Introduction to Sociology
Short Questions
1. Who is considered the Father of Sociology?
Answer: Auguste Comte is considered the Father of Sociology.
2. In which year was the term “Sociology” first coined?
Answer: The term “Sociology” was first coined in 1839.
3. What does the Latin word “socius” mean?
Answer: The Latin word “socius” means companion or associate.
4. What is the meaning of the Greek word “logos”?
Answer: The Greek word “logos” means science or study.
5. What is the primary focus of Sociology?
Answer: The primary focus of Sociology is the study of social relationships and society.
6. Who introduced the concept of “sociological imagination”?
Answer: C. Wright Mills introduced the concept of “sociological imagination.”
7. Which revolutions contributed to the emergence of Sociology?
Answer: The Industrial and French Revolutions contributed to the emergence of Sociology.
8. What does Bio-Sociology primarily study?
Answer: Bio-Sociology primarily studies the role of biology in human social life.
9. What is the main concern of Diaspora Studies?
Answer: The main concern of Diaspora Studies is the impact of migration on society and culture.
10. What is the scope of Sociology of Art?
Answer: The scope of Sociology of Art is the social context of art production and consumption.
11. How does Sociology help address social issues?
Answer: Sociology helps address social issues by providing analysis of problems like poverty and terrorism.
12. What are the key characteristics of Sociology as a science?
Answer: The key characteristics of Sociology as a science are empirical, theoretical, and applied nature.
13. Which period promoted rational thinking that influenced Sociology?
Answer: The Enlightenment period promoted rational thinking that influenced Sociology.
14. What was a major outcome of the Industrial Revolution?
Answer: A major outcome of the Industrial Revolution was the shift to a capitalist economy and urbanization.
15. Why is Sociology considered a career-oriented field?
Answer: Sociology is considered a career-oriented field due to its applications in social work, marketing, and policy.
Long Questions
1. What is the nature of Sociology and how does it differ from other social sciences?
Answer: Sociology is a social science that scientifically studies human society, social relationships, and behavior through empirical and interpretive methods. It is both theoretical, developing concepts, and applied, solving practical issues, while being holistic in covering all social aspects. Unlike other social sciences, it uniquely focuses on the complexity of human interactions rather than isolated phenomena.
2. How did Auguste Comte define Sociology and contribute to its development?
Answer: Auguste Comte defined Sociology as “the science of social order and progress,” coining the term in 1839 in his book Positive Philosophy. He advocated a scientific approach to study society, influenced by the social upheavals of the Industrial and French Revolutions. His work laid the foundation for Sociology as a distinct discipline.
3. How did the Enlightenment period influence the emergence of Sociology?
Answer: The Enlightenment period in the 18th century promoted rational thinking and challenged traditional authority, fostering a scientific outlook. Intellectuals like Rousseau and Locke emphasized reason and causality, which inspired the study of society scientifically. This period set the stage for Sociology’s development during the subsequent revolutions.
4. What role did the Industrial Revolution play in the rise of Sociology?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century introduced factories and machinery, transforming social and economic life in England. It led to urbanization, class conflicts, and labor issues, which sociologists like Marx studied to understand societal changes. This upheaval prompted the need for a scientific study of society, giving rise to Sociology.
5. How did the French Revolution impact the development of Sociology?
Answer: The French Revolution of 1789 ended feudalism and introduced ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, reshaping societal structures. It created a need to restore social order, which sociologists like Comte and Durkheim addressed through their work. Its global influence, including on India’s Constitution, further highlighted Sociology’s relevance.
6. What are the new emerging areas in Sociology and why are they significant?
Answer: New areas in Sociology include Bio-Sociology, Visual Sociology, and Diaspora Studies, each exploring unique aspects like biology’s social role or migration impacts. Bio-Sociology, for instance, studies genetic influences on behavior, while Visual Sociology uses images for research. These fields are significant as they address modern societal complexities and expand Sociology’s scope.
7. What is the practical utility of studying Sociology?
Answer: Studying Sociology provides scientific insights into societal changes, helping individuals adapt and solve problems like poverty or unemployment. It offers career opportunities in fields such as social work, journalism, and policy-making, enhancing professional skills. Its practical value lies in keeping society informed and responsive to dynamic conditions.
8. What is sociological imagination and how is it useful in understanding society?
Answer: Sociological imagination, introduced by C. Wright Mills, is the ability to link personal experiences to broader societal forces. It helps individuals see issues like personal debt as part of economic trends, moving beyond common sense. This perspective is useful for devising effective solutions to social problems.
9. How has urbanization influenced the field of Sociology?
Answer: Urbanization, driven by the Industrial Revolution, led to mass migration to cities, causing issues like overcrowding and slums. Sociologists like Max Weber and the Chicago School studied these urban challenges, shaping Sociology’s focus on city life. This influence made urban sociology a key area of research and application.
10. What is the scope of Sociology in today’s world and how does it address modern issues?
Answer: Sociology’s scope today includes fields like Film Studies, Development Studies, and Bio-Sociology, addressing issues such as class disparities and migration. For example, films like Parasite are analyzed to understand social inequality, while Development Studies tackles global inequalities. This broad scope helps solve contemporary problems through informed policies and research.
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