Hello there,

In today's edition, we will cover the next sub-topic of our first chapter along with Q&A based on the questions asked in my previous blogs. The questions are good and I would like to attribute them in a blog. Let's understand the scope. And I also tell you this first - that among sociologists there is a significant presence of conflict with regards to each other's views. Sociology since subjective for few and objective for few has been the main reason for conflict.

Source - Giphy

Scope

Scope - a region or the limit to which a concept or element applies. And it is also acceptable by the majority. For example, the gravitational constant "G" in physics is set to 9.82 m/s*2. This value is applicable and acceptable everywhere in the world. No dispute is there with the use of the same.

Source - Giphy

But when you speak about science, science like physics is based on pure rationality and direct observation. By rationality, I meant that there are fixed ways of doing something. Like in math, a question can have 5 methods for its solution, but it also implicitly tells that within these 5 methods, you are assured to get the conclusion.

The same is not possible with any subjective subject as people have their own opinions and views. Especially with sociology, attempts were made to make it rational as well, but since sociology relies on "social relations", it instantly becomes subjective, and concluding is very difficult.

Boundaries

A few great thinkers, who tried their best to bring scientific principle and sociology together, have also left many stones unturned. Herbert Spencer, and Emile Durkheim - were the main proponents of addressing sociology as an objective science. They tried their best, for example, Herbert Spencer tried to associate society with seasonal changes. Emile Durkheim's entire theory revolves around "Social Facts".

Sociologists trying to apply science in sociology

Source - MakeAGif

Durkheim's theory has more clarity on this cause. He tried to convert the subjective part into objective using formulas. He wanted to bring generalization of a few events like marriage, family, and ceremonies. He also wanted to find the common notion among the religions around the world.

QnA

By @inuke - I am no history student but my understanding is Renaissance is a period in human history, that specifically focuses on the European region and not the entire world. So is the subject a study or society of any particular geographical region? I am not sure if my question makes any sense.

Initially, the subject of sociology was confined to Europe only. It first spread in the USA and later in other parts of the world. Sociology in India was introduced in the 20th Century and was rising after the independence of India. My studies cover Indian society along with the global theories that are used as the foundation of any sociological research in India. I will later mix Indian and Global sociology, to present the best view.

By @inuke - How does a subject that is the most relatable, is a study of human society not apply to the real world.?

It does apply to understanding the phenomenon. Sociology is relatively a new subject and field of study. Sociology emerged in the 18th century. However the application part is fairly very subjective, there is no concrete methodology that one can apply in a given situation. Hence, we don't consider sociology as science but it is acceptable as social science.

Thanks @inuke for your questions.