Basic Concepts of Social Sciences Archives

Industrialism and Modernization

October 23, 2012 No Comments

Define modernization. Explain social effects of modernization with relevant examples. Also explain different types of authority. Industrialism and Modernization: Modernization is the process of economic and social change that is brought about by the introduction of the industrial mode of production into a society. The Process of Modernization: Only a few centuries ago, population consisted of a large, number of localized and isolated societies whose members lived on hunting, gathering, horticulture, or agriculture. The industrial revolution introduced an entirely new types of society, one that produced tremendous wealth. But, it also destroyed traditional forms of social organizations and created new ones in their place. This process of change in the early industrial societies of Europe was spread over several generations, and culture and social organizations were able to adapt to these changing conditions, but, in the less developed part of the world, change has come more rapidly and with more […]

Basic Concepts of Social Sciences

The Concept of Social Institution

October 22, 2012 No Comments

What is meant by social institution? Elaborate the multidimensional functions and characteristics of family? The Concept of Social Institution In every society there are certain basic social needs, it is a must for the society to meet these needs for the survival and satisfaction of its members. In each society, therefore, people create social institutions to meet these needs. What is an institution? The sociological concept of the term is different from its common usage. An institution is not a building; it is not a group of people; it is not an organization; An institution is a system of norms to achieve some goal or activity that people feel is important, or more formally, an organized cluster of folkways and mores centered around a major human activity. Institution are structured processes through which people carry on their activities. Institutions do not have members; they have followers. This is a […]

Basic Concepts of Social Sciences

Norms, Folkways, Values and Groups

October 20, 2012 No Comments

Explain the following terms with your own examples. a) Norms b) Folkways c) Values d) Groups a) Norms: Social norms are described by sociologists as being laws that govern society’s behaviors . Although these norms are not considered to be formal laws within society, they still work to promote a great deal of social control. Social norms can be enforced formally (e.g., through sanctions) or informally (e.g., through body language and non-verbal communication cues.) If people do not follow these norms then they become labeled as deviants and this can lead to them being considered the outcast of society. What is considered “normal” is relative to the location of the culture in which the social interaction is taking place. Norms in every culture create conformity that allows for people to become socialized to the culture in which they live. Sociology’s theorists such as Talcott Parsons and Karl […]

Basic Concepts of Social Sciences

Sociology, Basic characteristics, Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology

October 18, 2012 No Comments

What is Sociology? What are its basic characteristics? Explain major theoretical perspectives of Sociology? Definition of Sociology The subject has been looked from various points of view and now it is an opportune time to define the subject properly. According to P.A. Sorokin “sociology is a generalizing science of socio-cuitural phenomena viewed in their generic forms, types, and manifold interconnections. ” (Bierstedt, 1970. 3-28) Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behaviour. The subject matter of sociology is huge and complex, and the knowledge produced by sociological research is still imperfect in many ways. However, it has taught us a great deal about ourselves. (RotarTson, 1977 :3) No formal definition of sociology is very satisfactory. Short definitions don’t really define; long definitions are clumsy. Yet a definition of some sort is needed, and sociology is often defined as the scientific study of human social life.. Human beings […]