Meaning of Sociology – Definitions of Sociology

Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society, human relationships, and social behavior. It helps us understand how individuals interact, how institutions function, and how social order is maintained or changed. By studying Sociology, we gain a deeper insight into the forces that shape our lives, values, and social structures — making it one of the most essential subjects for aspirants of UPSC, NET-JRF, PGT, Assistant Professor, and State PSC examinations.

What is Sociology?

The term Sociology was coined by Auguste Comte (1798–1857), a French philosopher often regarded as the Father of Sociology. The word combines two roots:

‘Socius’ (Latin) – meaning companion or society
‘Logos’ (Greek) – meaning study or science

Thus, Sociology literally means “the science of society.”
It studies how societies are formed, how they function, and how they change. It looks beyond individuals to examine the collective behavior, systems, and institutions that connect people together.

Nature and Scope of Sociology

Sociology examines society from multiple angles — economic, political, religious, educational, and cultural. It is a comprehensive and scientific study of social life and relationships.

Key Features:

Scientific Nature: Uses systematic observation and analysis.
Social Science: Focuses on group behavior, not individual psychology.
Objective & Rational: Relies on facts and evidence, not beliefs.
Dynamic Discipline: Studies ongoing changes and modernization in society.

Definitions of Sociology by Leading Thinkers

Different sociologists have defined Sociology from unique perspectives. Some focus on structure, others on action or interaction.

Auguste Comte: “Sociology is the science of society.”
Emile Durkheim: “Sociology is the study of social facts.”
Max Weber: “Sociology is a science which seeks interpretative understanding of social action.”
Kingsley Davis: “Sociology is the study of human interaction and interrelations, their conditions and consequences.”
MacIver and Page: “Sociology is about forms of social relationships.”

All these definitions emphasize that Sociology revolves around understanding social relationships, institutions, and the patterns that guide human life.

Importance of Sociology

Sociology is not just a theoretical subject — it has immense practical relevance in understanding and improving societies. For students and administrators alike, it offers clarity about how society functions and evolves.

Major Benefits:

Helps understand social systems and their functioning.
Raises awareness about social issues like inequality, gender, and poverty.
Builds analytical and critical thinking skills essential for governance.
Explains the working of institutions like family, religion, and education.
Encourages a scientific and rational outlook toward social problems.

Meaning of Sociology for UPSC, PGT, Assistant Professor and NET-JRF Aspirants

For UPSC and other competitive exams, Sociology provides a strong base for understanding topics like social structure, caste, class, family, urbanization, and social change.
These concepts directly appear in the General Studies papers and optional subject syllabus.
Thus, studying Sociology not only helps improve exam performance but also enhances your understanding of real-world governance and policymaking.

Key Concepts Related to Sociology

Society: A web of social relationships among individuals.
Social Institutions: Organized systems like family, education, religion, and politics.
Social Change: Transformation in values, norms, and institutions over time.
Culture: Shared beliefs, customs, and practices of a community.

Important MCQs on the Meaning of Sociology (English & Hindi)

1. The term ‘Sociology’ is derived from which language roots? समाजशास्त्र शब्द किन भाषाओं से लिया गया है?

A. Latin and Greek
B. Latin and French
C. Greek and Sanskrit
D. French and German

✅ Answer: A. Latin and Greek
Explanation: Auguste Comte coined the term from Latin Socius (companion) and Greek Logos (study).
हिन्दी में: समाजशास्त्र शब्द लैटिन के “Socius” और यूनानी “Logos” से मिलकर बना है।

2. Who is regarded as the ‘Father of Sociology’? समाजशास्त्र का जनक किसे कहा जाता है?

A. Karl Marx
B. Emile Durkheim
C. Auguste Comte
D. Max Weber

✅ Answer: C. Auguste Comte
Explanation: Comte introduced scientific methods for the study of society and established Sociology as an independent discipline.
हिन्दी में: ऑगस्ट कॉम्ट ने समाज के अध्ययन के लिए वैज्ञानिक पद्धति अपनाई, इसलिए उन्हें समाजशास्त्र का जनक कहा जाता है।

3. According to Max Weber, what is the main focus of Sociology? मैक्स वेबर के अनुसार समाजशास्त्र का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?

A. Study of economic relations
B. Interpretative understanding of social action
C. Study of social facts
D. Analysis of power and authority

✅ Answer: B. Interpretative understanding of social action
Explanation: Weber emphasized understanding the meaning and purpose behind human actions in a social context.
हिन्दी में: मैक्स वेबर के अनुसार समाजशास्त्र सामाजिक क्रियाओं की व्याख्यात्मक समझ का विज्ञान है।

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who first coined the term Sociology?
Auguste Comte, a French philosopher, coined the term in the 19th century.

2. What is the literal meaning of Sociology?
It literally means “the science or study of society.”

3. Why is Sociology important for UPSC aspirants?
It helps understand social problems, public policy, and human behavior — all essential for governance and administration.

Conclusion

Sociology enables us to look at society through a scientific and rational lens. It explains how individuals and institutions interact and how collective human behavior shapes the world around us. For aspirants of UPSC, NET-JRF, and State PSC exams, understanding the meaning, scope, and foundations of Sociology is the first step toward mastering the subject.

By studying Sociology, we don’t just learn about society — we learn about ourselves, our roles, and the forces that shape human life.