Sociology: Overview

Scholars of sociology, commonly defined as the scientific study of social relations, social institutions, and societies, conceive the objectives, uses, styles, and methods of their discipline in various ways. One type of sociologist grants it primarily an informative function, that of producing data and analyses to aid decision makers. A second type sees it as serving a critical function, that of identifying the various defects of societies. Finally, a third type sees sociology as a means of explaining social phenomena. These three orientations characterize contemporary as well as classical sociology. Sociologists also endorse a range of methodological and theoretical positions. While some oppose a positivist to an antipositivist approach, others oppose a holistic to an individualistic stance, a rational to an irrational theory of behavior, or a utilitarian to a nonutilitarian view of rationality. Max Weber's sociology is of particular value, for it offers a paradigm capable of transcending these alternatives. One may effectively refute the skepticism that has developed toward sociology and its variety of approaches by focusing on its genuine achievements and demonstrating how actual research has overcome theoretical oppositions in various cases.