Society and Culture
CHAPTER II
NATURE AND SCOPE OF SOCIOLOGY
OBJECTIVES: • Define sociology. • Discuss the development of sociology. • Identify different methods of sociology. • Give the importance of sociology.
Lesson 1. Sociology as Science
Sociology
• What is Sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture. The term sociology was first used by Frenchman Auguste Comte in the 1830s when he proposed a synthetic science uniting all knowledge about human activity. In the academic world, sociology is considered one of the social sciences.
• History of Sociology
Although sociology has its roots in the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius, it is a relatively new academic discipline. It emerged in the early nineteenth century in response to the challenges of modernity. Increasing mobility and technological advances resulted in the increasing exposure of people to cultures and societies different from their own. The impact of this exposure was varied, but for some people it included the breakdown of traditional norms and customs and warranted a revised understanding of how the world works. Sociologists responded to these changes by trying to understand what holds social groups together and also to explore possible solutions to the breakdown of social solidarity.
• The Birth 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. Just as there are testable facts regarding gravity and other natural laws, Comte thought that scientific analyses could also discover the laws governing our social lives. It was in this context that Comte introduced the concept of positivism to sociology—a way to understand the social world based on scientific facts. He believed that,
NATURE AND SCOPE OF SOCIOLOGY
OBJECTIVES: • Define sociology. • Discuss the development of sociology. • Identify different methods of sociology. • Give the importance of sociology.
Lesson 1. Sociology as Science
Sociology
• What is Sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture. The term sociology was first used by Frenchman Auguste Comte in the 1830s when he proposed a synthetic science uniting all knowledge about human activity. In the academic world, sociology is considered one of the social sciences.
• History of Sociology
Although sociology has its roots in the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius, it is a relatively new academic discipline. It emerged in the early nineteenth century in response to the challenges of modernity. Increasing mobility and technological advances resulted in the increasing exposure of people to cultures and societies different from their own. The impact of this exposure was varied, but for some people it included the breakdown of traditional norms and customs and warranted a revised understanding of how the world works. Sociologists responded to these changes by trying to understand what holds social groups together and also to explore possible solutions to the breakdown of social solidarity.
• The Birth 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. Just as there are testable facts regarding gravity and other natural laws, Comte thought that scientific analyses could also discover the laws governing our social lives. It was in this context that Comte introduced the concept of positivism to sociology—a way to understand the social world based on scientific facts. He believed that,
References: Eshlemann, J., et. al. 1991. An Introduction to Sociology 3rd Edition. Scott, Foresman and Company. Hunt, Chester L., et. al. 1987. Sociology in the Philippine Setting: A Modular Approach. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. Jarapa, Gracieta., et. al. 1997. Current Social Issues. Revised Edition Panopio, Isabel S., et Popenoe, David. 1991. Sociology 8th Edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Engelwood Cliffs. Ronquillo, Adelaida A., et. al. 1989. Social Issues and Problems: Their Implications to Philippine National Development. Quezon City: Katha Publishing Co., Inc. Schaefer, Richard T. 1986. Sociology 2nd Edition. New York: Mc Graw-Hill Book Co. Taylor, Maurice C., et. al. 1987. Introduction to Sociology. New York: Macmpillan Publishing Company.