Meaning Of Sociology and It's Branches

MEANING OF SOCIOLOGY

Sociology is science of society which deals with human behaviour, interaction, relationship and system. It studies individual in groups and a group as a member of society. Among other social sciences, it is one of the youngest subject. The term society was coined by French philosopher Auguste Conte in around 1838. At first he selected the term "social physics" but later on it was changed to "sociology".

The word "sociology" has been derived from Latin language 'socius' meaning "companionship" or "associate" and Greek word "logos" meaning "study" or "science". Therefore, the etymological meaning of sociology is science of society. It's subject matter is concerned with human life, activities, social structure system. processes and so on. It studies groups and group behaviour but not an individual activities.

The sociological concept was developed from ancient Greek civilization but a separate discipline could not come out because of lack of it's coherence. So we can say that sociology has long past but short history. Other philosopher related to sociology are Max Waver, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim. They contributed much for the development of sociology and anthropology from different perspectives.

According to Kingsley Davis "Sociology is the general science of society."

According to Emile Durkheim "Sociology is the science of social institutions."

From the above definition we can say that sociology is concerned with man, it's society and relationship. Different sociologists have different perspectives but their subject matter is same.

BRANCHES OF SOCIOLOGY

Being a general subject, sociology studies different aspects of society. To study such field of knowledge, which is studied by different branches of society. e.g. The economic aspects of society is studied by economic sociology, political aspect is studied by political sociology and so on.

1) Development Sociology is a model concept regarding he relationship between sociology and human development, civilization and social improvement. It is concentrated with development activities and it's impact on society, human behaviour, environment and social ecology, Whether any development activities would be sustainable or not it is measured by Sociological concepts or tools. The modern modes of development and economic activities are related to social policies, gender and development or gender equity, social infusion, peoples participation, etc are sociological concept and methods of development in the society.

WID = Women in Development - Before 1970
WAD= Women and Development - 1970 to 1988
GAD= Gender and Development - 1990 onwards

• Inclusive Development
  Any development should be sustainable for it's long term existence so that people gets advantage for long time. To be sustainable development must favour and follow local knowledge, ideas, technologies ans should be modified according to the interest of the local people.