Introduction to Sociology

Sociology Notes – Introduction to Sociology

(For Master’s Degree Courses, UPSC Optional, NET/SLET)

Sociology is the scientific study of society, social relationships, and institutions. It began in 19th-century Europe after major revolutions changed the way people lived. This guide explains the origins of sociology, contributions of Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Karl Marx, with simplified key terms. Perfect for Master’s courses, UPSC Optional, and NET/SLET preparation.

Universities Covered:

Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, IGNOU, KKHSOU, IDOL, CDOE DU, and other Indian universities.
Exam Relevance: UPSC Sociology Optional, NET, SLET, and academic reference.

Introduction to Sociology

1.1 Introduction – How Sociology Began

• Sociology started in Europe in the 19th century after the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution.
  
• These revolutions brought big changes in society and made thinkers look for scientific and logical solutions to social problems.
  
• This led to the creation of social sciences like Sociology, Economics, Political Science, etc.
  
• The ideas of positivism (scientific thinking), humanitarianism (human welfare), and evolutionism (social development over time) shaped early sociology.
  

Social Thoughts Before Sociology:

• India: Texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra discussed social life, religion, economy, law, and duty.
  
• Babylon & Egypt: Texts like the Code of Hammurabi talked about laws, slavery, family, justice, and religion. Egypt had matriarchal families and complex religion.
  
• Greece: Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle studied society using logical methods (e.g., Republic, Politics).
  
• Rome: Cicero wrote about law and society (De Officiis).
  
• These early thoughts were philosophical, not scientific.
  

1.2 Sociology as a Science – Auguste Comte

• Auguste Comte, a French philosopher, is known as the Father of Sociology.
  
• In 1839, he used the term “Sociology” for the first time.
  
• He believed society should be studied using scientific methods to solve problems.
  
• He promoted observation, objectivity, classification, and logic in social study.
  

1.3 Positivism – Comte’s Scientific Method

• Positivism means studying society like science—using facts, logic, and no imagination or beliefs.
  
• Comte believed human knowledge goes through 3 stages:
  
  1. Theological (religion-based)
     
  2. Metaphysical (abstract thinking)
     
  3. Positive (scientific and factual) → Best stage
     
• Positivism focuses on what is real and observable.
  

1.4 Social Facts – Emile Durkheim

• Durkheim defined sociology as the study of social facts.
  
• Social facts = Social rules, norms, customs (e.g. religion, law, marriage).
  
• These are:
  
  • External (outside individuals)
    
  • Constraining (can control people’s actions)
    
• Example: Religion can guide or restrict your behavior.
  

Types of Social Facts:

• Normal: Helpful for social unity (e.g., festivals, prayers)
  
• Pathological: Harmful to society (e.g., suicide)
  

1.5 Objectivity – Max Weber

• Max Weber said sociology must be objective—free from personal opinion or bias.
  
• He introduced “Social Action”: actions influenced by others and having meaning.
  
• Used Verstehen (deep understanding) to study human behavior.
  
• Combined data and interpretation for better understanding of society.
  

1.6 Inter-Subjectivity – Karl Marx

• Karl Marx focused on class struggle between:
  
  • Bourgeoisie (rich owners)
    
  • Proletariat (poor workers)
    
• Rich exploit workers for profit → leads to conflict and social change.
  
• Marx’s theory is called dialectical materialism: conflict between opposites (like rich vs poor) drives history.
  
• Believed society is dynamic, interconnected, and changes through class conflict.
  

1.7 Let Us Sum Up – Introduction to Sociology

• Sociology developed in 19th-century Europe as a science of society.
  
• It began with Auguste Comte who introduced positivism.
  
• Durkheim focused on social facts that guide human behavior.
  
• Weber emphasized objectivity and understanding human actions.
  
• Marx explained social change through class struggle and economic conflict.
  
• Sociology is scientific, logical, and objective in studying society.
  

1.8 Key Terms (Simplified)

FAQs on Sociology for UPSC & Master’s (Introduction to Sociology)

Q1. Who is the Father of Sociology?
Auguste Comte is considered the Father of Sociology.

Q2. What is Positivism in Sociology?
Positivism means studying society scientifically, based on facts, avoiding beliefs.

Q3. Which universities use this syllabus?
Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, IGNOU, KKHSOU, IDOL, CDOE DU, and more.

Q4. How is this useful for UPSC Optional?
It covers core thinkers and theories from the syllabus.

• Link to UPSC Sociology Optional Syllabus

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Introduction to Sociology