This document provides an overview of sociology as presented in a nursing college course. It defines sociology and discusses its nature, scope, significance for nursing, branches, and factors in its origin. Specifically, it defines sociology as the scientific study of human social life, groups and societies. It explains that sociology's nature makes it a social rather than physical science. It discusses debates around sociology's scope. And it outlines several key branches of sociology like theoretical, historical, rural/urban, and industrial sociology. The document also explains factors in sociology's origin like the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, and success of natural sciences.

1. SUYOG COLLEGE OF
NURSING
II YEAR BSC NURSING
Sociology
Unit I : Introduction (Question&Answers)
1. Define Sociology
2. Explain the nature of Sociology.
3. Discuss thescope of Sociology.
4. Throw light on significance of Sociology in nursing.
5. Explain various branches of Sociology.
6. Explain the factors of origin of Sociology.
7. Importanceof Sociology.
PreparedBy
Mrs.Nagamani.T, MSc (N)
SCON

2. 1. Define Sociology
sociology, is a social science that studies human societies, their interactions, and the processes that
preserve and change them. It does this by examining the dynamics of constituent parts of societies such as
institutions, communities, populations, and gender, racial, or age groups. Sociology also studies social
status or stratification, social movements, and social change, as well as societal disorder in the form of
crime, deviance, and revolution.
“Sociology” comes from the Latin word Socius (companion) and the ending –ology from the Greek logos
(word).
Sociology is the study of human interactions and interrelations, their conditions and consequences.
- H Ginsberg
Sociology is the science which attempts the interpretive understanding of social action.
– Max Weber
Sociology in its broadest sense may be said to be the study of interactions arising from the association of
living beings. - Gillin and Gillin
2. Explain the nature of Sociology.
Sociology, as a branch of knowledge, has its own unique characteristics. It is different from other science in
certain respects. An analysis of its internal logical characteristics helps one to understand what kind of
science it is. The following are the main characteristics of sociology as enlisted by Robert Bierstedt in his
book, " The social order". And always of its internal logical characteristics helps one to understand what
kind of science it is.
 Sociology is an Independent Science.
 Sociology is a Social Science and not a physical Science.
 Sociology is a categorical and not a Normative Discipline.
 Sociology is relatively and Abstract Science and not a concrete Science.
 Sociology is pure science and not an Applied Science.
 Sociology is a General Science not a special Science.
 Sociology is a Generalizing and not a particularizing or Individualizing science.
 Sociology is Both a Rational and Empirical Science.
Sociology is an independent science:
Sociology has now emerged into an independent science. It is not treated and studied as a branch of any
other science like philosophy or political philosophy or history. As an independent science it has its own
field of study, boundary and method.
Sociology is a social science and not a physical science.
Sociology belongs to the family of social sciences and not to the family of physical sciences. As a social
science, it concentrates its attention on man, his social behaviour, social activities and social life. As a
member of the family of social science it is intimately related to other social sciences like history, political
sciences, economics, psychology, anthropology etc.
Sociology is a categorical and not a normative discipline:
Sociology 'confines itself to statements about what is, not what should be or ought to be'. As a science,
sociology is necessarily silent about questions of value. It does not make any kind of value-judgements. Its

3. approach is neither moral nor immoral but amoral. It is ethically neutral. It cannot decide the directions in
which sociology ought to go.
Sociology is a Pure Science and not an Applied Science:
A distinction is often made between Pure Sciences and applied sciences. The main aim of pure sciences is
the acquisition of knowledge and it is not bothered whether the acquired knowledge is useful or can be put
to use. On the other hand, the aim of applied science is to apply the acquired knowledge into life and to put
to use. Each pure science may have its own applied field.
Sociology is a pure science, because the immediate aim of sociology is the acquisition of knowledge about
human society, not the utilization of knowledge.
Sociology is relatively an abstract science and not a concrete science:
This does not mean sociology is an art and not a science. It is more concerned with the form of human
events and their patterns. Sociology does confine itself to the study of this society or that particular society
or social organization, or marriage, or religion, or group and so on. It is in this simple sense that sociology is
an abstract not a concrete science.
Sociology is a Generalizing and not a particularizing or Individualizing science:
Sociology tried to find out the general laws or principles about human interaction and association, about
the nature, form, content and structure of human groups and societies. It tries to make generalizations on
the basis of the study of some selected events.
Sociology is a General Science and not a special social science:
The area of inquiry of sociology is general and not specialized. It is concerned with human interaction and
human life in general. Other social sciences like political science, history, economics, etc., also study man
and human interaction, but not all about human interaction. Sociology does not investigate economic,
religious, political, legal, moral or any other special kind of phenomenon in relation to human life and
activities as such. It only studies human activities in a general way.
Finally, Sociology is both a Rational and an EmpiricalScience.
There are two broad ways of approach to scientific knowledge. One, known as empiricism, is, the approach
that emphasizes experience and the facts that result from observation and experimentation. The other,
known as rationalism, stresses reason and the theories that result from logical inference.
The empiricist collects facts; the rationalist co-ordinates and arranges them. Theories and facts are required
in the construction of knowledge. In sociological inquiry both are significant. A theory unsubstantiated by
hard, solid facts is nothing more than an opinion.
3. Discuss the scope of Sociology.
Scope means the subject matter or the areas of study. Every science has its own field of inquiry. It becomes
difficult to study a science systematically unless its boundary or scope is determined precisely. Sociology as
a social science has its own scope or boundaries. But there is no one opinion about the scope of Sociology.
However, there are two main schools of thought regarding the scope of Sociology:
(1) The Specialist or Formalistic school and
(2) the Synthetic school.
There is a good deal of controversy about the scope of Sociology between the two schools. The supporter
of first school believe that Sociology is a specific science and the scope should be limited whereas others
believe that it is a general science and its scope is very vast
(1) Specialistic school:
The supporters of this school of thought are George Simmel, Vierkandt, Max Weber, Vonwise, and F.
Tonnies. The main views of the school regarding the scope of Sociology are –
(i) Sociology is a specific, pure and independent social science.
(ii) Sociology studies the various forms of social relationships.
(iii) Scope of Sociology is very narrow and limited.

4. (iv) Sociology deals with specific form of human relationship.
(v) Sociology need not study all the events connected with social science.
(vi) Simmel believes that it is a specific social science and it should deal with social relationships from
different angles.
Criticism:
(i) Sociologist alone does not study the forms of social relationships. Other social scientists also do that.
(ii) The distinction between the forms of social relations and their contents is not practicable.
(iii) Thirdly, the formalistic school has narrowed down the scope of Sociology.
(iv) Finally, the conception of pure Sociology is imaginary.
(2) Synthetic school:
The supporters of synthetic school are the sociologists like Ginsberg, Durkheim, Comte, Sorokin, Spencer, F.
Ward, and L.T. Hobhouse.
According to this school-
(i) Sociology is a general and systematic social science.
(ii) Scope of Sociology is very vast.
(iii) Sociology needs help from other social sciences.
(iv) It is a synthesis of social science.
(v) Sociology is closely related with other social sciences.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, we come to know that formalistic school believes in the study of the parts,
which makes up the society and synthetic school advocates the study of the whole society. However, both
the schools complement to each other. They are not opposed to each other. Thus, Sociology is a general
science of society and specialised discipline. Sociology is a growing science. Therefore, it is neither possible
nor desirable to restrict its scope.
4. Throw light on significance of Sociology in nursing.
Sociology is a field in science that concerns itself with social behavior. The origins and the development of a
particular society takes its cue from the study of sociology.
Sociology of nursing concentrates on the sociological factors that evolve in the practice of nursing.
Sociology plays an important role in the area of health sciences medicine and nursing with the common
goal of preventing illness and restoration of health. The study of sociology is important for nurses due to
the following reasons;
 Sociology is needed in general to all the medical professions and especially nursing because social
conditions are sometimes responsible for health problems.
 Sociology helps to understand the relationship between disease and social condition.
 Helps to understand those forces and pressures which affect patient adversely.
 It helps the nurses to understand the behaviour, conflicts, Inter Personal Relationship (IPR),
hierarchy, groups and adaptation of different people working in hospitals.
 Through sociology, the nurse gets information about the socio cultural life of the patient.
 To study the structure of family, community and society.
 To understand the characteristics of social relationship, its complexities, and its impact on health
care.
 Helps in the understanding and eradication of social problems.

5. Thus Sociology enables nurses to understand their social responsibility as agents of change. When the nurse
has the capacity to heal or make patients feel better, they are not only treating their illnesses; they are also
improving the quality of their lives.
5. Explain various branches of Sociology
Sociology is broadly defined as the study of human society. As sociology is considered a very popular and
fast-growing science came into existence (only after 1839 AD) is vast and broad discipline. It has lots of
specialties. Sociology is been divide it into various sub-divisions on the basis of its contents.
The main branches of sociology are as follows:
1. Theoretical Sociology. It includes micro theory or small/middle/large theory. The theories of Karl
Marx, August Cimte, Max Wever, Emmile Durkhaim, Sorokin, etc are studied under the theories of
sociology. Eg. The theories of “Economic determinism” and the theory of “Class Struggle” of Karl
Marx. Eg. “Theory of Suicide” by Emmile Durkhaim.
2. Historical Sociology It is the study of social facts and social groups. It studies the background of any
social event. How and when different social groups or organizations originated? Eg. The history of
Hindu, Roman, Greek, etc. and other major civilizations were studied by P.A. Sorkin.
3. Sociology of Knowledge The newly emerged branch of sociology indicates that our knowledge is the
product of social phenomena. This means our knowledge is always influenced by society. The
economic religious political and other interests save human belief and ideas.
4. Criminology This branch of sociology studies the criminal behavior of individuals or groups. Origin of
crime its types of nature, causes as well as law, punishment, police, etc. come under this study, The
efforts for the improvement is also studied. Different organizations establish to control the crime as
well as their role also come under its study.
5. Sociology of Religion This branch studies the structure of the religion in the social systemas no
society is free from the influence of it. It analyses the social behavior of human beings. It also studies

6. the religious constitutions and their role in the society. Augste Comte, Emmile Durkheim, Herbet
Spencer did the study of elementary forms of religious life.
6. Sociology of Economy This branch of sociology studies production, distribution, consumption and
exchange of goods and services. This branch also studies the economic activities of the society in
which the focus is given about the socio-cultural factors. The access in production, the mode of
distribution, the real consumers, the role of culture in such activities are studied under it. Eg. “Why
Hindus don’t eat Cow?”
7. Rural Sociology This branch of sociology studies the way of life of rural people as the rural
population is higher than the urban. The patterns of life such as behavior, belief, culture, tradition
norms, values, etc. are totally different than of urban people. So, it studies the rural society in
scientific way. It also studies rural life, social institutions, social structure, social processes, etc. of
the rural society.
8. Urban Sociology This branch of sociology studies the way of life of urban people. It gives
information about the social organizations and instution of urban society as well as social structure
and social interaction. It also studies the social pathology of urban society such as discrimination)
crime, corruption, robbery, beggary, loot, theft, unemployment, prostitution, environmental
pollution, etc.
9. Political Sociology This branch of sociology studies different political moments of society. It includes
the study of different political ideology (view), their origin, development and functions. In this study,
different political parties are considered as social institutions. Various activities and behavior of
political parties are studied in this branch. As they are the part of the social system.
10. Sociology of Demography Demography of scientific mathematical and statically study of population.
It studies about the size, situation, composition, density, distribution, and measurement etc. of the
population. In this branch of sociology, we study the distribution of human population with the
analysis of population change in sociological perspectives. It also finds out the determining factors of
population change and its trend.
11. Sociology of Law Sociology of law and legal systemare considered as the part of society, as social
institution. Law is one of the very important means of social control. Law is related with other
different social sub systems. Such as economy, nature of distribution, authority, structure of family
kinship relationships, etc. So, this branch of sociology is related to moral order for the society as
formulation and implementation of rules and regulations, law and order come under this.
12. Industrial Sociology This branch of sociology is concerned with the industrial relationship of the
human beings. It studies the different industrial organizations and institutions. As well as their
interrelationship and links with other various institutions of society. It also studies the inter-
relationships of industrial institutions with various aspects of human life such as culture, beliefs,
customs, religion or the way of life.
Besides the above mentioned various branches of sociology, other different branches are also emerging day
by day as sociology is a very broad social science. Some of their names are listed below:
 Sociology of Family
 Sociology of Race
 Sociology of Occupation
 Sociology of Art
 Sociology of literature
 Sociology of Peace
 Sociology of Development
 Sociology of Military

7.  Sociology of Culture
 Sociology of Planning
 Sociology of Moment
 Sociology of Psychology
 Sociology of Differentiation
 Sociology of Stratification, etc.
6. Explain the factors of origin of Sociology
The term sociology was coined by French philosopher Auguste Comte in 1838, who for this reason is known
as the “Father of Sociology.”Comte felt that science could be used to study the social world. Other events
of that time period also influenced the development of sociology.
sociology is the scientific study of human social life, groups and societies.
There was no sociology as a distinct discipline before the advent of 19th century. As a distinct discipline it
emerged about the middle of the 19th century when European social observers began to use scientific
methods to test their ideas.
It looks that three factors led to the origins of sociology.
The first was the Industrial revolution.
 By the mid 19th century Europe was changing from agriculture to factory production. There was the
emergence of new occupations as well as new avenues of employment away from the land.
 Masses of people migrated to cities in search of jobs. Pull and push factors were instrumental in
such migrations. In the countryside, due to the nature of agricultural society, there were no
occupations that could be alternatives to agriculture. Hence people got pushed to look for new
places whereas the urban/industrial places with new job opportunities provided a pull to the same
population.
 At the new places there was anonymity, crowding, filth, and poverty. Ties to the land, to the
generations that had lived there before them, and to the ways of their life were abruptly broken.
Eventually the urban life brought radical changes in the lives of people.
 The city greeted them with horrible working conditions: low pay; long and exhausting working
hours; dangerous work; foul smoke; and much noise. To survive the vagaries of life, families had to
permit their children to work in these uncongenial conditions.
 People in these industrial cities developed new ideas about democracy and political rights. They did
not want to remain tied to their rulers. Therefore the ideas about individual liberty, individual rights
to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness emerged, which actually laid the foundation to future
political revolution.
The second factor that stimulated the development of sociology was imperialism. Europeans successfully
conquered many parts of the world. They were exposed to radically different cultures. Startled by these
contrasting ways of life, they began to ask why cultures differed.
The third impetus for the development of sociology was the success of the natural sciences. People
moved
to question fundamental aspects of their social world. They started using the scientific method (systematic
observation, objectivity) to the study of human behaviour.

8. Auguste Comte
To find the origin of sociology the idea of applying the scientific method to the social world, known
as positivism, was apparently first proposed by Auguste Comte (1798-1857). He was French. He migrated
from a small town to Paris. The changes he himself experienced, combined with those France underwent in
the revolution, led Comte to become interested in the two interrelated issues: social order (social static)
and social change (social dynamics).
What holds the society together (Why is there a social order)? And once the society is set then what causes
it to change? Why its directions change?
Comte concluded that the right way to answer such questions was to apply the scientific method to social
life. There must be laws that underlie the society. Therefore we should discover these principles by applying
scientific method to social world. Once these principles discovered then we could apply these for social
reform.
He advocated origins of sociology for building new societies on twin foundations of science and industry
rather than on religion and landowner-serf relationship.
This will be a new science and Comte named it as Sociology (1838) – the study of society. Comte is credited
with being the founder of sociology.
Other early pioneer names are:
Herbert Spenser (1820-1903)
He was an Englishman and is sometimes called second founder of sociology. He too believed that society
operates under some fixed laws. He was evolutionary and considered that societies evolve from lower to
higher forms. In this way he applied the ideas of Darwin to the development of human society, and hence
this approach may be called as Social Darwinism.
By following the basic principle of Social Darwinism Spenser advocated that ‘let the fittest survive’. There
should be no reform because it will help in the survival of lower order individuals. (Charity and helping the
poor were considered to be wrong). Spenser was a social philosopher rather than a social researcher.
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Karl Marx was a German. According to him the key to human history is Class Conflict.
Not really a sociologist but wrote widely about history, philosophy, economics, political science.
Because of his insights into the relationship between the social classes, he is claimed to be an early
sociologist. He introduced one of the major perspectives in sociology – conflict perspective.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
He was French. His primary goal was of getting sociology recognized as a separate academic discipline. His
systematic study comparing suicide rates among several countries revealed an underlying social factor:
People were more likely to commit suicide if their ties to others in their communities were weak. He
identified the key role of social integration in social life.
Max Weber (1864-1920)
Max Weber was a German. He used cross-cultural and historical materials in order to determine how
extensively social groups affect people’s orientations to life.

9. 7. Importance of Sociology.
7. Importance of Sociology.
Prior to the emergence of sociology the study of society was carried on in an unscientific manner and
society had never been the central concern of any science. It is through the study of sociology that the truly
scientific study of the society has been possible. Sociology alone studies social relationships, society itself.
Sociology is interested in social relationships not because they are economic or political or religious or legal
but because they are at the same time social. Sociology study how the relations combine, how they build up
smaller or greater systems and how they respond to changes and changing needs or demands. Therefore
the study of sociology is essentially analytical.
Sociology because of its bearing upon many of the problems of the present world has assumed such a great
importance that it is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. Giddings have rightly
pointed out, 'Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.'
Sociology studies society in a scientific way
Before the emergence of sociology there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human society
with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a scientific manner. This scientific
knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields.
Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man
Sociology delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social animal, why he lives in a
group, communities and societies. It examines the relationship between individual and society, the impact
of society on man and other matters.
Sociology increases the power of social action
The science of society assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents and limitations. It
enables him to adjust himself to the environment. Knowledge of society, social groups, social institutions,
associations, their functions etc. helps us to lead an effective social life.
Sociology studies role of the institutions in the development of the individuals
It is through sociology that scientific study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual
to each is being made. The home and family, the school and education, the church and religion, the state
and government, industry and work, the community and association, these are institutions through which
society functions. Sociology studies these institutions and their role in the development of the individual
and suggests suitable measures for strengthening them with a view to enable them to serve the individual
better.
Study of sociology is indispensable for understanding and planning of society
Society is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of intricacies. It is impossible to understand and solve
its numerous problems without support of sociology. It is rightly said that we cannot understand and mend
society without any knowledge of its mechanism and construction. Without the investigation carried out by
sociology no real effective social planning would be possible. It helps us to determine the most efficient
means for reaching the goals agreed upon. A certain amount of knowledge about society is necessary
before any social policies can be carried out.
Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social problems
The present world is suffering from many problems that can be solved through scientific study of the
society. It is the task of sociology to study the social problems through the methods of scientific research

10. and to find out solution to them. The scientific study of human affairs will ultimately provide the body of
knowledge and principles that will enable us to control the conditions of social life and improve them.
Sociology has drawn ourattention to the intrinsic worth and dignity of man
Sociology has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human beings. In a specialized society we
are all limited as to the amount of the whole organization and culture that we can experience directly. We
can hardly know the people of other areas intimately. In order to have insight into and appreciation of the
motives by which others live and the conditions under which they exist knowledge of sociology is essential.
Sociology has changed our outlook with regard tothe problems of crime
It is through the study of sociology that our whole outlook on various aspects of crime has change. The
criminals are now treated as human beings suffering from mental deficiencies and efforts are accordingly
made to rehabilitate them as useful members of the society.
Sociology has made great contribution to enrich human culture
Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of sociology. The social phenomenon is now
understood in the light of scientific knowledge and enquiry. According to Lowie most of us harbor the
comfortable delusion that our way of doing things is the only sensible if not only possible one. Sociology has
given us training to have rational approach to questions concerning oneself, one's religion, customs, morals
and institutions. It has further taught us to be objective, critical and dispassionate. It enables man to have
better understanding both of himself and of others. By comparative study of societies and groups other than
his existence, his life becomes richer and fuller than it would otherwise be. Sociology also impresses upon us
the necessity of overcoming narrow personal prejudices, ambitions and class hatred.
Sociology is of great importance in the solution of international problems
The progress made by physical sciences has brought the nations of the world nearer to each other. But in
the social field the world has been left behind by the revolutionary progress of the science. The world is
divided politically giving rise to stress and conflict. Men have failed to bring in peace. Sociology can help us
in understanding the underlying causes and tensions.
The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us update on modern situations
It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to the community problems. It adds to the
knowledge of the society. It helps the individual find his relation to society. The study of social phenomena
and of the ways and means of promoting what Giddens calls social adequacy is one of the most urgent
needs of the modern society. Sociology has a strong appeal to all types of mind through its direct bearing
upon many of the initial problems of the present world.
Study of society has helped governments to promote the welfare of the tribal and marginalized
communities
The tribal and marginalized communities face many socio-economic and cultural problems. Studies
conducted by sociologists and anthropologists regarding tribal societies and problems have helped
governments in undertaking social welfare measures and programmes for the welfare purposes.
Sociology is useful as a teaching subject
Sociology is a profession in which technical competence brings its own rewards. Sociologists those trained
in research procedures are contributing in business, government, industry, social sector, communications
and many other areas of community life. Sociology has now become practical enough to be practiced in the
other fields prominently in local, state, national and international levels.