Sociology

SOCIOLOGY
1. APPLIED SOCIOLOGY:
Applied sociology is the application of sociological ideas, concepts, theories and methods to
address everyday problems or situations. It focuses on using sociological insights to inform
policy making, program development, and sociological interventions aimed at improving
individual and collective wellbeing.
~ Burawoy, 2004
“Utilizations of concepts, methods and theories.”
Applied sociology refers to the Use of techniques to analyze and solve problems of the real
world. It involves the Application of sociological theories and research findings to understand
and address these issues, inform policy making and promote social change.
~ Furz B & Kamenou, 2020
Scope of Applied Sociology:

The scope of applied sociology is vast and diverse, covering various areas where sociological
knowledge and methods can be applied to address practical social issues and problems. It
includes social policy and planning, program evaluation, community development, social work
and counseling, public health, education, environmental sustainability, social justice and
advocacy, non-profit and NGO work, government and public administration, business and
industry, healthcare administration, criminology and criminal justice, social media and
communication, and international development. Applied sociology aims to understand and
address social problems, improve social services and policies, and promote positive social
change. By applying sociological expertise, individuals and organizations can develop effective
solutions to social problems and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
Applied sociology has a wide range of applications across various fields, including:
- Social policy and planning

- Program evaluation
- Community development
- Social work and counseling
- Public health
- Education
- Environmental sustainability
- Social justice and advocacy
- Non-profit and NGO work
- Government and public administration
- Business and industry
- Healthcare administration
- Criminology and criminal justice
- Social media and communication
- International development
● Applied sociology is interdisciplinary, drawing on theories and methods from other

fields, such as psychology, economics, and anthropology. It requires sociologists to
collaborate with professionals from other disciplines, including policymakers, educators,
healthcare professionals, and social workers.
● Applied sociology is also dynamic and constantly adapting to changing social and
economic conditions.
2. SOCIAL PROBLEMS:
A social problem is a condition or situation that affects a significant number of individuals or

groups within a society, deviating from the norms, values, and expectations of that society, and
causing harm, injustice, or suffering.
“A social problem is any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large
numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be
addressed.”
“a condition which is defined by a considerable number of persons as a deviation from some

social norms which they cherish”.
~ Myers & Fuller.
Nature of Social Problems:

The following characteristics exhibit the nature of social problems:
● Disintegrative:
Social problems, directly or indirectly disintegrate the social system. Social problems
cause dissatisfaction, suffering and misery. It seriously affects the values of the society.
It is always disintegrating and disorganizing. It is pathological. It is harmful for society.
● Multiple Causes:
The social problems have no single or simple cause. Each problem has a complex
history and is usually not due to one but to many causes. War, poverty, unemployment or
crimes do not offer a single or simple explanation of their occurrence. Sometimes one
problem is so interwoven with other problems that it cannot be solved apart from them.
● Inter-Connected:
Social problems are inter-connected due to which these become serious. For example,
unemployment, poverty and crime are inter-connected.
● Relative Concept:
Social problem is a relative concept. What we call a social problem in our society may
not be a problem in other societies. Similarly, a social problem today may not be a
problem tomorrow.
● Functional Value:
Social problem, though disintegrative, has functional value since its cure leads to social
problem and social development.
3. SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION:
‘Social disorganization refers to a state of society where social structures, institutions, and
relationships are broken down or dysfunctional, leading to a decline in social order, stability, and
cohesion.
‘Social disorganization implies some breakdown of the organizations of society.’
“Social disorganization is the process by which the relationships between members of a group
are broken or dissolved.”
~ Elliott and Merrill
Factors of Social disorganization:
● Psychological Factors includes social processes like imitation, conflict, accomodation

and competition.
● Biological Factors includes population explosion, interracial marriages, and intercaste

marriages.
● Cultural Factors include mal-adjustment in the existing institutions, cultural lag, and
cultural conflict.
● Physical Factors include storm, hurricane, sea current and tsunami etc.
● Social Problems include corruption, unemployment. Degeneration of values includes

wars, criminality, suicide etc.
Types of social disorganizations:
i) Personal disorganization represents the behavior of the individual which deviates from the
social norms. It results in social disapproval which may express itself in a wide variety of
degrees. The individual may also react in different ways. ii) Family disorganization refers to
a breakdown within a family system, including tensions between family members.
iii) Community disorganization is the inability of a community to realize the common values and
goals of its residents to maintain effective social controls.
4. SOCIAL ACTIONS:
Social action refers to collective or individual efforts to address social issues and problems,
promote social change, and improve the well-being of society. It involves intentional and
organized actions aimed at solving social problems, challenging injustices, and creating a more
equitable and just society.
According to Max Weber, "Action is 'social' insofar as its subjective meaning takes account of
the behavior of others and is thereby oriented in its course."
Importance of Social Action:
Social action is crucial for addressing social issues and bringing about positive change in
society. It allows individuals and communities to collectively advocate for and work towards
solutions to issues such as inequality, discrimination, poverty, and environmental
degradation. Social action can take many forms, including activism, advocacy, community
organizing, and volunteering. By engaging in social action, individuals can contribute to
creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for present and future generations.
• Actors:
The person performing the action. (e.g. John)
• Goal:
What the actor wants to achieve. (e.g. John wants to get a promotion)
• Components:
The different parts that make up the situation. (e.g. John's company, the tech industry,
John's personality, John's physical needs)
• Situation:
The specific context in which the action is taking place. (e.g. John is in a meeting with his
team)
• Normative Situation:
The rules and expectations that guide the actor's behavior. (e.g. John's company
expects employees to be innovative and work well in teams)Here's an example:
John (actor) wants to get a promotion (goal) at his company (component: social system). To do
this, he needs to demonstrate innovative thinking and teamwork (component: cultural system)
during a meeting with his team (situation). The company's expectation that employees should be
innovative and work well in teams (normative situation) influences John's behavior and goal-
oriented action.

Sociology

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SOCIOLOGY

“Utilizations of concepts, methods and theories.”

Scope of Applied Sociology:

- Social policy and planning

● Applied sociology is interdisciplinary, drawing on theories and methods from other

A social problem is a condition or situation that affects a significant number of individuals or

“a condition which is defined by a considerable number of persons as a deviation from some

Nature of Social Problems:

‘Social disorganization implies some breakdown of the organizations of society.’

Factors of Social disorganization:

● Psychological Factors includes social processes like imitation, conflict, accomodation

● Biological Factors includes population explosion, interracial marriages, and intercaste

● Social Problems include corruption, unemployment. Degeneration of values includes

Types of social disorganizations:

Importance of Social Action:

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