Uses of Sociology | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

"Sociology, among the different social sciences, appears to be the most recent in its development. Nevertheless, it has made significant advancements. Its applications are widely acknowledged in present times. There is an increasing awareness of the significance of scientifically studying social phenomena and implementing methods to enhance what Prof Giddings refers to as human adequacy (human welfare)".

The study of sociology has a great value especially in modern society. Some of the uses of sociology are as follows:

• Scientific Study of Society: Sociology, being the youngest social science, has made remarkable progress in studying society in a scientific way. Before its emergence, there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human society and its complexities. Through sociology, we have gained scientific knowledge about society, which is essential for progress in various fields such as education, healthcare and public policy.
• Understanding the Social Nature of Man: Sociology delves deep into the social nature of humans, explaining why we are social animals, why we live in groups, communities, and societies. It examines the relationship between individuals and society, the impact of society on humans, and other related matters.
• Improving Social Understanding and Increasing Social Action: The study of sociology helps individuals understand themselves, their capacities, talents, and limitations. It enables them to adjust to their environment and lead effective social lives. Knowledge of society, social groups, social institutions, and their functions is essential for this.
• Gaining Comprehensive Knowledge of Societies: Sociology helps us understand not only our own society but also others. In a vast industrialized society, our experiences are limited, so we must gain insight into the motives and conditions under which others live. This insight comes from studying sociology.
• Enriching Culture: Sociology contributes to enriching culture by promoting a rational approach to questions concerning ourselves, our religion, customs, mores, institutions, values, and ideologies. It makes us more objective, rational, critical, and dispassionate, broadening our minds and helping us overcome prejudices and misconceptions.
• Strengthening Social Institutions: The study of social institutions such as family, education, government, industry, religion, marriage, and law helps us understand their functions and how they condition our lives. Knowledge of sociology can strengthen these institutions to better serve humanity.
• Career Opportunities in Sociology: Apart from teaching, sociology offers diverse career opportunities in areas such as business, government, industry, city planning, race relations, social work, and community life. The demand for sociologists, especially those trained in research procedures, is increasing.
• Importance of Sociology in Underdeveloped Countries: The study of sociology is vital in underdeveloped countries, as it helps economists understand the social factors contributing to economic backwardness. It also helps in analyzing and solving social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and overpopulation.
• Social Planning and Reconstruction: Sociological knowledge is essential for understanding and planning society. It plays a significant role in social reform and reorganization, making social planning easier and promoting social reconstruction.
• Practical Utility of Sociological Techniques: Techniques developed by sociologists, such as social surveys, are now used in market research and political polling. Sociologists also provide valuable information for making decisions on social policies.
• Promoting Tribal Welfare: Sociological studies have helped governments promote the welfare of tribal people by understanding their socio-economic and cultural problems. Efforts are being made to treat tribals on par with the rest of the civilized people.
• Fostering Tolerance and Broad-mindedness: Sociology has made people more tolerant, patient, and broad-minded towards others. It has minimized the mental distance and reduced the gap between different peoples and communities.
• Keeping Up-to-date on Modern Social Situations: Sociology helps us stay informed about modern social situations and developments, making us more alert to changes around us. As a result, we become aware of our changed roles, expectations, and responsibilities.
• Achieving Human Welfare: As Giddings pointed out, sociology tells us how to become what we want to be, ultimately promoting human welfare and adequacy.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Uses of Sociology

What is the main goal of studying sociology?

The main goal of studying sociology is to gain a scientific understanding of human society, its institutions, and the relationships between individuals and society. This knowledge helps in improving social understanding, enriching culture, strengthening social institutions, and ultimately promoting human welfare.

How does sociology contribute to enriching culture?

Sociology contributes to enriching culture by promoting a rational approach to questions concerning ourselves, our religion, customs, mores, institutions, values, and ideologies. It encourages objectivity, critical thinking, and broad-mindedness, helping individuals overcome prejudices and misconceptions.

What are some career opportunities in sociology?

Sociology offers diverse career opportunities in areas such as teaching, research, business, government, industry, city planning, race relations, social work, and community life. There is a growing demand for sociologists, especially those trained in research procedures.

How does sociology help in social planning and reconstruction?

Sociological knowledge is essential for understanding and planning society. It plays a significant role in social reform and reorganization, making social planning easier and promoting social reconstruction. Sociologists provide valuable information for making decisions on social policies and addressing various social issues.

How does the study of sociology promote tolerance and broad-mindedness?

Sociology encourages individuals to understand the motives, conditions, and perspectives of others, leading to greater tolerance, patience, and broad-mindedness towards people from different backgrounds and communities. It minimizes the mental distance and reduces the gap between various groups, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.