BAQ109_Introduction to Sociology(English)

INSTITUTE OF DISTANCE & ONLINE LEARNING BACHELOR OF ARTS INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY - I BAQ109 Self Learning Material R101

BACHELOR OF ARTS INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY – I BAQ109 Rumina Rai Kishwar Panna

CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY Institute of Distance and Online Learning Course Development Committee Chairman Prof. (Dr.) R.S. Bawa Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Punjab Advisors Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan, Director, IGNOU Prof. (Dr.) Manjulika Srivastava, Director, CIQA, IGNOU Programme Coordinators & Editing Team Master of Business Administration (MBA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Co-ordinator – Prof. Pragya Sharma Co-ordinator – Dr. Rupali Arora Master of Computer Applications (MCA) Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) Co-ordinator – Dr. Deepti Rani Sindhu Co-ordinator – Dr. Raju Kumar Master of Commerce (M.Com.) Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) Co-ordinato – Dr. Shashi Singhal Co-ordinator – Dr. Minakshi Garg Master of Arts (Psychology) Bachelor of Science (Travel & TourismManagement) Co-ordinator – Ms. Nitya Mahajan Co-ordinator – Dr. Shikha Sharma Master of Arts (English) Bachelor of Arts (General) Co-ordinato – Dr. Ashita Chadha Co-ordinator – Ms. Neeraj Gohlan Master of Arts (Mass Communication and Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication and Journalism) Journalism) Co-ordinator – Dr. Chanchal Sachdeva Suri Co-ordinator – Dr. Kamaljit Kaur Academic and Administrative Management Prof. (Dr.) Pranveer Singh Satvat Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Sehgal Pro VC (Academic) Registrar Prof. (Dr.) H. Nagaraja Udupa Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Kumar Tripathi Director (IDOL) Executive Director (USB) © No part of this publication should be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording and/or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author and the publisher. SLM SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR CU IDOL STUDENTS Printed and Published by: Himalaya Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.himpub.com For: CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY Institute of Distance and Online Learning CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology - I Course Code: BAQ109 Credits: 3 Course Objectives:  After undergoing the course, the students will be able to: Define and understand the definition, origin and relevance of Sociology.  Familiar students with the basic concepts in the discipline of Sociology and Understand Society, Community.  Introduce the concept of Institution, Association, Organization, Group, Norms, Values, Folkways and Mores Syllabus Unit 1 - Definition and Development; Nature and Scope; Relevance of Sociology Unit 2 - Relationship with other Social Sciences: Psychology, Anthropology, History, Economics, Political Science Unit 3 - Society: Basic Social Concepts: Society, Community, Institution, Association, Organization, Group, Norms, Values, Folkways and Mores Unit 4 - Introduction to Society: Meaning, Characteristics, Theories of Origin of Society Organic and Social Contract. Relationship between Individual and Society; Unit 5 - Social Group: Definition, Characteristics, Types: Primary and Secondary; In-group and Outgroup; Reference group. Unit 6 - Culture: Meaning and Characteristics; Cultural Diffusion, Acculturation and Assimilation; Cultural pluralism; Dimensions of culture; Cultural Lag [Ogburn]: Material and Non-Material Culture; Culture and Civilization; Cultural Invasion Unit 7 - Socialization: Meaning, Stages, Agencies; Theories: G.H.Mead and C.H.Cooley Unit 8 - Social Control: Meaning, Types and Agencies Formal and Informal CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Reference Books: 1. Bottomore, T.B., (1975), “Introduction to Sociology”, Bombay, Blackie and Sons. 2. Bottomore, T.B. (1975), “Sociology: A Guide to Problems and Literature”, (Hindi and English), Bombay, Blackie and Sons. 3. Davis, Kingsley, (1978), “Human Society”, London, MacMillan Company. 4. Dube, S.C., (1990), “Understanding Society - A Text Book, New Delhi, NCERT. 5. Maciver, R.M., and C.H. Page, (1983), “Society”, London, MacMillan Company. 6. Macionis, J. J., (2005), “Society: The Basics”, New York, Prentice Hall. 7. Madhurima, (2009), “Readings in Sociology – Part-I”, Jalandhar, New Academic Publishing House (All Mediums). 8. Rao, Shankar, C.N., (2005), “Sociology-Primary Principles”, New Delhi, S.C. Chand & Co. Ltd. 9. Sharma, R.N., (2001), “Samajshastra Ke Sidhant”, New Delhi, Atlantic Publishers. 10. Giddens, A., (2001), “Sociology”, USA, Polity Press. 11. Haralambos, M., (1998), “ Sociology: Themes & Perspectives ” , New Delhi, Oxford University Press. Web Resources: 1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266001678_Introduction_to_ Sociology_ Lecture_Notes 2. https://www.sociologyguide.com/basic-concepts/ CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

CONTENTS 1 - 20 21 - 29 Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology 30 - 46 Unit 2: Relationship of Sociology with other Social Sciences 47 - 57 Unit 3: Society: Basic Social Concepts 58 - 78 Unit 4: Introduction to Society 79 - 96 Unit 5: Social Group 97 - 119 Unit 6: Culture 120 - 146 Unit 7: Socialization Unit 8: Social Control CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 1 UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY Structure: 1.0 Learning Objectives 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Sociology as a Science 1.3 Scope of Sociology 1.4 Relevance and Influence of Sociology 1.5 Summary 1.6 Key Words/Abbreviations 1.7 Learning Activity 1.8 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) 1.9 References 1.0 Learning Objectives After studying this unit, you will be able to:  Explain the Nature of Sociology.  Analyse the Development of Sociology as a Science.  Describe the applicability of sociological principles in other fields.  Elaborate the Relevance and Significance of Sociology in our lives. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

2 Introduction to Sociology - I 1.1 Introduction The word itself is a combination of two disciplines. It has been derived from the Latin word “Socius” meaning friend, associate or companion and the Greek word “logos” meaning doctrine, discourse or theory. It has also been derived from the Latin word “Societas” meaning society and the Greek word “logos” meaning doctrine or science. Sociology is a science of society. It means Sociologists study society. Society is a web of social relations. It is a network of social relations. In every society or social groups there are number of individuals. These individuals have social interactions. In every society there are social norms that control or govern the relationship styles or patterns among the members. These norms may be customs, traditions, laws or fashions. Human behaviour is always according to some norms. In every society there are social goals or aims. The aims of the group may be social or anti-social. Hence, we say in every society there are individuals, social relations, social norms and social goals. All these are elements of society and the nature of these elements give a kind of pattern or form to the society. This is called social structure. Further, all these elements of the social structure are related to each other and bring some social order in the society. Hence, in every society there is certain degree of social order. This order may change or may be disturbed. This creates a kind of disorder. Thus, in every society there is order and disorder. Sociologists study society, social structure, elements of social structure and order and disorder in the society. Definitions 1. According to Anthony Giddens – “Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies”. 2. Alex Inkeles in the book “What is Sociology” says, “Sociology is the study of systems of social action and of their inter-relations”. 3. Mac Weber defines Sociology as “the science, which attempts the interpretative understanding of social action in order thereby to arrive at a causal explanation of its course and effects”. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 3 4. According to Mac Iver and Page – “Sociology is the study of web of relationships or a network of relationships”. In short, Sociology is the science of society; it is an attempt to understand human behaviour in the context of different situations that occur in our day-to-day life. It is a study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture of everyday life. It essentially and fundamentally deals with that network of social relationships we call society. It is also a body of knowledge about society. 1.2 Sociology as a Science Sociology is a science, because Sociologists use scientific methods to study society. Sociologists undertake a systematic study of social life. There are different methods used by Sociologists. There is historical method in which past history is studied and analyzed to understand present problems. There is survey method like Census where a large number of people are asked their opinions through questionnaires and interviews. Further there is sample method where a sample of population is observed or interviewed by the researcher. Then there are other methods like case study method or statistic method, etc., choice of method depends on the nature of topic under consideration. Sociologists also undertake social research to explain social reality. The social research method has various stages beginning with observation. Scientific observation is very important at every stage of research. There are two types of observation. One is participant observation and other is non- participant observation. When the observer is a part of the situation he is observing, it is called participant observation. When the observer is not a part of the subject matter, it is called non- participant observation. In Sociology observation is very often participant observation, while in natural sciences it is non-participant observation. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

4 Introduction to Sociology - I Sociologists Horton and Hunt have described the important characteristics of scientific observation: 1. Scientific observation is accurate. The observer describes the things exactly as observed and avoids imaginary work. 2. Scientific observation is precise. Precision refers to the degree of measurement. The observer avoids words like ‘may’, ‘some’, ‘lot of’. He also avoids high-sounding words and colourful terms. Instead he may use simple words with clear meaning. 3. Scientific observation is systematic. 4. Scientific observation is recorded. 5. Scientific observation is objective. It means as far as possible an observation should not be affected by the observer’s beliefs, preferences, wishes or values. Objectivity means the ability to see and accept facts as they are, not as one might wish them to be. It is difficult to be objective because we are not always conscious of our biases. Stages of the Scientific Method: 1. Scientific observation is the first stage in the scientific method. Observation is a scientific method as well as a tool of data collection. After observation the scientist decides what he/she wants to study. 2. Hence, second stage is to define the problem and to focus on it. 3. The third stage is to review the available literature. It is possible some other person already studied the problem. This helps to compare observation and changes. 4. The fourth step is to formulate one or more hypotheses. A hypothesis is a tentative statement, which may be right or wrong. 5. The fifth stage is experimentation or verification. Here the hypothesis is verified with the help of facts. If the hypothesis is proved to be right then it becomes a law or generalization. If the hypothesis is disproved then it is rejected and a new hypothesis is framed. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 5 Apart from the scientific methods there are other techniques of data collection. These include Observation, Questionnaire and Interview: 1. Out of these three techniques, observation is common in both Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. Questionnaire and interview are used only in the Social Sciences. 2. In a questionnaire, there are sets of questions pertaining to the subject matter. These questionnaires are distributed among many people. Answers to the questions are collected, analyzed and used to explain social reality. 3. Another technique of data collection is interview. Here the interviewer asks questions to the interviewee. The answers received from many people are collected and analyzed. Every technique of data collection has advantages and disadvantages. The scientists choose a particular technique or a combination of techniques depending upon the nature of research. Conclusion: According to its founders, Sociology is a science in the sense that it involves systematic methods of investigation and the evaluation of theories in the light of evidence and logical argument. But it cannot be modelled directly on the natural sciences, because studying human behaviour is fundamentally different from studying the world of nature. Although the scope of experimentation is limited in Sociology, this fact does not make it less scientific than other physical sciences. 1.3 Scope of Sociology Sociology is the systematic study of social behaviour and human groups. It focuses on social relationships, how these relationships influence people’s behaviour, and how societies, the sum total of these relationships, develop and change. In attempting to understand social behaviour, Sociologists rely on an unusual type of creative thinking. A leading Sociologist, C. Wright Mills, described such thinking as the Sociological imagination. Sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. This awareness allows all of us (not just Sociologists) to comprehend the links CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

6 Introduction to Sociology - I between our immediate, personal social settings and the remote, impersonal social world that surrounds us and helps to shape us. Mills wrote that the task of Sociology was to understand the relationship between individuals and the society in which they lived. Sociology should be used, Mills argued, to reveal how the context of society shapes our lives. He described this as understanding the intersection between biography and history. Mills was not just emphasizing the importance of history. He thought that to understand the experience of a given person or group of people, one has to have knowledge of the social and historical context in which people lived. To visualize the junction of biography and history, think about the stress that many people experience today in trying to manage the multiple demands of a family and a job. In recent years, changes in society have led to social speed-up. Those who work are working longer hours; women are more likely to be working outside the home; middle-class families need more than one earner to keep a certain standard of living; less advantaged families need more than one earner to make both ends meet. These multiple demands cause stress. Attempts to solve these problems on a personal basis may even create new problems – drug and alcohol addiction, juvenile delinquency, or family break-up. Various parts of this complex picture are put together by exercising the sociological imagination, which permits us to see that these are problems arising from a social context and not due to individual characteristics. Sociologists are certainly concerned about individuals, but they direct their attention to the social and historical context that shapes the experiences of individuals and groups. A fundamental concept for organizing the sociological imagination is the distinction Mills made between troubles and issues. Troubles are privately felt problems that spring from events or feelings in an individual’s life. Issues affect large number of people and have their origins in the institutional arrangements and the history of a society. This distinction is the crux of the difference between individual experience and social structure, which is defined as the organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together constitute society. Issues shape the context within which troubles arise. Sociologists employ the sociological imagination to understand how issues are shaped by social structures. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 7 The sociological imagination helps us: 1. To view one’s own society as an outsider would, rather than only from the perspective of personal experiences and cultural biases: Example: Consider something as simple as sporting events. In India, people would cheer a cricket match. In Bali, Indonesia, dozens of spectators gather around a ring to cheer on well trained roosters engaged in cockfights. In both instances, the spectators debate the merits of their favourites and bet on the outcome of the events. Yet what is considered a normal sporting event in one part of the world is considered unusual in another part. 2. To go beyond personal experiences and observations to understand broader public issues: Example: Divorce is unquestionably a personal hardship for a husband and wife who have to stay apart. However, Mills advocated using the sociological imagination to view divorce not simply as an individual’s personal problem, but rather as a societal concern. Using this perspective, we can see that an increase in the divorce rate actually redefines a major social institution — the family. 3. To look beyond a limited understanding of human behaviour, to see the world and its people in a new way and through a broader lens than we might otherwise look: Example: In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, many citizens wanted to understand how Muslims throughout the world perceived their country, and why. From the early 1930s, sociological skills and knowledge began to be utilized the world over mainly as:  A source of objective information.  A helpful guide to decide the course of action.  An important approach for understanding human behaviour. This indirectly implies continued development of the discipline itself. Today the range of sociological injury is very wide. This reflects the emerging needs of a modern complex and CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

8 Introduction to Sociology - I changing society. It also reveals that there is a growing awareness about the cultural and social dimensions of human behaviour. In the US and the UK specially, Sociologists are sought after by several agencies: (a) Manufacturers and Advertisers seek accurate data about their customers as well as some understanding about what shapes their decisions to buy or not to buy. (b) Administrators and Executives in industry, business, government, the armed forces, etc., want reliable information about the organization that they are running and the conditions which affect staff morale and efficiency. (c) Physicians and Medical Scientists today profusely acknowledge the relevance of culture and social relations to disease and its treatment. Example: Society’s attitude to the leprosy cured or to an AIDS patient. Due to all these developments, Sociologists are teaching in colleges of medicine, business, social work as well as in the arts field. Sociologists are also employed as research workers in hospitals, factories, civil governmental agencies and military establishments. The scope of Sociology unfortunately has neither been fully realized nor is it being fully utilized in India as it is in the U.S. or the U.K. Thus the above mentioned facts apply to a limited extent in the Indian context. It is important that Sociology be recognized as a discipline that equips people to understand the complex world in which they are living and to add to an awareness of the limits and choices of action in society. Sociology has many practical implications in our lives, as Mills emphasized while developing his idea of the sociological imagination: 1. Awareness of cultural differences: Sociology allows us to see the social world from many different perspectives. Quite often, if we properly understand how others live, we also acquire a better understanding of what their problems are. Practical policies that are based upon informed awareness of the ways of life of the people they affect have greater chances of success. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 9 2. Assessing the effects of policies: Sociological research provides practical help in assessing the results of policy initiatives. Sociological knowledge can help us understand the causes and consequences of our action, of social problems. It makes us more sensitive to a variety of social issues and become critical of the policies and programmes implemented for social progress. 3. Self-enlightenment: In some ways Sociology can provide us with self-enlightenment, which is increased self-understanding. The more we know about why we act as we do, and about the overall working of our society, the more likely we will be able to influence our own future. It can make us better human beings, having greater social awareness and a deeper sense of commitment to the environment, both social and natural. 4. The Sociologists’ role in society: Finally, many Sociologists concern themselves directly with practical matters as professionals. People trained in Sociology are to be found as industrial consultants, urban planners, social workers and personal managers as well as in many other practical jobs. According to Horton and Hunt the Sociologist performs various roles in society. The Sociologist is a research scientist, a policy consultant, a technician, a teacher, a social activist. These roles may be looked at in some detail: 1. The role of Sociologist as a Research Scientist: As a research scientist, the Sociologist’s task is to collect and use knowledge in various ways. How can he do this? Mainly: (a) Through scientific research. (b) By correcting popular nonsense. (c) By making sociological predictions. (a) In Scientific Research, the major task of the Sociologist is to discover and organize knowledge about social life. Research conducted in institutes like The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi (JNU) are very often ‘funded’ by government agencies like the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, the ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research), etc. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

10 Introduction to Sociology - I The Sociologist has to submit an acceptable research proposal to the agency which then grants the funds for research. Due to this fact, generally the funding agency holds greater power and can influence the direction of research. Whether sociological researches get corrupted because of this is a controversial issue. (b) Correcting Popular Nonsense is another major task of the research scientist. He has to clear out the intellectual misinformation and superstition that interferes with social thinking. Sociologists today have helped to clear out much nonsense about heredity, caste, race and sex differences and many other wrongful aspects of social behaviour. Example: It is partly because of the efforts of Sociologists that now we hear very few educated people saying that Brahmins are innately superior, that prostitutes voluntarily join the profession or that a juvenile delinquent can be reformed through punishment or that children dropout of school only because they are incapable and so on. By helping to replace such misinformation with accurate facts about human behaviour, the Sociologist is performing a very important function. (c) Making sociological predictions is another important task as a research scientist. Though often this task is not as well performed as it should be, it is nevertheless extremely important, because social predictions are essential. Just as the industrialists may predict the rise and fall in the rate of production or the politicians may predict the rise and fall of the government, so also the Sociologists will base theories and decisions upon predictions. Example: The Sociologists may predict – the migration rate in Mumbai city is going to create such an acute problem of slums and pavement squatters that eventually the authorities will be forced to make definite plans to decongest the city. ‘Given the present laws with respect to landed property, the joint family will at the turn of the century, give way to the nuclear family’. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 11 Thus, what the Sociologists forecast are the general patterns of trends and changes in society which appear most probable. However, the Sociologists must always offer them with certain humility because they are subject to change and to criticism. 2. The role of Sociologist as Policy Consultant: Predictions can help the Sociologists to estimate the effects of several social policies being planned for implementation. Example: ‘What would be the effect of intensified law enforcement upon drug peddling in the cities?’ (Little or no reduction). ‘Would suppression of violence and sex in films reduce the general and sex crime rate in the country?’ (Limited evidence – suggests it would not). ‘If tribal people were rehabilitated, would it solve their problem of occupational displacement?’ (Evidence suggests that it would not). These are a few of the several social policy questions which Sociologists could help to settle. However, society has not yet really accepted the Sociologists as technical experts in social policy matters. 3. The role of Sociologist as a Technician: By ‘technician’ here is meant a ‘Staff Sociologist’ who is employed with government departments, corporations, hospitals, large welfare agencies and other organizations. Besides conducting research, these Sociologists are engaged in planning and conducting community programmes, advising on public relations, employer-employee relations, problems of morale or ‘inter-group relations’ within organizations. 4. The role of Sociologist as a Teacher: Most Sociologists generally find a career in the teaching of Sociology. As a teacher, it is important that besides teaching, a Sociologist must maintain an objective approach to teaching. The ethics of teaching demand that the teacher should avoid all conscious “indoctrination”. This question, however, is under debate. Often conscious “indoctrination” is required with respect to the issues of national loyalty, pride, and patriotism, caste reservations, slum development, etc. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

12 Introduction to Sociology - I 5. The role of Sociologist in Social Action: Between 1920 and 1940, Sociologists adopted the view that Sociology should be a ‘pure’ science and not be committed to any values except those of free scientific inquiry. This view has been challenged today. Many Sociologists now believe in devoting themselves to taking part in major issues in society. There are several Sociologists who are supporting the radical reconstruction of society. Most Sociologists agree that: (i) Sociologists should show the relationship between values. Example: If we wish to help the tribal people to overcome their problems, we must try and identify with them. (ii) Sociologists agree that as individuals, and as citizens, they have every right to make value judgements, to express opinions and support them. 1.4 Relevance and Influence of Sociology Sociology is not just the study of modern societies, it is a significant element ‘in the continuing life’ of those societies. Our ways of thinking and behaviour are influenced by sociological orientation. It enhances our sensitivity to the complexity of social relationships. It helps in making people more conscious of the role, norms and values play in our lives; we realize the variety of roles we play in various positions or statuses as father, mother, employer, employee, student, teacher, etc. It also helps us learn about the nature and significance of social interaction which binds people in variety of situations. We also understand the way social processes like competition, conflict or cooperation tend to affect or influence our behaviour and our relations with others who participate in these processes. Society is the largest organisation of the individuals. Society has its own problems in every field. It is through the study of sociology that the scientific study of society has been possible. The study of society has an important value in modern complex society. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 13 The study of society contributes to the formulation of social policies which requires certain amount of knowledge about that society. Descriptive sociology provides a great deal of information that is helpful in making decisions on social policy. In India, the solution of the problem of extreme poverty requires from the sociologists primarily an investigation of the facts such researches undoubtedly influence social policy. If the society is to develop and prosper, the study of society is a must for politicians, administrators, social reformers, students and teachers. Another specific aspect of the practical side of sociology is the study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual to each of them. Our understanding of various social institutions, associations and organizations is broadened by the study of Sociology. It makes us aware of the various socio-economic and political trends which influence our lives and of the various forces of modern life like modernization and globalization, which reshape our lifestyles and redefine problems which many of us suffer from. Thus, there is a particular need for the strengthening of these institutions and one of the first essentials is the scientific study of their problems and situations. Sociology has analysed the causes of the many maladies of society and suggested the means for curing them. Society is a complex structure. There must be a scientific study of its problems if they are to be solved. Sociology teaches every member of every association as to how they can progress in their life through mutual cooperation. The association must renounce their negative attitude towards others so as to progress in their life. Sociology provides a means to set everything in the right direction. Sociology assumes significance in the study of international problems. The world which was seen as a living place consisting of people, living in isolation has become a unified living society of humanity. Socially and culturally, we find nations fight with each other with fiery instruments of modern warfare. Countries propagate against each other to acquire narrow goals. It is in this context the study of sociology becomes important. The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us up-to-date on modern situations, it contributes to making good citizens, it contributes to the solution of community problems, it adds CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

14 Introduction to Sociology - I to the knowledge of society, it helps the individual find his relation to society, it identifies good Government with community, it helps one to understand causes of things and so on. Sociology has practical value for the individual as it assists him to understand himself, his resources and limitations, his potentialities and his role in society. Many businesses need Sociologists for research. These firms often use research teams consisting of a variety of specialists. While training in Sociology prepares students for applied research, students can also use a variety of other skills, including familiarity with accounting procedures, computer programming, report writing, budget planning, drafting grant proposals, managerial skills and coordinating research activities. Sociological training should prepare you to understand the realities of practical research, teach you various research strategies, increase your capacity for abstract thinking and allow you to contribute significantly to applied research. Manufacturing and advertising processes also seek data about the customers. Sociology can help in this understanding of relationships and decision making and also help in dealing with people in a better way. Thus, in addition, it can help in the department of public relations. Various administrators and executives in industry, management, business and the government require reliable information about the organization that they are running and the conditions that affect staff morale and efficiency. Sociology also gives students an awareness of the different cultures existing across the world and an understanding of the differences that exist, in their lifestyles, attitudes, values and beliefs. Thus, Sociology equips people to understand the complex world in which they are living and to add to an awareness of the limits and choices of action performed in society. 1.5 Summary Sociology is a science of society. It means Sociologists study society. Society is a web of social relations. It is a network of social relations. Hence, we say in every society there are CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 15 individuals, social relations, social norms and social goals. All these are elements of society and the nature of these elements give a kind of pattern or form to the society. This is called social structure. Further, all these elements of the social structure are related to each other and bring some social order in the society. Hence, in every society there is certain degree of social order. This order may change or may be disturbed. This creates a kind of disorder. Thus, in every society there is order and disorder. Sociologists study society, social structure, elements of social structure and order and disorder in the society. According to Anthony Giddens – Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Sociology is a science, because Sociologists use scientific methods to study society. Sociologists undertake a systematic study of social life. There are different methods used by Sociologists. There are two types of observation. One is participant observation and other is non- participant observation. Sociologists Horton and Hunt have described the important characteristics of scientific observation. Scientific observation is accurate, precise, systematic, recorded and objective. Stages of the Scientific Method: 1. Scientific observation is the first stage in the scientific method. 2. The second stage is to define the problem and to focus on it. 3. The third stage is to review the available literature. 4. The fourth step is to formulate one or more hypotheses. 5. The fifth stage is experimentation or verification. Apart from the scientific methods there are other techniques of data collection. These include observation, questionnaire and interview. In attempting to understand social behaviour, Sociologists rely on an unusual type of creative thinking. A leading Sociologist, C. Wright Mills, described such thinking as the Sociological imagination. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

16 Introduction to Sociology - I Sociological imagination is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. This awareness allows all of us (not just Sociologists) to comprehend the links between our immediate, personal social settings and the remote, impersonal social world that surrounds us and helps to shape us. The sociological imagination helps us: 1. To view one’s own society as an outsider would, rather than only from the perspective of personal experiences and cultural biases. 2. To go beyond personal experiences and observations to understand broader public issues. 3. To look beyond a limited understanding of human behaviour, to see the world and its people in a new way and through a broader lens than we might otherwise look. From the early 1930s, sociological skills and knowledge began to be utilized the world over mainly as a source of objective information, as a helpful guide to decide the course of action and as an important approach for understanding human behaviour. In the US and the UK specially, Sociologists are sought after by several agencies like manufacturers and advertisers, administrators and executives in industry, business, government, the armed forces, etc. and physicians and medical scientists. Sociology has many practical implications in our lives, as Mills emphasized while developing his idea of the sociological imagination. It provides us with an awareness of cultural differences. It assesses the effects of policies. It also leads to self-enlightenment and the sociologists play an important role in society. According to Horton and Hunt the Sociologist performs various roles in society. The Sociologist is a research scientist, a policy consultant, a technician, a teacher, a social activist. Sociology is not just the study of modern societies, it is a significant element ‘in the continuing life’ of those societies. Our ways of thinking and behaviour are influenced by sociological orientation. It enhances our sensitivity to the complexity of social relationships. It is through the study of sociology that the scientific study of society has been possible. The study of society has an important value in modern complex society. The study of society contributes to the CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 17 formulation of social policies which requires certain amount of knowledge about that society. Another specific aspect of the practical side of sociology is the study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual to each of them. Thus, there is a particular need for the strengthening of these institutions and one of the first essentials is the scientific study of their problems and situations. Sociology teaches every member of every association as to how they can progress in their life through mutual cooperation. Sociology assumes significance in the study of international problems. The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us up-to-date on modern situations, it contributes to making good citizens, it contributes to the solution of community problems, it adds to the knowledge of society, it helps the individual find his relation to society, it identifies good Government with community, it helps one to understand causes of things and so on. Sociology has practical value for the individual as it assists him to understand himself, his resources and limitations, his potentialities and his role in society. Many businesses need Sociologists for research. These firms often use research teams consisting of a variety of specialists. While training in Sociology prepares students for applied research, students can also use a variety of other skills, including familiarity with accounting procedures, computer programming, report writing, budget planning, drafting grant proposals, managerial skills and coordinating research activities. Manufacturing and advertising processes also seek data about the customers. Sociology can help in this understanding of relationships and decision making and also help in dealing with people in a better way. Various administrators and executives in industry, management, business and the government require reliable information about the organization that they are running and the conditions that affect staff morale and efficiency. Sociology also gives students an awareness of the different cultures existing across the world and an understanding of the differences that exist, in their lifestyles, attitudes, values and beliefs. Thus, Sociology equips people to understand the complex world. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

18 Introduction to Sociology - I 1.6 Key Words/Abbreviations  Social structure: patterns in social relations  Scientific study: analysis or investigation  Sociological imagination: an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society  Self-enlightenment: increased self-understanding  Popular Nonsense: intellectual misinformation and superstition that interferes with social thinking. 1.7 Learning Activity For Example: 1. Take the examples of Scientific study of sociology and analyze each of them to identify their importance in relation with today’s socio-economic crises. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Make a list of different sociological studies and explain their scope. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.8 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. What is Sociology all about? Is it a Science? How does it provide verifiable knowledge of society? 2. What is the relevance of Sociology in the contemporary society? What practical value does it have? 3. “Sociology has a varied scope” – Comment. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Introduction to Sociology 19 4. What do you understand by Sociological Imagination? 5. Discuss the nature and scope of Sociology in our lives. 6. How does Sociology influence our lives? 7. Discuss the various roles that the Sociologists perform in society. B. Multiple Choice/Objective Type Questions 1. The term sociology is derived from the _________ word socius and _________ word logos. (a) Latin, Greek (b) Greek, Latin (c) Hebrew, Latin (d) Hebrew, Greek 2. Different methods used by the sociologist are: (a) Historical (b) Survey (c) Sample (d) All of the above 3. When the observer is a part of the situation he is observing, it is called __________ observation. (a) Non participant (b) Participant (c) Both of the above (d) None of the above 4. Characteristics of scientific observation are: (a) Accurate (b) Precise (c) Recorded (d) All of the above 5. In attempting to understand social behaviour, Sociologists rely on sociological imagination coined by: (a) Hegel (b) Wright Mills (c) Stalin (d) Karl Marx CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

20 Introduction to Sociology - I 6. ____________ is an awareness of the relationship between an individual and the wider society. (a) Political agenda (b) Economic issues (c) Sociological imagination (d) None of the above 7. From the early 1930s, sociological skills and knowledge began to be utilized the world over mainly as: (a) A source of objective information. (b) A helpful guide to decide the course of action. (c) An important approach for understanding human behaviour. (d) All of the above 8. The role of Sociologist as a Research Scientist is : (a) Correcting popular nonsense. (b) Making sociological predictions. (c) Both of the above (d) None of the above Ans.: 1. (a), 2. (d), 3. (b), 4. (d), 5. (b), 6. (c), 7. (d), 8. (c). 1.9 References 1. Giddens, Anthony, “Sociology”, 2nd ed.,1999, Polity Press, London. 2. Schaefer, Richard, “Sociology”, 2005, McGraw-Hill. 3. Horton and Hunt, “Sociology”, McGraw-Hill, Kogakusha Ltd. 4. Leslie, Larson, Gorman, “Sociology”, 1998, Oxford University Press. 5. Sagarin, Edward (Ed.), “ Sociology-The Basic Concepts ” , Holt, Rinehart and Winston, USA. 6. Macionis, John, J., “Sociology”, 2010, Prentice-Hall, Pearson. 7. S.S. Hoode, “Elements of Sociology”, 1974, Deepak Publications. 8. www.wikipedia.com 9. www.sociologyguide.com CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences 21 UNIT 2 RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIOLOGY WITH OTHER SOCIAL SCIENCES Structure: 2.0 Learning Objectives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Sociology and Psychology 2.3 Sociology and Anthropology 2.4 Sociology and History 2.5 Sociology and Economics 2.6 Sociology and Political Science 2.7 Summary 2.8 Key Words 2.9 Learning Activity 2.10 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) 2.11 References 2.0 Learning Objectives After studying this unit, you will be able to:  Explain the relationship sociology shares with other social sciences.  Elaborate the other social sciences are interrelated with Sociology.  Analyse the differences between Sociology and other social sciences. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

22 Introduction to Sociology - I 2.1 Introduction Sociology is a social science. Social sciences are related to the relationships and interactions of people with others. Sociology focuses on the social life of people. It is multidisciplinary by nature, and also takes from other social sciences including Psychology, Anthropology, History, Economics as well as Political Science. The relationship of sociology with other social sciences is explained in detail below. 2.2 Sociology and Psychology These two social sciences are linked closely to one another. They are interrelated as well as interdependent. Both these social sciences rely on each other for comprehension purposes. Sociology is termed as the science of social relationships and social phenomena, social groups, social institutions, collective behaviour, the study of human behaviour in groups. On the other hand, Psychology is the science of mind or mental processes of humans, the science of human behaviour. Psychology involves analysing the emotions, attitudes, perceptions, values as well as process of learning and personality formation. The interrelationship between these two sciences can be understood by the help of each one receives from the other. Psychology helps Sociology, as it is a part of Sociology. Many Psychologists like Freud, MacDougal opine that the entire social life can be reduced ultimately to psychological forces. All social problems and phenomena have a psychological basis, helping to find the solution. There is also a new branch known as Social Psychology, combining both these social sciences. Psychology also needs help from Sociology for its comprehension. This is because human mind and personality are affected by social factors like culture, environment, traditions and customs. So, Sociology provides a basis of understanding. Psychology needs Sociology, in order to gain an understanding of human nature and behaviour, as many Psychological problems, have an underlying Social cause. This shows that both these sciences depend on each other. In fact, even researches done in both these sciences, contribute mutually. Moreover, one can find fields of study common to both like public opinion and social disorganization. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences 23 Although there are many common factors, these two sciences have many areas where they differ. Firstly, Sociology studies society and Psychology studies mind. The scope of Sociology is wider in comparison. Human behaviour is analysed from social point of view in Sociology, and from the Psychological viewpoint in Psychology. In sociology, the focus is on social processes, whereas Psychology stresses on the mental processes. Lastly, the unit of study in Sociology is the society, and in psychology, it is the individual. 2.3 Sociology and Anthropology Anthropology and Sociology are very closely related. At times they can be seen as two names for the same science, so close is their relationship. Sociology deals with social groups, it is the science of society. Anthropology, is the study or science of man. The focus of study is on man, his behaviour, cultural and social development. It has three broad divisions - physical anthroplology, archeology and cultural and social anthropology. Social anthropology focuses on the behaviour of man in social institutions. Sociology and social anthropology are seen as being the same. These two sciences contribute a lot to each other. Sociology studies society and Anthropology studies man. As society and man are interrelated, these two sciences are also interrelated. Anthropology, makes the study of Sociology complete. It is viewed as a part of Sociology. The studies in Anthropology on ancient societies, helps to gain a better understanding about current societies. Even study on various aspects like religion, cultural trait, family and marriage, depend on Anthropology to gain a better understanding about them. On the other hand, even Sociology contributes to Anthropology. There are many concepts in Anthropology, which are accepted from Sociology. Researches done in Sociology, are also beneficial to Anthropology. Despite their close relationship, there are differences between these two sciences. Firstly, Anthropology is the science of man, whereas Sociology is the science of society. Sociology has a wider scope, as Anthropology is viewed as a part of Sociology. Another difference is that Anthropology studies man as a part of society, and in Sociology, society is studied as a whole. In Anthropology, studies are on cultures that are small, whereas Sociology studies vast civilizations. Sociology is additionally concerned with social planning. Sociology is more focussed on the CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

24 Introduction to Sociology - I present, whereas Anthropology tends towards gaining knowledge about the past. Lastly, Anthropology studies non-literate and ancient societies, in Sociology, studies are on modern, civilized and complex societies. 2.4 Sociology and History History is another social science closely related to Sociology. History focusses on the study of important incidents and events of the past, and the reasons for it, as well as social, economic and political events. All these from the past are connected to the present and the future. History is closely related to Sociology. One main reason is that both study human society. They are interdependent. Sociology gets help from History, as the information about past is helpful in Sociological studies. The research done in History provides a lot of material for sociologists, in relation to social customs, social matters, etc. History also gains help from Sociology . Researches done by sociologists on family, class, caste, etc provides helpful data to historians. It provides a basis or background for study. Historical Sociology is a new branch of Sociology. Certain differences also exist between the two. Where Sociology is a science of society, its focus is mostly on the present, History is more concerned with past society and events. Besides this, history is more concrete by nature in comparison to Sociology. Moreover, History is an older science and is more descriptive in nature. Sociology is more analytical and has a wider scope, but is more general in nature. History is a special science. 2.5 Sociology and Economics Like the other social sciences, sociology also has a close relation to Economics too. Economics studies the economic activities of man. The focus is on studying man and human behaviour linked to unlimited wants and the scarce means having alternative uses. Economics is also related to activities of man like production, distribution, consumption and exchange, the economic institutions of markets, banks, etc. It also studies the material needs of man. These two sciences are linked to each other. Economics has been seen as an offshoot of Sociology. Economics depends on Sociology. It focuses on economic welfare, which is a part of CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences 25 social welfare. This is in relation to problems like unemployment, poverty, inflation. Apart from this, it is the society, which controls and directs the economic activities of men in society. Economics also relies on data from Sociology. Sociology takes help from Economics to add to its existing knowledge. Apart from this, the economic factors have impact on social life. So material from Economics helps to have a better understanding of Sociology. Research from Economics is also beneficial to Sociology. This is apparent when social phenomena like suicide, dowry, crime and unemployment need to be studied, how they are a social problem and their solution. Although there is a close interrelation between them, both of them differ on certain grounds. Economics is an older science and more concrete in nature. Sociology is more abstract and focuses on society and social relationships. Economics is viewed as the science of wealth and choice. Sociology has a wider scope but is more general in nature. Economics has limited scope and is a special social science. Sociology is related to studying social activities of man and Economics focuses on the economic activities. They both use different techniques and methods to conduct their studies. 2.6 Sociology and Political Science One other science, closely related to Sociology is Political Science. They are seen as being two sides of the same coin. Where Sociology studies human interaction, its conditions and results, Political Science is termed as the science of State and Government. It focuses on studying power, political systems, processes, government as well as international relations. Political Science is also concerned with social groups which are organised under the sovereign of state. Sociology studies society, Political Science looks into political activities of man. These two sciences depend on one another. Sociology is dependent on Political Science, as it draws from its material. Moreover social problems also have underlying political causes. Modifications in the political system or structure bring about changes in society as well. So Sociology needs Political Science for its comprehension. Political Science also depends on Sociology. To gain an understanding of political problems, the social causes also need to be looked into. This understanding helps to find the solution. Sociology provides a base for Political Science to understand the social values, customs and traditions. This knowledge helps to frame CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

26 Introduction to Sociology - I laws and regulations. Moreover, there exist some common areas of interest like authority, war, law, communal riots, etc. The differences between these two sciences are that the scope of Sociology is wider. Sociology is the science of society and more general in nature. Whereas, Political Science is the science of State and Government. Political Science is restricted to the study of only politically organised societies, unlike Sociology, which does not have this restriction. Sociology focuses on the social activities of humans, and Political Science, focuses on the political activities. Political science is older as a science. In Political Science, only the formal relations are studied, Sociology looks into formal as well as informal relations. Sociology looks into all forms of human association, but Political Science only focuses on the association of State. Lastly, Political Science studies only the conscious activities of humans, but Sociology looks onto conscious as well as unconscious activities of humans. All this proves that Sociology is closely related and dependent on the other social sciences. This interdependency enriches knowledge and aids in better comprehension of the social sciences. It is difficult to fully understand any of the social sciences without taking into account their interrelations. 2.7 Summary Sociology is termed as the science of social relationships and social phenomena, social groups, social institutions, collective behavior, the study of human behavior in groups. On the other hand, Psychology, is the science of mind or mental processes of humans, the science of human behavior. Although there are many common factors, these two sciences have many areas where they differ. Firstly, Sociology studies society, and Psychology studies mind. The unit of study in Sociology is the society and in psychology, it is the individual. Anthropology and Sociology are very closely related. At times they can be seen as two names for the same science, so close is their relationship. Sociology deals with social groups, it is the science of society. Anthropology is the study or science of man. There are differences between them. Sociology has a wider scope as Anthropology is viewed as a part of Sociology. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences 27 Another difference is that Anthropology studies man as a part of society, and in Sociology, society is studied as a whole. History focuses on the study of important incidents and events of the past, and the reasons for it, as well as social, economic and political events. All these from the past are connected to the present and the future. History is closely related to Sociology. One main reason is that both study human society. Certain differences, also exist between the two. Where Sociology is a science of society, its focus is mostly on the present, History is more concerned with past society and events. Economics studies the economic activities of man. The focus is on studying man, and human behavior linked to unlimited wants and the scarce means having alternative uses. Although there is a close interrelation between them, both of them differ on certain grounds. Economics is an older science and more concrete in nature. Sociology is more abstract and focuses on society and social relationships. Political Science, is termed as the science of State and Government. It focuses on studying power, political systems, processes, government as well as international relations. The differences between these two sciences are that the scope of Sociology is wider. Sociology is the science of society and more general in nature. Whereas Political science is the science of state and government and a more special science. 2.8 Key Words  Interrelated: related to one another  Interdependent: dependent on each other  Political systems: process for making official decisions  Social process: pattern of growth and change in society  Social disorganization: a state of society which is characterized by breakdown of social control CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

28 Introduction to Sociology - I 2.9 Learning Activity 1. Research common thinkers of Sociology with the other social sciences of History, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science and Psychology. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Find out some common theories shared by Sociology with other social sciences. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2.10 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. Describe Sociology as a science and how it is connected with Anthropology. 2. Explain the interrelationship between Sociology and Psychology. 3. Focus on how history and Sociology are interdependent. 4. Elaborate on the relationship between Sociology and Political Science. 5. Discuss how Economics is related to Sociology. B. Multiple Choice/Objective Type Questions 1. All social problems and phenomena have a psychological _______. (a) Status (b) Basis (c) Economy (d) Group 2. Anthropology is viewed as a _____ of Sociology. (a) Part (b) Organization (c) Science (d) Process CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences 29 3. History is more concerned with past society and _________. (a) Forces (b) Markets (c) Mind (d) Events 4. ___________ is viewed as the science of wealth and choice. (a) Economics (b) History (c) Psychology (d) Sociology 5. Political Science looks into political _______ of man. (a) Wealth (b) Activities (c) Association (d) Gender Ans.: 1. (b), 2. (a), 3. (d), 4. (a), 5. (b). 2.11 References 1. www.sparknotes.com/sociology/introduction-to-sociology/section3/ 2. https://study.com/academy/lesson/relationship-between-sociology-the-socail- sciences.html 3. www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/the-relationship-of-sociology-with-other-socail- sciences/6248 4. Giddens, Anthony, “Sociology”, 2nd ed.,1999, Polity Press, London. 5. Schaefer, Richard, “Sociology”, 2005, McGraw-Hill. 6. Horton and Hunt, “Sociology”, McGraw-Hill, Kogakusha Ltd. 7. Leslie, Larson, Gorman, “Sociology”, 1998, Oxford University Press. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

30 Introduction to Sociology - I UNIT 3 SOCIETY: BASIC SOCIAL CONCEPTS Structure: 3.0 Learning Objectives 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Society 3.3 Community 3.4 Institution 3.5 Association 3.6 Organization 3.7 Group 3.8 Norms 3.9 Values 3.10 Folkways 3.11 Mores 3.12 Summary 3.13 Key Words 3.14 Learning Activity 3.15 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) 3.16 References 3.0 Learning Objectives  To understand the concept of society  To understand what is Community, Institution, Association, Organization and Group  To gain information about Norms, Values, Folkways and Mores CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 31 3.1 Introduction Sociology is the science of society. It studies the complicated web of social relationships. There are many basic concepts involved in Sociology, which are essential to its understanding. These are the concepts of society, community, institution, organization, association, groups, mores, folkways and values. All these have been elaborated in this unit. 3.2 Society The term ‘society’ refers to people inhabiting a specific territory and sharing a common way of life. They interact with each other in certain patterned ways on a regular and continuous basis. This social interaction is regulated and facilitated by certain norms of behaviour that are formulated by certain institutions. It is also characterized by a distinct way of life that is referred to as ‘culture’. Definitions:  According to Horton and Hunt: ‘Society is a relatively independent, self-perpetuating human group which occupies a territory, shapes a culture and has most of its associations within this group.’  According to Mac Iver and Page: ‘Society is a complicated web of social relationships.’ Characteristics of Society: 1. Firstly, society is characterized by a system of social relationships. 2. Society is characterized by both likeness and difference. 3. In any given society, the differences are subordinate to the likeness found. 4. Another characteristic is that man is dependent on society. 5. Society is dynamic by nature. 6. Social control is exercised on members. 7. Culture is part of every society. 8. Finally, society can also be classified into various types. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

32 Introduction to Sociology - I A Simple society refers to a relatively smaller, primitive; non-literate economically backward and undifferentiated type of society. A Complex society, on the other hand refers to a modern, industrialized, educationally and economically advanced and differentiated society. A more recent type of classification is done between open and closed societies – the closed society can be illustrated by a traditional, simple society, which resists change, whereas an open society is one, which admits changes in its institutions especially through free criticism. 3.3 Community A Community is seen as a group of people interacting with each other. It happens within a given territory. The members of a community share common values and beliefs. There are many elements related to the understanding of the term community. A community is viewed as a collection of people, it has a particular social structure. So, all collections of people cannot be considered as a community. Another feature associated with community is a sense of belonging or the community spirit. There is a geographical area within which the community functions.  Talcott Parsons has defined a community as “collectivity the members of which share a common territorial area as their base of operation for daily activities”.  Tonnies defines community as “an organic natural kind of social group whose members are bound together by the sense of belonging, created out of everyday contacts covering the whole range of human activities”.  According to Kingsley Davies, community is defined as “the smallest territorial group that can embrace all aspects of social life”.  For Karl Mannheim, community is, “any circle of people who live together and belong together in such a way that they do not share this or that particular interest only but a whole set of interests”. The different characteristics of a community are listed below- 1. Close and informal relationships: Relationships in a community are informal by nature. Members share close bonds. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 33 2. Territory: A community identifies themselves with some specified territory. They reside in a definite territory. 3. Common beliefs and values: Members in a community, share amongst them, common beliefs and values. They have a common culture. 4. Mutuality: The members commonly share feelings or actions. This is because they identify themselves as belonging to the same community. 5. Strong group feeling: there exists, among a community, a very strong ‘we’ or group feeling. They identify strongly with the community they belong to. The members have strong community sentiment. 6. Cultural similarity: in a community, there is cultural similarity among the members. Members share similar language, customs and traditions. 7. Organized interaction: The interaction, among members of a community is organized. It is based on certain premises. The term community is a construct, it is like a model. It can be seen as a sociological construct. It includes set of interactions and human behaviours. These have meaning. There are also expectations among the members. There can also exist communities within larger communities. 3.4 Institution Societies are identifiable by their cultural characteristics and the types of social institutions of which they are composed. A social institution is an established and organised system of social behaviour with a recognised purpose. Social institutions are a weave of behaviours, norms and values. As a whole, institutions are organised to meet various needs in society. Example: The family is an institution that provides for the care of the young and the transformation of culture from one generation to another. Religion is an institution that organises the sacred beliefs of a society. Education is an institution through which people learn the skills needed to live in the society. Institutions channel human action in socially approved ways. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

34 Introduction to Sociology - I Consequently, people do not create new educational systems every time, they want to learn something new. Institutions persist through time. According to Mac Iver, institution may be defined “as the established forms or conditions of procedure characteristic of group activity”. According to Horton and Hunt, “an institution is an organised system of relationships which embodies certain common rules and procedures and meets certain basic needs of the society”. Institutions perform certain purposes that are necessary for society to proceed. These have been identified as follows: (i) Institutions cater to the satisfaction of needs (ii) The socialization of new members of the society (iii) Institutions control human behaviour (iv) Replacement of the membership (v) The production and distribution of goods and services (vi) The maintenance of order, stability and existence (vii) Providing the members with an ultimate sense of purpose Types of Institutions (a) Family: A family is a social and economic unit consisting minimally of one or more parents and their children. The family is defined as a kinship grouping which provides for the rearing of children and for certain other needs. In fact, the family is the first contact that a child has with the society. Although its form varies from one society to another and even within societies, all societies have families. (b) Marriage: Marriage merely means a socially approved sexual and economic union, usually between a woman and a man. It is presumed, by both the couple and others, to be more or less permanent, and it contains reciprocal rights and obligations between the two spouses and between spouses and their future children. It is a universal phenomenon. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 35 (c) Education: Education is one of the basic activities of people in all human societies. The two universal functions of education are to help socialize the young and to transmit the culture to the next generation. Transmitting the culture means to teach the norms, values, to help assimilate knowledge and to train the young in useful skills. Every society has its own ways of fulfilling this need to learn. (d) Economy: The economy is a system of productive and distributive processes implemented for meeting material wants. In every society, members have to work to earn their livelihood. The details of economic systems vary from one culture to another, depending upon the interaction of a given group with a given cultural and physical environment. (e) Polity: Politics is the institution concerned with the organisation of power, maintenance of social order and regulation of relations with other societies. In other words, politics is a set of norms about certain kinds of behaviour. Those persons who rule are the government, and those who are ruled are the state. (f) Religion: Religion is a system of faith and worship. It serves important human needs and performs certain functions both at individual and societal level. Religion is one of the forms of informal means of social control. (g) Media: Mass media refer to the print and electronic means of communication that carry messages to widespread audiences. Media is now becoming the most dominant social institution, catering to the needs of society and educating its citizens. 3.5 Association An association is termed as a group of people who have come together for achievement of a specific goal. It differs from a group and from community. A group is simply a collectivity of people without any particular goal. Whereas, an association has a definite goal. In a community, people may keep getting added, but this is not so in an association. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

36 Introduction to Sociology - I In an association, there are a group of people, who get organized, and work on the basis of rules and regulations which are laid down. This is done for the purpose of achieving a particular result. A trade union is an example of an association. Associations are also formed on the basis of time, like permanent and temporary associations. There are associations formed on the basis of power or for carrying out different functions. According to Ginsberg, “ an association is a group of social beings related to one another by the fact that they possess or have instituted in common an organization with a view to securing specific end or specific ends”. An association has the following characteristics- 1. It has a concrete structure. 2. It is established. 3. The aim of an association is set. 4. The followers are the members. 5. Membership in an association is voluntary. 3.6 Organization An organization is seen as pattern of relationships which exist between individuals and social groups. It is any purposeful arrangement of social activity. It includes control over the human relations. This is done for specific ends. Organizations include patterns of relationships which go beyond primary group associations which tend to be spontaneous, informal and unplanned. Organizations are those aspects of social life which are designed for the purpose of achievement of goals. They function as primary structures in which people work. Businesses are conducted through it. States provide policies to regulate organizations. Ogburn and Nimkoff define organization as “an articulation of different parts which perform various functions; it is an active group device for getting something done.” CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 37 According to Eliott and Merrill, “an organization is a state of being, a condition in which the various institutions in a society are functioning in accordance with their recognized or implied purposes”. Organizations make it possible for carrying out complex activities. For example, an organized police can control a huge crowd of people. An organization, is part of everyday life. In society, individuals are members of various organizations, for example, people can belong to professional clubs or even religious organization. Organizations, bring together many people having a similar mindset. Organizations in a society, reflect its historical, political, social and cultural process. It, in this way govern the interactions in society. Organizations, include patterns of relationships, which at times can go beyond primary group associations. They can be constructed deliberately in order to attain specific ends. According to Max Weber, formal organizations, are a very old occurrence. In the Babylonian and Egyptian empires, formal organizations existed. The bureaucratic structures within formal organizations, enabled the rulers to collect taxes, undertake construction projects as well as have military campaigns. 3.7 Group Groups are amongst the most stable and enduring of social units. They are important both to their members in particular and to the society at large. Groups form the foundation upon which society rests through encouraging such regular and predictable behaviour. It exhibits some degree of social cohesion and is more than just a simple collection of individuals, such as people waiting at a bus-stop, or people waiting in a queue. Characteristics shared by members of a group may include interests, values, representations, ethnic or social background and kinship ties. Paul Hare regards the defining characteristic of a group as social interaction. The members of a group have “regular interaction” and they have a common identity, rules, structure, etc. According to Horton and Hunt, a group is “any number of persons who share a consciousness of membership and of interaction”. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

38 Introduction to Sociology - I Example: Two persons waiting for a bus would not be a group but become one when they start a conversation, a fight or any other kind of interaction. Social groups are defined as consisting of two or more persons who interact in patterned ways, share beliefs, values and goals, and have a sense of membership. They consist of persons whose relationships depend upon a set of inter-related roles and statuses. Features of Social Groups According to social scientists, two or more people make up a group when five things are true: (i) First, individuals in a group interact. The behaviour of each member of a group affects the behaviour of the other members. (ii) The members of a group depend on each other for the fulfillment of their primary and secondary needs. They are interdependent. (iii) Members of a group share common goals or interests. Groups always originate, start and proceed with common interests. (iv) They share meanings. In other words, each member understands the rules of the group and knows how to behave. (v) The members of a group develop a strong sense of ‘we feeling’ and ‘consciousness of kind’. It is a psychological awareness of belonging to one another and is a proof of their being social. 3.8 Norms Norms are the rules that specify how people should or should not behave in various situations. They are the standards of behaviour accepted or expected by society. Social norms of various kinds are maintained and perpetuated in every society because they perform a variety of functions: (a) They bring about regularity of social behaviour of members of a group. They show people how they should behave in a particular situation. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 39 (b) They set limits, which an individual must acknowledge. Any departure from prescribed limits brings disapproval and punishment. (c) Norms control and regulate our behaviour and preserve social order. Norms are of great importance to society. There would be no control over behaviour of people and they would do whatever they liked, creating chaos in society and breaking down the social order. Therefore, it is very essential that human society, in order to maintain itself, must live in a social system regulated by social norms. Kinds of Social Norms (a) Folkways: Coined by W. G. Sumner. Folkways are simply the customary, normal, habitual ways in which a group does things. Example: Different ways of eating, sitting, greeting. They differ from society-to-society. (b) Mores: Coined by Sumner. It is used to refer to moral values. They are those strong ideas of right and wrong, which require certain acts to be performed and forbid others. Example: Those which must be followed as a matter of manners and polite behaviour like greeting elders with respect; those which must be followed because they are believed to be essential to group welfare like taboo on pre-marital sex in certain societies or inter-caste marriages. (c) Custom: Customs are socially accepted ways of acting. These are the institutional practices of society. Example: It is customary for a Hindu bride to wear red, Catholic bride to wear white, whereas among Hindus, white is worn only by a woman who is a widow. They have emerged without any constitutional authority. Example: The practice of dowry in India. Functions: They control and regulate social behaviour, build-up group solidarity and we feeling, preserve social heritage and provide security to members of the group in society. (d) Law: The body of rules which are recognized, interpreted and applied to particular institutions by the courts of the State. (e) Habit: Habits are behaviour modes, which through repetition have become channelised. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

40 Introduction to Sociology - I (f) Fashion: It applies to different aspects of our culture. Example: dress, furniture. It is cyclical in nature. It occurs in a sequence of variation. It is anti-traditional. It does serve some useful functions: (a) It tends to introduce some kind of uniformity, which brings people having diverse interests together on some common ground. (b) It helps in the process of social change and thus helps not only in the maintenance of the social structure but also in changing the social structure. 3.9 Values The term ‘value’ in Sociology is both similar and distinct from its meaning in everyday life. As commonly used ‘value’ means ‘price’, determined by processes of supply and demand, as well as peoples’ judgements. Sociologists are concerned with the basic moral issues. They used the concept of ‘value’ to mean deeply held convictions of people, about what is important to life. Social values of a society are ‘abstract ideas or conceptions which the members share about what is appropriate, good and bad’. Spencer defined ‘social values’ as the generalized standards as criteria used by members of a society, “to judge behaviour and to choose among various goals”. Social values are subject to change. Significant changes have been taking place in our social values mainly due to the influence of science, technology, rapid industrialization and urbanization and the most dynamic forces of modernization. Like norms, we imbibe social values as we grow up. Values become ‘internalized’, as inseparable part of our personality. Our ways of thinking, feeling and acting are influenced by the ideas of what is right, good and desirable. Internalized values tend to have tremendous hold over our mind and behaviour, to such an extent that, any action contrary to social values tends to inflict a guilt feeling. Social values are internalized by imitating the ‘significant others’, our parents and teachers, through the process of socialization. Today mass media too plays a vital role in introducing new values and creating conflict between the ‘old’ and the ‘young’. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 41 Example: The Elle 18 advertisement where a group of girls behave in patterns which are not in accordance to society norms. Another example can be of the Brooke Bond advertisement where a career woman returns home from work and is greeted by her husband with tea for her, which again is very contrary to the norms held by society. Social values are the guiding principles of human behaviour. We are confronted with many social problems and malpractices like corruption, which manifest decaying social values. Degeneration of social values can lead to disintegration of a society. Thus, social values are significant indices of social development and progress. 3.10 Folkways They are the customs or ways of daily life of people. Folkways are a kind of social norm. For instance, the way of dressing, or behaving in everyday life. They are mildly enforced expectations laid down by society. It makes clear what is acceptable behavior in society, what is proper. Example of folkways, is the way people are to be greeted in their society. When a folkway is not followed, there are sanctions from society. These sanctions are not very severe in nature. Folkways, are related to specific social contexts. For instance, if a man goes into a shopping mall with just shorts on, he will get rude comments and stares. But if he goes to the beach or swimming pool with just his shorts on, it will be seen as normal or acceptable. 3.11 Mores Mores are those social norms which dictate what is right or wrong. They are enforced very strongly by society. In case of breaking mores, society lays down severe sanctions. Mores are those customs, norms and behavior which a society considers as acceptable. Summer coined the term mores. It refers to those norms, which are widely observed and also hold great amount of moral importance. Mores focus on morality in the form of what is right or wrong. If they are violated, there are severe sanctions from society. For instance, in many parts of India, even today, it is not permissible to marry out of one’s own caste group, or to have marriages based on love. There have been many cases of honor killings, where individuals are killed by their own family members for having married outside their caste group or for having marrying out of their personal choice. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

42 Introduction to Sociology - I 3.12 Summary Society: The term ‘society’ refers to people inhabiting a specific territory and sharing a common way of life. They interact with each other in certain patterned ways on a regular and continuous basis. This social interaction is regulated and facilitated by certain norms of behaviour that are formulated by certain institutions. It is also characterized by a distinct way of life that is referred to as ‘culture’. Community: A Community is seen as a group of people interacting with each other. It happens within a given territory. The members of a community share common values and beliefs. There are many elements related to the understanding of the term community. A community is viewed as a collection of people and it has a particular social structure. Institution: A social institution is an established and organised system of social behaviour with a recognised purpose. Social institutions are a weave of behaviours, norms and values. As a whole, institutions are organised to meet various needs in society. Association: An association is termed as a group of people who have come together for achievement of a specific goal. It differs from a group and from community. A group is simply a collectivity of people without any particular goal. Whereas, an association has a definite goal. In an association, there are a group of people, who get organized, and work on the basis of rules and regulations which are laid down. This is done for the purpose of achieving a particular result. Organization: An organization is seen as pattern of relationships which exist between individuals and social groups. It is any purposeful arrangement of social activity. It includes control over the human relations. This is done for specific ends. Organizations include patterns of relationships which go beyond primary group associations which tend to be spontaneous, informal and unplanned. Organizations are those aspects of social life which are designed for the purpose of achievement of goals. CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

Society: Basic Social Concepts 43 Group: Groups are amongst the most stable and enduring of social units. They are important both to their members in particular and to the society at large. Social groups are defined as consisting of two or more persons who interact in patterned ways, share beliefs, values and goals, and have a sense of membership. They consist of persons whose relationships depend upon a set of inter-related roles and statuses. Norms: Norms are the rules that specify how people should or should not behave in various situations. They are the standards of behaviour accepted or expected by society. Social norms of various kinds are maintained and perpetuated in every society because they perform a variety of functions. Values: Social values of a society are ‘abstract ideas or conceptions which the members share about what is appropriate, good and bad’. Spencer defined ‘social values’ as the generalized standards as criteria used by members of a society, “to judge behaviour and to choose among various goals”. Folkways: They are the customs or ways of daily life of people. Folkways are a kind of social norm. For instance, the way of dressing, or behaving in everyday life. They are mildly enforced expectations laid down by society. It makes clear what is acceptable behaviour in society, what is proper. Mores: Mores are those social norms which dictate what is right or wrong. They are enforced very strongly by society. In case of breaking mores, society lays down severe sanctions. Mores are those customs, norms and behaviour which a society considers as acceptable. 3.13 Key Words  Society: group of individuals living together sharing common territory and way of life  Social structure: patterns in social relations  Social Values: set of moral principles  Social Norms: informal rules of social behavior CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)

44 Introduction to Sociology - I 3.14 Learning Activity 1. List down few folkways which are followed in our everyday life, like way of greeting elders. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Write down some social values which have been taught , like honesty. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.15 Unit End Questions (MCQ and Descriptive) A. Descriptive Types Questions 1. Discuss the concepts of Society and Community. 2. Elaborate on Association and Organization. 3. Explain what are Institutions and Groups. 4. Write notes on- (a) Folkways (b) Mores (c) Norms (d) Values B. Multiple Choice/Objective Type Questions 1. Social ________ are guiding principles of human behaviour. (a) Association (b) Values (c) Society (d) Books CU IDOL SELF LEARNING MATERIAL (SLM)