The scope of sociology is extremely extensive, it covers every single aspect of human social life. Whether, it is encounter between individuals or, relationships among groups. The primary concern of sociology is the study of society and human social behavior. In sociology we study individual and society simultaneously. It is not possible to analyze individual and society individualistically. Individual and society are correlated, we cannot study one without other. Sociologists are interested in analyzing the patterns of social interaction as well as, the factors which are responsible for the development and maintenance of those patterns. Social interaction refers to encounter between—two individuals, groups, single individual and group. The nature of social interaction could be physical, verbal, intimate, philosophical etc…
Subject matter of sociology comprises of major social patterns which influence the social behavior of individuals within a society these include culture, social sanctions, social change, social groups, social structure, social institutions, social roles and social statuses.
Human social behavior is learned for instance, new born initially interact with their parents and siblings; until they come of age to go to school. They learns how to walk, talk and eat from their family members. In educational institutions or workplace, individual interact with new people (teachers, peers and colleagues) where they learn livelihood skills. Moreover, Individual learn and internalize societal culture via socializing in different social groups such as, family, school, college, university, corporations, public organizations etc…
Culture refers to people way of life within a given society. It is a blueprint for social conduct which regulates individuals’ social behavior. In sociology we study the core elements of culture to understand its influence on individual behavior these include social norms, values and beliefs. These elements put pressure on people to behave in a particular way in different situations. Social norms refer to the rules or laws of conduct. On the other hand, values are collectively cherished social behaviors. Whereas, beliefs are the ideas and philosophies which people believe to be true. Values and beliefs are reinforced and protect via social norms. If an individual violate social norms within a given society he might face formal or informal negative sanctions (punishments).
Sociologists are interested in the study of social structure. Every society structure comprises of five basic social institutions including, political, economic, education, religion and family. Social institutions exist to satisfy different needs of people. When people needs grow more social institutions are created within a given society. Social institutions are interdependent, without one others cannot function and survive. However, each social institution has its own norms (code of conduct). It specify individuals’ statuses and roles in a given institution. Individual have different roles and statuses in social institutions. An individual status might be of brother or father — sister or mother at home. However, at work his or her status could be manager, janitor, director etc… People have to act in accordance with the norms of social institutions. For instance we can wear casual clothes at home but at work or school we have to follow the dress code.
Economic systems also have impact on the social life of individual. In agriculture societies people have homogeneous statuses and roles. Most of the people are peasants by professions in such societies. Their life style and living standards are similar as well. Economic system influence the structure of family, politics and education. For instance Extended family structure is common in rural societies. Whereas, nuclear families are usually found in urban societies.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi
