Concept and Theories of Sociology as a Social Science

Concept and Theories of Sociology as a Social Science Definition of Sociology Sociology is a social science that studies human beings in their social setting including their descent, institutions, systems, organisations and their influence on societal development.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept and Theories of Sociology as a Social Science specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is concerned with understanding the structure and functioning of human society, how it changes over time and the forces that account for the changes. Sociologists thus study human beings in relation to the society and how human conduct, shapes the society and its structures and vice versa. Sociological imagination Sociological imagination is a critical field of criminology concerned with the relationship that exists between the beliefs of the society and the life as experienced in the society. It is the critical examination of issues against the contemporary views of the society. Individual s engaged in sociological imagination, find it pleasant to ask questions in order to get answers to what they observe. They do not rely entirely on what the society holds as true or false rather, they question the basis of its truthfulness or falsehood. Therefore, sociological imagination is concerned with the causes and outcomes of the interaction between various components of the society such as norms, motives and current occurrences in the society. Proponents of sociological thinking do not agree with the facts that are passed on in the society from one generation to another without testing the truth of these facts. Social and personal problems/issues Personal problems concern individuals and most often have no effect on the society as a whole. Social problems on the other hand, are issues affecting several people in a social setting. The difference between the two kinds of problems is that, a personal problem affects an individual’s living style and one is supposed to dea l with it for instance, incidences of obesity and unemployment among others. The social problem is one which cannot be avoided by the larger group since, all or most of the individuals are affected by it.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, the two forms of problems originate from the same bases most of the time. Both social and personal issues might originate from both the social setting and individual mistakes. For instance, lack of employment may be caused by lack of supportive institutions such as schools in the society or alternatively, an individual’s failure to capitalize on opportunities in the society. Some of the problems are very difficult to classify such as abortion. Structural Functionalism Theory of sociology Structural functionalism is the sociological theory which holds that the society is a system made up of very many components or parts w hich interact to foster stability. Each of these parts, has its important function that cannot be ignored since, it contributes to the successful operation of the society as a system. The major components of the societal system are; customs, traditions, norms, institutions and belief systems. These are social processes and structures which define the society by giving it form and distinctiveness.