What is Sociology and its Importance

French sociologist Auguste Comte first coined the term ‘Sociology’ in 1839. The word originated by combining the Latin word ‘Socioous’ and the Greek word “Logos’. The meaning of ‘Socious’ is society and the meaning of ‘Logos’ is the study or science. Thus, the treatise that discusses society is called sociology. Sociology has been defined in a number of ways by different sociologists. No single definition has yet been accepted as completely satisfactory. Definitions of Sociology by different authors are given below:

Definition of Sociology

According to Durkheim, “Sociology is the science of social institutions.”

According to Maclver and Page, “Sociology is the only science that discusses the social relationship of man in society.”

According to L.S. Ward and W.G. Summer, “Sociology is the science of society.”

According to F.E. Meril, “Sociology is the science of human group relationship.”

According to Max Weber, “Sociology is the study of social action.”

According to Kingsley Davis, “Sociology is a general science of society.”

According to Morris Ginsberg, “Sociology is the study of human interaction and interrelations, their condition and consequences.”

According to Professor Giddings, ”Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.”

However, from the above discussion, we can say that sociology is concerned with man, his social relation, and his society.

Importance of Sociology

In modern times, the importance of the study of sociology is increasing day by day. The importance of sociology is as follows:

• Study of society and the social nature of a man: Before the emergence of sociology there were no systematic and scientific ways of studying human society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study in a scientific manner. Sociology enters deep into the nature of a man. It tells us why man is a social animal, and why he lives, in groups, communities, and societies. It examines the relationship between the individual and society, and the impact of society on man.
• Help us to understand not only our society and society’s action but also others’ society: The study of sociology assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents, and limitations. It enables him to adjust himself to the environment. Again in a huge industrialized society, our experience is comparatively limited. We rarely have an idea of other societies. The study of sociology helps us to acquire knowledge of other societies’ motives, aspirations, status, customs, culture, institutions, traditions, occupations, etc.
• Significant effect in enriching culture: Sociology has given training to us to have a rational approach to questions concerning ourselves, our religion, customs, institutions, values, ideologies, etc. it has made us become more objective, rational, critical, and broad-minded. It helps to overcome prejudices, misconceptions, and religious hatred.
• Help us to study great social institutions and the relations of individuals of each one of them: The home and family, school and education, the stage and government, industry and work, religion and morality, marriage and family, property and government, etc are the main institutions by which our country functions. More than the condition of our lives in countless ways, knowledge of sociology may help to strengthen them to serve man better.
• A greater role in underdeveloped countries: Sociologists have drawn the attention of economists regarding the social factor that has contributed to the economic backwardness of a few countries. Economics have now realized the importance of sociological knowledge in analyzing the economic affair of a country.
• Solving social problems and necessary for understanding and planning of society: The present word is best with many problems such as poverty, beggary, unemployment, overpopulation, crime, juvenile delinquency, gambling, community disorganization, family disorganization, etc. Sociology provides an analysis of these problems in order to solve them. Again social planning has been made easier by sociology. Sociology is a vehicle of special reform and social reorganization.

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