Relationship of Sociology to other Social Science Disciplines

Relationship of Sociology to other Social Science Disciplines Sociology is one of a group of social sciences. Other social sciences includes Anthropology, Economics , Psychology Political science and History. Difference : Each study a specific aspect. Similarity : Share a certain range of common interests, concepts and methods. Example : How would a political scientist or economist study gender roles and their implications(connect/involve) for politics or the economy ? Analysing sociology of family or gender division of labour is needed.

Sociology and Economics The study of production and distribution of goods and services. 3 approaches in Economics : § Traditional Economics § Classical Economics § Political Economics Sociology looks at economic behaviour in a broader context of social norms, values, practices and interests. Examples § Advertisement reshaping lifestyles and consumption patterns. § Feminist economist : how work in the home is linked to productivity outside ? Sociology encourages questioning and critical perspective of economical activities. “Sociology of Development”

Sociology and Political Science Conventional political science focuses on Two approaches 1) Political Theory 2) Government administration What is missed by the political science i. e. , “Political Behaviour” is studied by Sociology. Soc. Stresses the interrelationship between sets of institutions including government. Example: Max Weber worked on “Political sociology” focussed on political behaviour. Political patterns of voting, Sociological reasons for supporting political parties, the role of gender in politics, Political moves and changes in the society.

Sociology and History Historians almost as a rule study the past, to delineate the actual events, to establish how things actually happened. Conventional history has been about the study of Kings and War study of production and distribution of goods and services. Sociology studies the recent or contemporary past to establish causal relationship. Examples § Changes in traditional land relations and gender relations. § Changes in social patterns, mores, customs and important institutions other than the acts of rulers, wars and monarchy. “Social History”

Sociology and Psychology is the “Science of behaviour” – involves primarily with the individual. It is interested in Intelligence, Motivations and Memory, Nervous system and Reaction time, Hopes and Fears. Sociology concerns itself in the way individual behaves in collectivity with other individuals. (Social groups). Soc. studies how different aspects of the society shapes an individual. Examples § Emile Durkheim study on “Suicide” “Social Psychology”

Sociology and Anthropology in most countries incorporates archaeology, physical anthropology, cultural history and the study of all aspects of simple/primitive societies. Sociology studies modern, complex societies of the present and therefore the parts of the society religion, caste or bureaucracy. “Social Anthropology” – Developed in the West (trained social anthropologist) studied non-European societies often thought as barbaric and uncivilised. Example : India being a complex mix of tradition(simple) and modernity (Complex), of the village and city, of caste and tribe, of class and community.

Activity Sociology & Economics 1. Do you think ‘Spending’ and ‘Saving’ habits are culturally formed ? 2. Why the idea of defining ‘good life’ is only economically defined ? Sociology & Political science 1. Find out the kind of studies that were conducted during the last general elections.

Activity Sociology & Psychology 1. Find out the social factors that creates stress among college students / working women ? Sociology & Anthropology 1. When was tea cultivation started in Assam ? Sociology & History 1. Find out how historians have written about architecture and housing styles, art, clothes and fashion (Culture).