Sociology and Common Sense | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Common sense refers to the basic knowledge and understanding that people possess about their everyday lives and activities. It typically involves naturalistic and individualistic explanations that are taken for granted. Sociology has had a long-standing relationship with common sense, and since its inception, it has faced accusations of being nothing more than common sense.
Common Sense is extremely important. Above diagram shows a person without common sense.

Sociology and Common Sense: A Comparative Analysis

• Common sense usually relies on surface-level observations, whereas sociology seeks to uncover underlying connections and root causes. Sociology adopts a skeptical perspective, questioning the taken-for-granted beliefs that common sense often perpetuates. For instance, common sense explanations for the social role of women are often based on biological factors or rituals, whereas sociology provides alternative explanations rooted in patriarchy.
• Reason and Logic vs. Conjectures and Stereotypes
• Sociological knowledge is based on reason and logic, whereas common sense often relies on conjectures and stereotypes. Sociology challenges traditional beliefs and stereotypes by offering multiple perspectives on social issues.
• Assumptions vs. Evidence
• Common sense relies on assumptions, whereas sociological knowledge is based on evidence gathered through thorough research. Sociological findings may even contradict common sense beliefs, as they are based on empirical testing and rigorous analysis.
• Objectivity vs. Intuition
• Sociological knowledge is objective and seeks coherence, whereas common sense knowledge is intuitive and often inconsistent. Sociological insights result in generalizations and theory-building, while common sense knowledge may be highly personal and subjective.
• Change Orientation vs. Status Quo
• Sociology is change-oriented, promoting critical examination of existing social structures and norms. In contrast, common sense often upholds the status quo by perpetuating unexamined beliefs and traditions.
• Reflective Nature
• Sociological knowledge is continually subjected to debates and discourses, promoting self-reflection and questioning of its origins. Common sense, on the other hand, is unreflective and does not question its own basis.
• Systematic Framework
• Sociology possesses a body of concepts, methods, and data, even if loosely coordinated, which distinguishes it from the personal judgments that characterize common sense.

Similarities and Complementarities

• Hypothesis Building: Common sense can provide the basis for hypothesis building in sociological research, as sociologists often draw from commonsensical knowledge to frame their concepts and research questions.
• Raw Material for Investigation: Common sense serves as raw material for sociological investigations, as sociology seeks to answer questions generated from common sense knowledge.
• Enriching the Discipline: Common sense challenges sociological conclusions, thereby enriching the discipline and promoting further research and inquiry. In some cases, sociological knowledge may even become part of common sense knowledge, as insights from research are incorporated into everyday beliefs and understanding.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Sociology and Common Sense

What is the main difference between socizology and common sense?

The main difference between sociology and common sense is that sociology is a systematic study of society, employing critical thinking and research methods, while common sense relies on personal judgments based on everyday experiences and assumptions.

How does sociology challenge common sense beliefs and stereotypes?

Sociology challenges common sense beliefs and stereotypes by offering alternative explanations, perspectives, and evidence-based findings that often contradict taken-for-granted assumptions. It promotes a critical examination of social structures, norms, and beliefs, rather than accepting them unquestioningly.

Can common sense and sociology complement each other in any way?

Yes, common sense can provide the basis for hypothesis building in sociological research, and serve as raw material for investigation. Additionally, common sense challenges sociological conclusions, thereby enriching the discipline and promoting further research and inquiry.

How does sociological knowledge differ from common sense knowledge in terms of objectivity and consistency?

Sociological knowledge is objective and seeks coherence, whereas common sense knowledge is intuitive and often inconsistent. Sociological insights result in generalizations and theory-building, while common sense knowledge may be highly personal and subjective.

Why is sociology considered change-oriented, while common sense often upholds the status quo?

Sociology is change-oriented because it promotes critical examination of existing social structures and norms, questioning the taken-for-granted beliefs that common sense often perpetuates. In contrast, common sense upholds the status quo by perpetuating unexamined beliefs and traditions without questioning their origins or implications.