Hello there,

We completed our first chapter where we saw the emergence of sociology as a subject. We went through the basics, made comparisons with other sciences, understood the scope of this subject, and took many questions. The second chapter is just about how data are being collected to be used in sociological studies.

We will also see some short terms in this chapter that we use often in sociology. I will give a liner meaning of such terms unless a detailed definition is required.

Source - Tenor

Data sources

Source - Makeagif

Since sociology is relatively a new subject, it relies on other subjects. Other subjects like history, political science, social science, biology, etc have already completed a significant part of their studies using the data. Since the concepts in these "other subjects" are already refined, it becomes easier to use them and deduce theories in sociology.

Sociology was also influenced by Darwin's evolutionary theory and tried to combine the same in sociology as the evolution of society. Most of the thinkers stressed the evolutionary part only, in an attempt to finally get the answers behind this evolution. We will understand the same in each thinker's separate blogs.

Malinowski in Torbiand Island

Source - giphy

Malinowski one of the pioneer sociologists, who by accident, had the opportunity to study an Island. He was convicted in 1917 and sent to Trobiand Island as a form of punishment he had to serve for 2 years. Trobiand Island is located to the north of Australia.

Malinowski during his two years of punishment, became part of the local tribe and conducted his research on them. This was one unique way of collecting data. This was later called - "Participant Observation." Unlike other thinkers who base their research on other's data, Malinowski turned sociology into a field study as well.

Later Malinoski in his research paper also stated that he was so lost in the moment with the tribe's people that he often forgot to observe them and take note of it. Due to this, he also stated that he might have lost a few points that could have made his research more comprehensive. Nevertheless, his field of study later changed the way sociologist carried out their studies.

Here is the group photo - Malinowski chilling with tribesmen

Source - LSE

Surprise

I liked this video and had a great laugh. Learn to make a fire!

Source - ClarAHathaway Youtube