Essay Example on Sociology: Definition, Interaction, & Conformity

Due to the state in which people were living together, there was a need to establish sociology. Sociology was meant to assist sociologists in the study of people's interaction in society. The essay reviews the definition of sociology and how base and superstructure interact based on law policy, and ideology. Additionally, the essay examines conformity according to functionalism, and internationalism

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According to Frenchman, Auguste Compte, sociology is the study of society (Luhmann 2017). Based on this definition, sociology helps in the study of social interaction and the culture of everyday life. In this case, sociology is a social science that applies various ways of empirical investigation and evaluation to understand various changes that occur in society (Luhmann 2017). Other sociologists define sociology as a general science of society (Denzin 2017). The definition explains the research explains that sociology assists in studying social policy and welfare through the social structure.

In a communist society, historical materialism is one of the most common theories used when studying human societies. The theory studies human society by focusing on its organization and development based on their historical progress (Denzin 2017). Additionally, the theory creates a conceptual framework that explains how people produce and reproduce materials that are needed for survival. According to Karl Marx, base and superstructure are two concepts that have a close interaction with historical materialism (Denzin 2017). In this case, the base refers to the forces and associations of materials production and the role of individuals in the production process. On the other hand, the superstructure entails all factors of society, such as values and beliefs which influence human life (Luhmann 2017). According to the theory, the superstructure successfully grows out of the base. This concept shows how the interest of a certain ruling class originated (Denzin 2017). As such, it is the responsibility of the ruling class to formulate laws. The political structure formulates policies and rules according to how the base operates. Furthermore, the superstructure operates under a social structure that is made by a certain culture (Luhmann 2017). Through this structure, society formulates ideologies that promote social growth.

Sociologically, Durkheim is seen as the founder of the functionalist theory of sociology. This appeared after Durkheim formulated an idea about deviance (Denzin 2017). Usually, conformity creates a system that connects people according to social norms to make a single unit. According to Durkheim, deviance must be comprehended based on society as a whole. As such, deviance itself is a functional norm, which is meant to maintain boundaries and focus on social changes (Luhmann 2017). In this case, Durkheim criticized the idea that crime is both normal and functional (Denzin 2017). Instead, he stated that crime is a critical issue for both victims and society. As such, the sociology of crime and deviance should assist leaders when formulating rules to prevent the problem.

The German sociologist Max Weber insisted that bureaucracy entails a more effective and rational technique in which human activity can be arranged in a system based on hierarchies that are essential in maintaining order (Luhmann 2017). In this case, Weber argued that bureaucracy is a system that regulates people's interaction by threatening their freedom (Denzin 2017). Additionally, weber claimed that bureaucracy creates an environment that imposes rational control based on certain rules (Denzin 2017). Through the process, Weber tries to focus on sociological elements by considering class, status, and power distribution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sociology is a wide field that tries to study more about society. Development of theories such as historical materialism, functionalism, and interactionism create a good forum to understand more about society. The theory, historical materialism, creates a conceptual framework that explains how people produce and reproduce materials that are needed for survival.

References

Denzin, Norman K. 2017. Sociological Methods: A Sourcebook. Routledge.

Luhmann, Niklas. 2017. Risk: A Sociological Theory. Routledge.