Encyclopaedia of Teaching of Sociology (Teaching of Sociology)

Characteristics of Sociology

Sociology is distinguished by two characteristics. Firstly, its approach to phenomena—the approach of science, and second, by its subject matter—human interaction. In brief, Sociology is the scientific study of human interaction.

Sociology does not, however, study everything that happens in society or under social conditions. For example, sociologists study religion only in so far as it affects social relationships, i.e., the relationship of man to man, of one group to another, or of one group to the whole society.

In other words, sociology is concerned with the 'Whole of human society. The value of Sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us up-to-date on modern situations; it contributes to making good citizens; it contributes to the solution of community problems; it helps the individual find his relation to society; it identifies good government with community; and it helps one to understand causes of things and so on.

The question of the importance of Sociology today is not whether or not we should have it, but how the knowledge acquired by it can be used. This work is designed to bring together succinct information on all fundamental issues concerned with sociology, with particular emphasis on the teaching aspect of the subject.