The study of sociology is not limited or confined to the particular aspect of human social life and society. However, sociologists analyze each and every aspect of human social behavior and society. Sociology is the study of entire society, in which sociologists’ examine social institutions, social interactions, groups, types of societies, culture, social values, social norms, sanctions, crimes, criminal behavior etc… The discipline of sociology almost covers every single characteristic of human social behavior and society, therefore, it is difficult to discuss all the sub-fields of sociology. However, some general and renowned branches of the discipline are explained below.
Sociological Theory
In this branch sociologists study or analyze past sociological theories through scientific methods. Previous social theories are verified and tested via scientific research methods.
Criminology
Criminology is among one of the pivotal branches of sociology, it is the study of deviant or criminal behavior of individuals and groups within a society. Criminologists analyze laws, sanctions and causes of crimes or criminal behavior. Moreover, it also studies social institutions which are responsible for formulating and imposing formal laws as well as, the effects of punishments (negative sanctions) on human behavior and society.
Sociology Of Knowledge
Sociology of knowledge is among newly emerged branches of sociology, it studies the relationship between society and human thoughts. Sociology of knowledge insinuate that, knowledge of individuals’ is influenced and mended by social environment. In other words, structure of society determines the development and nature of individual thoughts and ideas.
Political Sociology
Political sociologists analyze the effects of political phenomenon on human social life as well as, the impact of social forces on formal political process. Political sociology is concerned with the sociological study of political structure.
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of religion examines the beliefs of individuals as well as the structure of religion within a society through research. Sociologists use or had used qualitative and quantitative research to analyze the structure of religions and belief systems within different social settings. Distinguished social thinkers have had presented their theoretical perspective on religion these include, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx and max Weber. Some social theorists have defined the functions of religion within a social system while, others presented religion as source of exploitation within a society. However, all outlooks provide useful information regarding universal basic institution of religion. Therefore, theories of all these eminent social thinkers are studied in this sub-field of sociology.
Rural Sociology
Rural sociology is among one of the popular and important branches of sociology, it deals with the study social life, structure and culture of rural society. The primary focus of urban sociologists is the analysis of rural economic structure (agriculture/food production and distribution) however, areas such as conflict, traditions, social solidarity, community development, rural migration, demographics etc. are also studied in rural sociology.
Urban Sociology
Urban sociology is among one of the important sub-fields of sociology, it studies the structure of urban societies as well as, social interactions among individuals within urban societies. Urban sociologists are interested in analyzing the social life and structure of metropolitan cities. They identify the causes, social problem and social change that occurs during the process of urbanization. Analysis such as these aid in the planning and formulating policies for cities (urban societies). The foundation of urban sociology rest upon the theoretical work of eminent social thinkers such as, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Tonnies, George Simmel and Emile Durkheim. These theories provides insight regarding the effects of political, economic and cultural process of urbanization on human social life and society.
Sociology of Culture
Sociology of culture is concerned with the study of culture. Culture refers to the way of life shared by individuals within a group or defined geographical area. Cultural sociologist analyze culture via interpreting the subjective meaning behind individuals’ behavior. In order to understand subjective meanings behind social actions one must study elements of culture these include, language, social norms, values and beliefs. Therefore, cultural sociologist analyze the formation and evolution of cultural elements as well as, the influence of these cultural elements on individuals’ social lives and personalities.
Sociology of Demography
Demography is the study of size, structure and distribution of population of a given society. Population structure of a society could be analyzed through collecting the data on age, sex, birth rate, death rate, education, ethnicity, religion, income etc. Of people.
Sociology of Family
Sociology of family is concerned the study of family which is the oldest and universal institution in the history of societies. This branch of sociology examine the effects of social change on the structure of family as well as, the influence of family structure on people social lives.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi
