Lecture on Sociology - The Discipline

Introduction

• Excitement about the course: unique with handmade notes including flowcharts and diagrams.
• Focus on Sociology as a discipline, particularly for UPSC preparation.
• This session covers "Topper Secret of Answer Writing and Solution to Pahne Ka Mann Ni Kara".

Key Concepts

Sociology as a Discipline

• Origin tied to Modernity and Social Changes in Europe.
• Emergence of Sociology as a response to changes in Europe around 1838.

Modernity

• Defined by Ritzer as anything new or opposed to tradition, an ongoing process.

Developments Leading to Sociology

1. Renaissance: Shift from religious to secular ideology; emphasized living life fully in the present.
2. French Revolution (1789): Brought about Equalitarian Ideology - revolt for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
3. Industrial Revolution: Led to Utilitarian Ideology - democracy and maximum happiness for maximum people.

Emergence of Sociology

• Key events: Age of Enlightenment, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution.
• Sociology emerged as a need to explain and solve problems not covered by existing body of knowledge (BOK).

Development and Changes

• Renaissance: Rationalism, decrease in Church influence, rise of monarchs.
• Brahmastra Technique: Writing method using generalized points applicable to various topics.

Philosophers and Sociologists Involved

• Montesquieu, Rousseau, Marx, Weber, Saint Simon, Auguste Comte.

Major Social Changes

• Transition from feudal to industrial society.
• Rise of liberal democracy and middle classes.
• Problems: Poor working conditions, nuclear families, poverty.

Scope of Sociology

• Developed through phases:
  1. Initial (1838-1880): Macro-level, humanistic, inductive.
  2. Second (1880-1940): Micro-level, interpretative sociology.
  3. Third (1940-1990s): Blend of macro and micro theories.
  4. Present Phase: Expansion into health, IT, environment; post-modernity challenges eternal truths.

Relation with Other Disciplines

• Sociology and History: Sociology finds similarities in events; history emphasizes differences.
  • Key Quotes: "Sociology without history is rootless, history without sociology is fruitless."
• Sociology and Economy: Involves concepts like economic determinism and advertisement.
• Sociology and Philosophy: Raises philosophical questions and impacts philosophies like Marxism.

Common Sense vs Sociology

• Common Sense: Unquestioned, taken for granted knowledge.
• Sociology: Analytical, evolving, challenges traditions.
• Key Sociologists: Alfred Schultz, Howard Becker, Peter Berger.

Important Techniques

• Brahmastra: Use in writing to provide a strong introduction/conclusion.
• Application of Theories: How theories like Gramsci’s cultural hegemony help in understanding sociology.

Conclusion

• Sociology has evolved to address various societal changes and continues to adapt to new societal problems.
• Its scope and methods have expanded to include a wide array of social sciences and methodologies.