ENGINEERING ETHICS
(HU-426)
Lecture#02
Engr. Ayla Safdar
Lecturer
Electrical Department
Sociology
❑A way of studying People
❑A social issue (also called a social problem, social
conflict, or social illness) is a problem that influences
a considerable number of the individuals within a society.
Sociology
Prior to the emergence of sociology the study of society
was carried on in an unscientific manner.
Society had never been the central concern of any science.
It is through the study of sociology that the truly scientific
study of the society has been possible.
Sociology because of its bearing upon many of the problems
of the present world has assumed such a great importance.
What is Sociology
Sociology is being defined differently by different
sociologists and other’s, like
According to
Ward “Sociology is science of society”.
George Simmel is of the opinion that it is a subject which
studies human inter- relationship.
Giddins is of the view that “Sociology is scientific study
of society”.
What is Sociology
We may thus conclude these definitions as “Sociology
may be defined as the study of the ways in which
social experiences function in developing,
maturing and repressing human beings through
inter-personal stimulations.”
What is Sociology
We can say that:
Sociology is concerned with social relationships and
studies of society,
Human interactions, inter-personal and intra-personal
relations. It tries to study scientifically social institutions,
organizations and systems. These definitions also make it
amply clear that sociologists view the subject differently
and that there is no unanimity in this regard.
Nature of Sociology
❑Sociology is scientific discipline. It is a science in the sense
that it involves objectives and systematic methods of
investigating and evolution of society.
❑It is considered to be social science, not natural, societies
are different than world of nature.
Importance of Sociology
Study of sociology is indispensable for understanding and
planning of society
Society is a complex phenomenon.
It is impossible to understand and solve its numerous problems
without support of sociology.
It is rightly said that we cannot understand and mend society without
any knowledge of its mechanism and construction.
Without the investigation carried out by sociology no real effective
social planning would be possible. It helps us to determine the most
efficient means for reaching the goals agreed upon. A certain amount
of knowledge about society is necessary before any social policies can
be carried out.
Sociology is of great importance in the solution
of social problems
The present world is suffering from many problems which can
be solved through scientific study of the society. It is
the task of sociology to study the social problems
through the methods of scientific research and to
find out solution to them. The scientific study of human
affairs will ultimately provide the body of knowledge and
principles that will enable us to control the conditions of
social life and improve them.
Sociology has drawn our attention to the
intrinsic worth and dignity of man
Sociology has been instrumental in changing our
attitude towards human beings.
In a specialized society we are all limited as to the amount of
the whole organization and culture that we can experience
directly.
We can hardly know the people of other areas intimately.
In order to have insight into and appreciation of
the motives by which others live and the conditions
under which they exist a knowledge of sociology is
essential.
Sociology has changed our outlook with
regard to the problems of crime
It is through the study of sociology that our whole
outlook on various aspects of crime has change.
The criminals are now treated as human beings suffering
from mental deficiencies and efforts are accordingly made
to rehabilitate them as useful members of the society.
Sociology is of great importance in the
solution of international problems
The progress made by physical sciences has brought the
nations of the world nearer to each other.
But in the social field the world has been left behind by the
revolutionary progress of the science.
The world is divided politically giving rise to stress and
conflict.
Men have failed to bring in peace. Sociology can
help us in understanding the underlying causes
and tensions.
Social Interactions
In sociology, social interaction is a dynamic, changing
sequence of social actions between individuals or groups.
A social interaction is a social exchange between two or
more individuals. These interactions form the basis for social
structure and therefore are a key object of basic social
inquiry and analysis.
Social interactions can be differentiated into accidental,
repeated, regular and regulated.
Social structures and cultures are founded upon social
interactions.
Social Interactions---Examples
❑When People do some thing with the express purpose of
receiving a reward or return, they are involved in an
exchange interaction.
❑A corporate interaction occurs when people act together
to promote common interests or achieve shared goals.
Social Groups
A collection of humans or animals that share certain
characteristics, interact with one another, accept
expectations and obligations as members of the group, and
share a common identity.
A social category is a collection of people who do not
interact but who share similar characteristics.
For example, women, men, the elderly, and high school
students all constitute social categories.
Social Groups
A social category can become a social group when the
members in the category interact with each other and
identify themselves as members of the group.
In contrast, a social aggregate is a collection of people who
are in the same place, but who do not interact or share
characteristics.
