Introduction
As compared to other sciences, sociology is a new and younger science. Still, sociology has been viewed as the science of society and mother of all social science. However, sociologist differs among themselves regarding the importance and values of sociology. One set of critics trivializes sociology as a discipline having little connectedness with social reality. On the contrary, others argue in favour of its importance as a scientific enterprise rooted in the study of social reality. Sociology, because of its bearing upon many of the problems of the present world, has assumed such great importance that it is considered to be the best approach to all the social sciences. Giddings has rightly pointed out, ‘Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.’ However, the importance of sociology may be known from the following:
1. Sociology studies society in a scientific way
Before the emergence of sociology, there was no systematic and scientific attempt to study human society with all its complexities. Sociology has made it possible to study society in a scientific manner. This scientific knowledge about human society is needed in order to achieve progress in various fields.
2. Sociology throws more light on the social nature of man
Sociology delves deep into the social nature of man. It tells us why man is a social animal and why he lives in a group, communities and societies. It examines the relationship between individual and society, the impact of society on man and other matters.
3. Sociology increases the power of social action
The science of society assists an individual to understand himself, his capacities, talents and limitations. It enables him to adjust himself to the environment. Knowing society, social groups, social institutions, associations, their functions etc., helps us lead an effective social life.
4. Sociology studies the role of institutions in the development of individuals
It is through sociology that scientific study of the great social institutions and the relation of the individual to each is being made. The home and family, the school and education, the church and religion, the state and government, industry and work, and the community and association are institutions through which society functions. Sociology studies these institutions and their role in the development of the individual and suggests suitable measures for strengthening them with a view to enabling them to serve the individual better.
5. The study of sociology is indispensable for understanding and planning of society
Society is a complex phenomenon with a multitude of intricacies. It is impossible to understand and solve its numerous problems without the support of sociology. It is rightly said that we cannot understand and mend society without any knowledge of its mechanism and construction. Without the investigation carried out by sociology, no real effective social planning would be possible. It helps us determine the most efficient means for reaching the agreed-upon goals. A certain amount of knowledge about society is necessary before any social policies can be carried out.
6. Sociology is of great importance in the solution of social problems
The present world is suffering from many problems that can be solved through scientific study of society. It is the task of sociology to study social problems through scientific research methods and find a solution to them. The scientific study of human affairs will ultimately provide the body of knowledge and principles that will enable us to control and improve social life conditions.
7. Sociology has drawn our attention to the intrinsic worth and dignity of man
Sociology has been instrumental in changing our attitude towards human beings. In a specialized society, we are all limited as to the amount of the whole organization and culture that we can experience directly. We can hardly know the people of other areas intimately. In order to have insight into and appreciation of the motives by which others live and the conditions under which they exist, knowledge of sociology is essential. 8) Sociology has changed our outlook with regard to the problems of crime It is through the study of sociology that our whole outlook on various aspects of crime has changed. The criminals are now treated as human beings suffering from mental deficiencies and efforts are accordingly made to rehabilitate them as useful members of society.
9. Sociology has made a great contribution to enriching human culture
Human culture has been made richer by the contribution of sociology. The social phenomenon is now understood in the light of scientific knowledge and enquiry. According to Lowie, most of us harbour the comfortable delusion that our way of doing things is the only sensible, if not only possible one. Sociology has trained us to have a rational approach to questions concerning oneself, religion, customs, morals and institutions. It has further taught us to be objective, critical and dispassionate. It enables man to have a better understanding both of himself and of others. By comparative study of societies and groups other than his existence, his life becomes richer and fuller than it would otherwise be. Sociology also impresses upon us the necessity of overcoming narrow personal prejudices, ambitions and class hatred.
10. Sociology is of great importance in the solution of international problems
The progress made by physical sciences has brought the nations of the world nearer to each other. But in the social field, the world has been left behind by the revolutionary progress of science. The world is divided politically, giving rise to stress and conflict. Men have failed to bring in peace. Sociology can help us in understanding the underlying causes and tensions.
11. The value of sociology lies in the fact that it keeps us updated on modern situations
It contributes to making good citizens and finding solutions to community problems. It adds to the knowledge of the society. It helps the individual find his relation to society. The study of social phenomena and of the ways and means of promoting what Giddens calls social adequacy is one of the most urgent needs of the modern society. Sociology has a strong appeal to all types of mind through its direct bearing upon many of the initial problems of the present world.
12. The study of society has helped governments promote the welfare of the tribal and marginalized communities
The tribal and marginalized communities face many socio-economic and cultural problems. Studies conducted by sociologists and anthropologists regarding tribal societies and problems have helped governments in undertaking social welfare measures and programmes for welfare purposes.
13. Sociology is useful as a teaching subject
Sociology is a profession in which technical competence brings its own rewards. Sociologists trained in research procedures contribute to business, government, industry, social sector, communications and many other areas of community life. Sociology has now become practical enough to be practiced in other fields prominently at local, state, national and international levels.
It is through the study of sociology that the truly scientific study of society has been possible. Sociology alone studies social relationships and society itself. Sociology is interested in social relationships not because they are economic or political or religious or legal but because they are at the same time social. Sociology studies how relations combine, how they build up smaller or greater systems and how they respond to changes and changing needs or demands. Therefore the study of sociology is analytical.
Cited from - Importance of Sociology
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