Name: M. Muneeb Alam Reg No: BBA183102 Course: Introduction To Sociology

Name: M.
Muneeb Alam
Reg no: BBA183102
Course: Introduction to sociology
Description: Scope of sociology
Submitted to:
Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed
Scope of Sociology
In the first place, sociology was assumed to be encyclopedic in scope. All types of
social relationships were conceived to be the concerns of sociology.
Secondly, the entire sociological approach was evolutionary in character. The two
dominant influences in this regard were the philosophy of history and the
biological theory of evolution.
Thirdly, sociology was conceived to be a positive science. In the eighteenth
century sociology was modeled on physics and in the nineteenth century on
biology. The writings of Comte and Spencer illustrate the influences of these two
natural sciences on sociological approaches.
Fourthly, though sociology claimed to be a general science, it was particularly
concerned with problems which disturbed society in the wake of sweeping changes
brought about by industrial revolution. As Bottom ore has pointed out, “it was
above all a science of the new industrial society”.
Finally, in addition to its scientific character, sociology had also an ideological
dimension. Various kinds of ideologies, both conservative and radical, crept into
sociological discussions. Ideological debate is still continuing among present-day
sociologists.
The delineation of sociology as encyclopedic in scope raised opposition from many
quarters, particularly from those who were working in narrower and more
specialized fields. It was argued that the definition of the scope of sociology as an
all-embracing science of society did not permit subtle analysis in most cases. It
was, therefore, held that sociology would forfeit its claim to be treated as a distinct
social science.
In view of these criticisms, attempts were made to define the scope of sociology on
two distinct lines.
First, sociology was conceived to be a social science concerned with a specially
defined field. It was held that rigorous analysis of chosen fields of social living
would be more rewarding and purposeful.
Second, sociology was viewed as a synthesis of all social sciences. That is, there
should been attempt not at absorbing but at coordinating other special sciences,
such as political science, economics, social philosophy, etc.
Sociologist have different opinion on what should be the scope of
sociology
According to:
August Comte: sociology should try to study social phenomena on scientific
approach.
According to:
Emile Durkheim: sociology should be separate and have independent status.
According to:
Max Weber: Sociology should merely be interpretative understanding of social
thought.
There are two main school of thoughts
1. Formal or specialist school of thought

(Max Weber & George Simmel)
2. Synthetic school of thought

(Auguste Comte, Hobbhouse, Sorokin, Emile Durkheim)
Formal School of thought
The formalistic school of thoughts is the subject matter of sociology consist of
forms of social relationships. These sociologists want to keep the scope of
sociology as pure and independent. Sociology studies in such relation with other
sciences as is analogues to the relation holding between the physical sciences and
geometry. Sociology is a specific social science which describes, classifies,
analyzes, and delineates the forms of human relationships or forms of social
process. Some sociologists are on the side or they are the advocates of the
formalistic or specialist school of thoughts and they are as follows: -
 George Simmel
 Max Weber
 Vier Kandt
 Von Wiese
 Ferdinand Tonnies
Synthetic School of thought

As against the specialist school the synthetic school wants to make sociology a
synthesis of the social sciences or a general science. Sociology is the science of
sciences and all the sciences are included in its scope, it synthesizes all of them.
According to the synthetic school, the scope of sociology is encyclopedic and
synoptic. The viewpoint, which are reflected in geographical, biological and
economic determinism, these sociologists have advised to make sociology
comprehensive and wide. In the words of Motwani," Sociology thus seeks to see
life full and see it whole." Some sociologists are on the side or they are the
advocates of synthetic school of thoughts and they are as follows: -
 Emile Durkheim
 Morrico Ginsberg
 Reuter and Hart
 Hob House
 Sorokin
Thus, this school of thoughts wants sociology to be the synthesis of all social
science. It attempts to wider the field of sociology. It views that society and in
parts are so intimately related that they are difficult to understand in isolation.
Scope of sociology in practical life
Apart from studying and understanding of the social world, sociology also opens
up a range of methods that one can incorporate to discern the world and make it
intelligible.
Qualitative field work, participant observation, discourse analysis, and
ethnography as a methodology in itself can help us unpack, and layer out multiple
processes and phenomenon that we often take for granted.
It sensitizes us to various subjectivities, diversities and hybridity’s and the world is
replete with; thereby opening up and imagining of a world that is more egalitarian
and progressive in nature.
Professionals from diverse fields - politics, development sector, bureaucracy,
diplomacy, Economics, finance, entrepreneurship and so on; all have a great deal
to borrow from sociology as a discipline.
Policy-makers and businesses both should hire more of trained sociologists
according to me and should have compulsory modules to train diverse
professionals in this field. I am confident that the world can become a much better
place to live in with the contribution of more sociology and sociologists here!

Name: M. Muneeb Alam Reg No: BBA183102 Course: Introduction To Sociology

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Name: M. Muneeb Alam Reg No: BBA183102 Course: Introduction To Sociology

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Name: M.

Description: Scope of sociology

There are two main school of thoughts

1. Formal or specialist school of thought

2. Synthetic school of thought

Synthetic School of thought

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