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Class-XI

Chapter-2

Terms, Concepts and their Use in Sociology

(Module-1)

 According to Sociologist, Peter Berger, terminology is possibly very important for
sociology, because we are familiar with its subject matter and there already exist
words to denote it.

 Every discipline has a certain set of terms and corresponding concepts that will
helps in learning and understanding the discipline clearly. Terms can be a word or
phrase used to describe a thing or express a concept, especially in a brand of
study. Concepts on the other hand is an abstract idea that helps to explain or
conceptualize a term to gain better understating of the subject matter of study.

 Terms will be universal in nature and everyone associated with the brand of study
will be familiar with it. However, concepts can be of different kinds based on
different ideas.

 Sociology as a discipline is marked by different ways of understanding society
and abrupt social changes brought due to modernisation.

SIGNIFICANCE OF TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN SOCIOLOGY

 We need specific terms and concepts to understand our divergent views about
how and why society exists.

 The terms and concepts reflect the concern of social thinkers to understand and
map the social changes.

 It reflects the concern that sociologists had in understanding the structured
inequalities between groups and society.

 Terms and concepts acts as tool of different ways to understand society.

 Sociology as a discipline allows coexistence of concepts that leads to divergence
of views. For example, conflict theory versus the functionalist theory. This
multiplicity of approaches is particularly acute in sociology. Or, how different
thinkers explain society and its functioning.