Sociology For IAS by Vikash Ranjan

y is an academic discipline, but this does not mean that it is simply “a thing to be studied . . . Perhaps sociologist Peter Berger said it best when he wrote, “Sociology is not a practice but an attempt to understand.” This requires that sociologists look at everyday events a little differently from the way most people do. Our goal in this book is to help you better understand the world in which you live and your place in it by helping you to develop your sociological imagination and to learn to think sociologically. Do you sometimes enjoy the peace and solitude of being alone? At other times do you like being with other people, celebrating your achievements or sharing your concerns? If you are like most people, the answer to both questions is probably “Yes.” Although all of us enjoy some time alone, we also need and actively seek the com- pany and security of other people. We congregate to establish families, groups, tribes,communities, nations, and many other organizations, some of which transcend national boundaries. This social imperative sets us apart from other animals, and, though it is sur- vival-related, it transcends mere bio- logical or instinctive drives to cluster for survival. As we form collectivi- ties, we make both conscious and unconscious choices to sacrifice some of our individual freedoms, but at the same time we derive many social benefits from the process. This interdependence between society and the individual is the primary focus of sociology, and understand- ing it requires the development of a sociological imagination—a quality of mind that provides an understand- ing of ourselves within the context of the larger society.