Scope of Sociology

Scope of Sociology

Scope refers to the area of study or field of inquiry of a particular science, including sociology. Sociology has its own defined boundaries within which it operates, allowing for systematic study. However, sociologists have differing opinions on the scope of sociology. Some argue that sociology encompasses everything under the sun, while others believe it should have a more limited focus. There are two main schools of thought among sociologists about the scope and subject matter of sociology such as (A) The Formalistic or Specialist School of thought and (B) The Synthetic School of thought.

1. The Formalistic or Specialist School of Thought: This led by sociologist George Simmel and supported by scholars such as Alfred Vierkandt, Leopold Vonwiese, Max Weber, Albion Small, and Ferdinand Tonnies, asserts that sociology should study specific forms of social relationships. These scholars aim to differentiate sociology from other social sciences and consider it a pure and independent science. For example, Simmel suggests that sociology should focus on describing, classifying, analyzing, and delineating forms of social relationships, socialization processes, and social organization. This school emphasizes studying formal behaviour rather than actual behaviour, limiting the scope of sociology.

2. The Synthetic School of Thought: Synthetic School of thought, represented by sociologists like Emile Durkheim, L. T. Hobhouse, P. A. Sorokin, Morris Ginsberg, Karl Mannheim, and Alex Inkles, seeks to make sociology a synthesis of social sciences. This school argues for a broad scope of sociology, asserting that different aspects of social life are interconnected and should be studied holistically. For instance, Durkheim divides sociology’s scope into three main divisions: social morphology, social physiology, and general sociology. Other scholars within the synthetic school propose similar comprehensive approaches to studying social relationships, social institutions, social control mechanisms, social processes, and social problems.

Thus, the scope of sociology can be understood as a subject of ongoing debate between the formalistic or specialist school and the synthetic school. The former advocates for a limited focus on specific forms of social relationships, while the latter argues for a wide-ranging study of all aspects of social life. Both perspectives recognize the interrelatedness of the part and the whole, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of society requires studying both specific elements and their broader contexts.