Dictionary
Advance Oxford Dictionary
Merriam Webster
Web side
Wikipedia
The Department of social services states web side