1 +Introduction+to+Sociology+-+Lec +1,+2,+3+-+SNAd

Introduction to Sociology
- compiled by S N Azad (SNAd),

Adjunct Faculty, PSS, NSU
1
Recap of Lecture 1
Introduction
Course’s Objectives
Understand the nature of sociological explanation and its difference to
other forms of explanation.
Be able to recognise the different ways in which sociologists theorise and
research the social world.
Be able to apply basic sociological concepts to issues of local and global
concern.
Have gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including
the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of
other writers.
Begin to develop a critical, questioning approach to reading/assessing
sociological material that provides a sound basis for further study in the
discipline.
Course Outline
2
Plan – Lecture 2 to 7
 What is Sociology?
 Use of sociological imagination
 What Sociology is not?!
 Sociology and other social sciences
3
What is Sociology?
Sociology is a discipline that allows us to see and learn from

surrounding and society from a societal and sociological point of
view/ perspective.
Sociology is a social science as it academically and systematically
investigates human behaviour within the larger context of
society, and tries to answer to questions by building hypothesis
in the process of resolving our basic and relevant research
questions.
Sociology is looked at as a subject matter that can answer to
many of our persisting problems in the society and at the global
stage as humanity has progressed from a simpler level and
process to a higher level and more complex system of
organisation and division of labour.
4
Use of sociological imagination
Sociology helps us in developing and using common sense
As Giddens put it:
“The Practice of Sociology involves gaining knowledge about
ourselves, the societies in which we live, and other societies distinct
from ours in space and time. Sociological findings both disturb and
contribute to our commonsense beliefs about ourselves and others.”
“Sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the
larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and
external career of a variety of individuals.”
SI basically allows us, sociologists, and then by default and gradual
infusion of expert realm knowledge into common sense domain of
everyday human being, to come out of our cocoon and think of the
larger canvas where we are all set and play/interact/exchange to
continue our life and living.
5
Use of sociological imagination
So, sociological imagination is our way to think, learn and act
within the framework of references for society that comes out of
the observation, processing data and analyses of history and
biography.
It essentially helps us to ask and answer to three types and sets of
questions:
What is the structure of society?
 As a whole, its components, constituting principles for the collective and
individual, etc…
What is the relationship of society with history?
 The process and mechanism of change in society, historicity of development, etc…
What types of men and women exists in this society and in this
period?
 Which are directions of change in the near future? “In what ways are they
6 selected, formed, liberated and repressed, made sensitive and blunted?” , etc…
Dr. Ron J. Hammond, (2010). INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY. Published by Dr. Ron J. Hammond and Dr.
7 Paul Cheney on Smashwords.
Developing a Sociological Perspectives
Understanding social situations
Interdependence, competition, cooperation, etc.
Awareness of cultural differences
Diversity, ethnicity, prejudices, awareness on mix n match -
convergences, et
Assessment of the effects of policies
In Social, cultural, political, and other establishments/systems
Increase of self-knowledge
Vis-à-vis self, vis-à-vis others in society, vis-à-vis institutions/systems
Sociologist’s role in society –
advocate change and reform?
Why?
What gives them an edge over others?
8
Key Concepts to understand Sociology
9
Agency vs. Structure & Social Change
“… human agency is defined as an individual's capacity to
determine and make meaning from their environment
through purposive consciousness and reflective and creative
action” (Houston, 2010).
Agency refers to the idea that people make their own

decisions and are responsible for their own actions. Some
sociological theories are accused of being deterministic, that
they suggest that human behaviour is inevitable and
predictable. Interpretivists stress that people have agency and
can choose.
Houston, S. (2010) ‘Further reflections on Habermas’s contribution to discourse in

child protection: An examination of power in social life’, British Journal of Social
10 Work, 40(6), pp. 1736 – 53.
Gender in Agency & Structure
What is agency in feminism?
It refers to the capacity of women and girls to take
purposeful action and pursue goals, free from the threat
of violence or retribution. The three core expressions of
agency are: decision-making, leadership, and collective
action.
WOMEN AND GIRLS’ EMPOWERMENT:
11
Relationship Between Social Structure and Agency
Sociologists understand the relationship between social structure
and agency to be an ever-evolving dialectic.
In the simplest sense, a dialectic refers to a relationship between two
things, each of which has the ability to influence the other, such that
a change in one requires a change in the other.
To consider the relationship between structure and agency as a
dialectical one is to assert that while social structure shapes
individuals, individuals (and groups) also shape social structure.
After all, society is a social creation -- the creation and maintenance
of social order require the cooperation of individuals connected
through social relationships.
So, while the lives of individuals are shaped by the existing social
structure, they none the less have the ability -- the agency -- to make
12 decisions and express them in behavior.
Social Change
Social change becomes evident when we see a change/shift in the
understanding, practices and resulting consequences in dealings of
people over a given time and space, in terms of culture, society,
institutions, and in the relationship (interaction patterns inherent in
the dynamics) embedded in the code of conduct /modus operandi.
 Where the change occurs? – understanding, practice, the way we deal
 In what respect the change occurs? – culture/basic norms in the way of
living/feeling, society/community, institutions, social structures.
 In what way it occurs? – in individual/collective relationship & Ops
(operations) modality.
 Where these changes are debated? – political sociology, social
psychology, social history, etc…
Social Change will result in significant rearrangement in social
relations. It will happen either organically or in a planned manner.
13
Social Change
The three traditional ideas of social change:
 decline, cyclic change, and progress (linear thinking)
Social change occurs due to various factors:
 demographic, technological, cultural, political, economic
and educational.
 These factors often act in concert resulting in changes either in a
serial manner or something in parallel too.
Characteristics of Social change:
 Social change is universal or it is an essential law.
 Change with diff. in speed & form (simple society … ...)
 Change is unpredictable ...
 Social change is change in community.
14
 Social change generally changes in direction.
Social Change
Five key sources of Social Change:
 modernization;
 population growth and composition (i.e., demographic dividend);
 culture and technology;
 natural environment;
 social institutions;
 social movements.
Two key types of social change:
Endogenaous
Exogenous
Two key types of theory on social change:
Functionalism
Conflict theory
15
What Sociology is not?!
Sociology is not a Science

(abstract, conclusions are based on temporal & spatial factors
thus contextual, thus a subjective matter)
Sociology is not a normative discipline
(can appraise situation and be of instructive value but not
mandatory precursors in relationship as not objective)
sociology does not study social institutions only…
(but focuses on the interplay of the relationships , positions
and type/nature of agents and structures)
16
Sociology and other social sciences
The five major branches of social science are anthropology,
economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. Some
people also consider history, law, and geography to be core
social sciences.
Sociologists break the study of society down into four separate

levels/units of analyses: micro, meso, macro, and global.
The basic distinction, however, is between micro-sociology and

macro-sociology. The study of cultural rules of politeness in
conversation is an example of micro-sociology.
 For further understanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=P6EXrLXYKzQ
17
Sociology and other social sciences
Journalism – common sense cf. objectivity, empirical
evidence, specialized concepts, i.e., responsible speech
Psychology – individual cf. collective behaviour
Politics – emphasis on power and government; has a critical
edge
Geography – physical and human world r/s
Economics – economic r/s between individuals and groups
History – like sociology, studies social organization through
time
Anthropology – traditional, small-scale societies, cf.
modern society
Cf. – confer or compare & refer. r/s – relational sociology. i.e. – that is
18
Science vs. Social Science
Natural Science Social Science
Experiments to test and • Desire to study society in its
prove ideas natural state
Experiments used to predict • Human behaviour cannot be
what will happen in the same predicted; people can change
circumstances in the future their minds
Presence of the scientist • The researcher can influence
does not affect behaviour of the research and human
chemicals or objects behaviour in research setting
Researcher does not have to • People can refuse to
persuade objects to cooperate or answer
cooperate in the research questions; they can conceal
information or lie
19
Summary
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social
causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate
the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people
interact within these contexts.
Sociology is exploratory.
Some sociologist said, Sociology is a Science because it has a scientific
base, it can be proved, as there is cause and effect relationship.
Truisms –
PEOPLE ARE SOCIAL BEINGS, HUMAN LIFE IS SOCIAL LIFE.
 Meaning there is no individual who is isolated.
 Meaning there is no individual who can be wholly self-determining.
So, in solitude are you alone? With the world?
Who’s shaping your thoughts?
20
Next Lecture 8 & 9 will be on:
Understanding Sociology
Origin and development of sociology;
contributions of Comte, Durkheim, Marx and
Weber;
major sociological perspectives;
functionalism; conflict and interactionism.
Thanks & Wishes

21

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Introduction to Sociology

- compiled by S N Azad (SNAd),

Sociology is a discipline that allows us to see and learn from

Agency refers to the idea that people make their own

Houston, S. (2010) ‘Further reflections on Habermas’s contribution to discourse in

Sociology is not a Science

Sociologists break the study of society down into four separate

The basic distinction, however, is between micro-sociology and

 For further understanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Thanks & Wishes

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