Sociology and Society

The study of the origin and growth of sociology is important because a discipline has its own history or biography. By understanding how sociology emerged, we understand why it asks certain questions, how it developed its methods, and what social and intellectual contexts shaped it.

The chapter shows that sociology grew out of the major changes in Europe during the Industrial Revolution, capitalism, urbanisation, and the Enlightenment. These developments made thinkers ask new questions about society, inequality, change, and modern life. Sociology also developed in relation to colonialism, so its growth helps us understand its connection with India and the rest of the world.

Studying its origin and growth also helps us see that sociology is not just common sense; it is a systematic and scientific study of society. It is useful to know this background because it explains the scope, method, and concerns of the subject.

The term society has many aspects. In the chapter, it is shown that we may belong to more than one society at the same time. For example, when talking to foreigners, Indian society may be meant; among Indians, it may refer to a linguistic community, religious group, caste, tribe, or even a professional circle. So society is not just one fixed unit.

Society is also an interconnected whole. The individual, family, economy, politics, culture, education, and job market all affect one another. Society also contains differences and inequalities: some groups have more wealth, power, education, and respect than others.

This is different from common sense understanding, which is usually limited and unreflective. Common sense often treats society as obvious and may not question its assumptions. Sociology, however, asks which society is being referred to, how different parts are connected, and how social forces shape individual lives. It studies society in a systematic, questioning, and scientific way, not just through everyday opinion.