TOPIC 1 NOTES

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION AS A

DISCIPLINE

Introduction

In the first lesson, we lay the foundation of the entire course by explaining the origin of

Sociology and concepts related with the development of Sociology. The purpose of the lesson is

to enable student teachers to appreciate key concepts in Sociology and Sociology of Education.

Lesson Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

i. Discuss origins of Sociology and Sociology of education as discipline

ii. Explain the concepts used in Sociology

iii. Describe the development of Sociology of Education and its significance to Education

iv. Describe what Sociology deals with

SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION

The sociological perspective is based on the assumption that human behavior is determined by

one’s membership in a particular social group.

Definition of Sociology
Sociology is the study of society and human social action; the study of social rules, processes

that bind and separate individuals as members of groups or institutions; study of human behavior

in group setting.

The term Sociology was first used by a French Philosopher called Auguste Comte (1798 –

1857) in 1843. The term sociology is a combination of two words. Socius in Latin and Logos in

Greek. Socius means sharing in group. Logos meaning study/ science of i.e. study of sharing.

To Comte Sociology was a science of society; also called social physics.

Comte is credited to be the founder of positivist perspective/ paradigm in sociology. He

believed that society has 3 levels of consciousness/develops through three (3) stages, from

simple to complex:

(i) Magic (Theological) stage – human beings tend to explain social phenomena

(issues) by use of myths and religion.

(ii) Metaphysical (Rational) stage – social phenomena are explained by use of

philosophy or Reason.

(iii) Scientific (Positivist) – science is used to explain social phenomena.

He assumes that:

(i) Society can be studied scientifically using methods applicable in physical/ natural

sciences.
 (ii) Both physical matter and human beings react to some kind of stimulus in a similar

way given same conditions; hence when we study using Positivist paradigm we focus on social

factors that are observable, measurable, quantifiable. Thescientification of sociological inquiry.

A Positivist paradigm of society is objective and testable. It is also empirical since it can

be seen, observed, measured and replicated. As a science, Sociology was to discover the laws of

social order. Explain natural development and help to maintain social harmony/stability.

It was regarded as the ‘Queen of Sciences’

Other sociologists who adopted the Positivist approach include:

- Emile Durkheim

- Talcott Parsons e.t.c.

Another perspective is Phenomenological Perspective (Paradigm), developed by a German

philosopher, Max Weber. He argued that social phenomena are different from natural issues

hence it would be inappropriate to use methods of physical sciences to study social issues.

Human beings have a consciousness and are active participants in their social reality – Do not

just react to stimulus, but interpret it, in different ways. Therefore people react differently to the

same stimulus; (depending on the interpretation.)

The study of society under this approach should take into account individual differences. The

humanization of sociological inquiry.

Sociological perspectives determine how sociological data is collected, analysed and interpreted.

(Many perspectives have emerged e.g. Conflict, feminist, post-modern etc)

Sociology as a discipline is a product of the 19th century.

Development of Sociology

There are three (3) factors that contributed to the development of sociology as a discipline in the

19th century:

1. Emergence of New Social Issues

New problems that were not adequately addressed by philosophy/ science of that time; linked

to this was;-

2. Industrial Revolution (Economic)

Rapid development of society gave rise to new problems e.g. Issues of poverty, pollution, crime,

urbanisation and related urban problem (housing, sanitation, overcrowding e.t.c.)

3. Role of the French Revolution (Political)

Based on writings of social and political philosophers, encyclopaedists, historians, economic

theorists and other social scientists of the time e.g. Voltaire, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, Karl Marx,

Max Weber, Herbert Spencer, Durkheim e.t.c.

Following the rallying call of French Revolution of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.( Liberte,

Egalite Fraternity)
What sociology deals with

It deals with a wide variety (range) of issues summed up into the following;

1. Study of human behaviour in group settings

Focuses on social groups e.g. family, religion as social institutions, politics, education; it looks at

behaviour and activities within the institutions, at social communication within these institutions

and socialization patterns, the value and function of the social institutions to wider society.

2. Study of culture

Culture is total way of life of people, or a society. Culture can be material or non-material. i)

Material culture refers to artifacts, physical things, objects made by man, tools etc.

Culture is shared, transmitted from one generation to another through socialization.

ii) Non-material culture refers to those aspects not perceived by the senses e.g. belief systems,

language, customs, values.

Cultural Practices and Forces on Society

To a sociologist culture is very important. It forms the basis of life in a society; culture varies

from society to society.

3. Social structures and social stratification.

Sociology looks at social institutions and social structures within the society. It looks at social

stratification (social classes), causes and effects of social stratification, looks at issues of social
mobility. Hence certain aspects of education and its role in social stratification; Role of property

and ownership in social stratification, Power/ability to control means of production and activity

of others is considered.

4. Social Pathology

- Social pathology is concerned with identifying types of behaviours that impact negatively on

society and how the activities can be controlled.

- Deals with Ameliorative function – treat and manage problems of the society.

- Ensures that society continues to exist. (Harmony and stability)

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

There must be an issue/ problem to be investigated, a hypothesis to test an intriguing question

whose solution one wants to explore.

1. Survey Method

Used when target population is large and when general opinions are sought. In education circles

survey method is used by commissions to investigate issues of curriculum, purpose and or aims,

and other themes from a wide population.

2. Interview Method

Researcher interviews the target population (direct communication). The interview/

questionnaire could be open ended or structured. Open ended entails seeking opinion of the

interviewee (opine). In the structured interview the interviewee (respondent) answers specific

questions.
3. Questionnaire Method

A set of questions out of which responses are expected. It could be open ended or structured.

4. Participant Observation Method

Researcher in the field must have a detailed observation schedule.

5. Case Study

Refers to detailed investigation of a single case. An issue to be investigated is identified