Nature and Scope of Sociology

This section introduces sociology as a nascent academic field, discussing its emergence in the 19th century in response to major societal upheavals like the French and Industrial Revolutions, and credits Auguste Comte with coining the term.

This topic traces the historical roots of sociological thought in India, from ancient texts to the influence of British officials and missionaries, culminating in its establishment as an academic discipline in Indian universities.

This segment provides an overview of prominent figures like Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, Max Weber, and Karl Marx, highlighting their fundamental theories and significant works that shaped the discipline of sociology.

This section delves into the discussions surrounding the boundaries and subject matter of sociology, contrasting the Formalistic (Specialistic) School, which advocates for a narrow focus on social forms, with the Synthetic School, which proposes a broad, comprehensive study of social life.

This topic explores various definitions of sociology provided by different scholars, highlighting common themes such as the scientific study of society, social interactions, and human relationships, thereby clarifying its fundamental focus.