Sociological

Sociology is the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order, acceptance, and change or social evolution. Sociology is also defined as the general science of society.

History

The term "sociology" was first coined in 1780 by the French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès in an unpublished manuscript. However, the term was reinvented by Auguste Comte in 1838 to describe his own thought, which he referred to as "the new science of society."

Theoretical perspectives

Sociology is traditionally divided into two major theoretical perspectives: structural functionalism, which focuses on cohesion and stability in society, and conflict theory, which focuses on social inequality and conflict.

Research methods

Sociologists use a variety of research methods, including quantitative methods, such as surveys and experiments, and qualitative methods, such as participant observation and interviews. The choice of method often depends on what the sociologists are trying to investigate.

Subfields

There are many subfields of sociology, including sociology of education, sociology of religion, sociology of law, sociology of health, and sociology of the family, among others.

Sociological theory

Sociological theory is a way to understand and analyze the social world. It seeks to provide explanations for how and why societies function, as well as the nature of social relationships, interactions, and processes.

See also

• Social science
• Social theory
• Social research
• Social change
• Social structure

References

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