DEFINITION AND IMPORTANCE

OF SOCIOLOGY
A PRESENTAION BY MD.ASHADUZZAMAN CHOWDHURY
FIRST YEAR,SECOND SEMESTER
ROLL: 191901

SUBMITTED TO DR.MD.ZAKIR HOSSAIN

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ph.D. (USA), M.S. (USA), M.S. (USA), M.Engr. (USA), B.Sc. (KU)
Department of Biomedical Engineering

JASHORE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 Definition OF
A dictionary defines ‘sociology’ as the systematic study of society and social interaction. The word ‘sociology’ is
derived from the Latin word Socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (study of), meaning the ‘the study of
companionship’. While this is a starting point for the discipline, sociology us actually much more complex. It uses
many different methods to study a wide range of subjects matter and to apply these studies to the real world
 The definition by some writers

1.Ginsberg( “The study Of Society”,1939)

◦ “Sociology may be defined as the study of society;that is of the

web of human interactions and relationships”
 The definition by some writers

Sugraman (“Sociology”,1968)

“Sociology is the objective study of human behavior in so far as

it is affected by the fact that people live in groups”
 The definition by some writers
Ritzer (‘Sociology’,1979)

“Sociology is the study of individuals in a social setting that includes

groups, organizations, cultures and societies. Sociologists study the
interrelationships between individuals , organizations, cultures and
societies”
 The definition by some writers

Giddens (“ Sociology”,1989)
“Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and
compelling enterprise , having as its subject matter our own behaviors as social beings,
Then scope of sociology is extremely wide, ranging from the analysis of passing encounters
between individuals in the street up to the investigation of world-wide social processes”
 The definition by some writers
Lawson and Garrod (“ The Complete A-Z sociology Handbook”,1996)

Tony Lawson Joan Garrod

“ Sociology is the study of individuals in groups in a systematic way,which grew out of the search for
understanding associated with the industry and scientific revolutions of the 18 th and 19th centuries”
From My Point Of View The Definition Of Sociology
Sociology is an attempt to understand how membership in one's social group affects individual
behavior.
Hess, Markson and Stein (1990) - has defined as below sociology is:
◦ 1. The systematic study of human behaviour,
◦ 2. The groups to which one belongs,
◦ 3. And the societies that human beings create,
◦ 4. and within which their lives unfold
◦ 5.Social Sciences study patterns of behaviour
From My Point Of View The Definition Of Sociology
Medical Sociology
The study of cultural factors and social relations in
relation to illness.
 From My Point Of View The Definition Of Sociology
◦ Sociology relies upon paradigms-to investigate society: Theory, Data, Analysis
◦ “Sociology” the science of society social institutions, and social relationships specifically : the systematic study of
the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings and the
scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society.
 The Importance Of Sociology
In all ages and human times ever since out erect and restless species appeared
upon the planet, men have been living with others of their kind in something
called societies. Prior to the emergence of sociology the study of society was
carried on in an unscientific manner and society had never been the central
concern of any science. It is through the study of sociology that the truly scientific
study of the society has been possible. Sociology alone studies social relationships,
society itself. Sociology is interested in social relationships not because they are
economic or political or religious or legal but because they are at the same time
social. Sociology study how the relations combine, how they build up smaller or
greater systems and how they respond to changes and changing needs or demands.
Therefore the study of sociology is essentially analytical.
1. We become more understanding ,broad minded, and tolerant
2. It enables us to learn the application of scientific
methods and techniques to our daily life problems
3.Enables us to see the connection between our own personal forces in
the bigger social world daily which influence life.
4. It furnishes interested people and specialized sciences with
principles and scientific data which they can use in their work.
5. It undertakes scientific sociological researches and inquiry on
immediate and contemporary social problems.
6. It has made great strides in the study of criminology,ethnic
relation,social processes, the family, population and collective
behaviours.
 The Importance Of Sociology
7.Provides insights into the interrelationship of human beings
within the group so that we may live in harmony with others.
8. The results of sociological investigations provide a better
background for meeting and solving social problems.
9. The results of sociological Inquiry can help dispel popular
myths, superstition and stereotype with accurate knowledge about
human behavior and human societies.
 Sociology is useful as a teaching subject
Sociology is a profession in which technical competence brings its own rewards.
Sociologists those trained in research procedures are contributing in business,
government, industry, social sector, communications and many other areas of
community life. Sociology has now become practical enough to be practiced in the
other fields prominently in local, state, national and international levels.
Study of society has helped governments to promote the
welfare of the tribal and marginalized communities
The tribal and marginalized communities face many socio-economic and cultural problems. Studies
conducted by sociologists and anthropologists regarding tribal societies and problems have helped
governments in undertaking social welfare measures and programmes for the welfare purposes.
The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us update on modern
situations
It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to the community problems. It adds to the
knowledge of the society. It helps the individual find his relation to society. The study of social
phenomena and of the ways and means of promoting what Giddens calls social adequacy is one of the
most urgent needs of the modern society. Sociology has a strong appeal to all types of mind through its
direct bearing upon many of the initial problems of the present world.
 Sociology is of great importance in the solution of
international problems
The progress made by physical sciences has brought the nations of the world nearer to each other. But
in the social field the world has been left behind by the revolutionary progress of the science. The world
is divided politically giving rise to stress and conflict. Men have failed to bring in peace. Sociology can
help us in understanding the underlying causes and tensions.
Sociology has made great contribution to enrich human
culture
◦ Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of
sociology. The social phenomenon is now understood in the
light of scientific knowledge and enquiry. According to
Lowie most of us harbor the comfortable delusion that our
way of doing things is the only sensible if not only possible
one. Sociology has given us training to have rational
approach to questions concerning oneself, one's religion,
customs, morals and institutions. It has further taught us to
be objective, critical and dispassionate. It enables man to
have better understanding both of himself and of others. By
comparative study of societies and groups other than his
existence, his life becomes richer and fuller than it would
otherwise be. Sociology also impresses upon us the necessity
of overcoming narrow personal prejudices, ambitions and
class hatred
 Sociology has changed our outlook with
regard to the problems of crime
It is through the study of sociology that our whole outlook on various aspects of crime
has change. The criminals are now treated as human beings suffering from mental
deficiencies and efforts are accordingly made to rehabilitate them as useful members
of the society.
 Sociology has drawn our attention to the
intrinsic worth and dignity of man
Sociology has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human beings. In a specialized society
we are all limited as to the amount of the whole organization and culture that we can experience directly.
We can hardly know the people of other areas intimately. In order to have insight into and appreciation of
the motives by which others live and the conditions under which they exist knowledge of sociology is
essential.
 Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social problems
◦ The present world is suffering from many problems that can be solved through
scientific study of the society. It is the task of sociology to study the social problems
through the methods of scientific research and to find out solution to them. The
scientific study of human affairs will ultimately provide the body of knowledge and
principles that will enable us to control the conditions of social life and improve them.
 At Last

1. Sociology is of great practical help in the sense; it keeps us up-to-date

modern social situations and developments. Sociology makes us to become
more alert towards the changes and developments and responsibilities.
2. Study of sociology has helped several governments to promote the welfare of the tribal
people. Not only the civilized societies, but even the tribal societies are faced with several
socio-economic and cultural problems. Studies conducted by sociologists and
anthropologists regarding tribal societies and problems have helped many governments in
undertaking various social welfare measures to promote the welfare of the tribal people.
Efforts are now being made to treat the tribals on par with the rest of the civilized people.
3. The need for the study of sociology is greater especially in underdeveloped
countries. Sociologists have now drawn the attention of economists
regarding the social factors that have contributed to the economic
backwardness of a few countries. Economists have now realized the
importance of sociological knowledge in analyzing the economic affairs of a
country.
Thank You Everyone