Sociology is such a vastly dynamic field, that to limit it’s definition to a few words would be an injustice to it. It is one of the several social sciences which deal with man and his activities in society; while the other sciences being history, geography, philosophy, political science, economics or even anthropology.
In other words, it won’t be wrong to say that sociology is the basic social science which encompasses all other sciences in it. Man’s life is multifaceted. It has the economic aspect, political aspect, religious aspect and so on and so forth.
Sociology not only borrows from other social sciences but also has given a lot to them by paving a new path and dimension to other social sciences. As mentioned in the beginning Sociology makes it possible to talk and inculcate various characteristics while studying about it, unlike other social sciences which aim at one particular aspect. However, sociology could be distinguished from other social sciences related to its contents and the emphasis is given on them. There are many parallels amongst almost all fields of sciences. In order to study these parallels, one must know to what extent and on what terms do they differ.
Relationship between sociology and Political Science
According to Morris Ginsberg, “ Historically, sociology has its main roots in politics and philosophy of history.” By Aristotle’s and Plato’s findings related to political science, we know that it is an independent academic discipline. Where political science deals with the problems of city or state in which men live; sociology focuses on the social lives and emotions related to the masses. Both are concerned with the study of the society but the opinions being subjectively different.
Whichever decision the government takes it is always regulated by the society and for the society. Any law is constructed, enforced or implemented because it has something to do with the masses.
Thus both cannot be explained in the absence of the other just like one couldn’t have been able to explain reality if one didn’t know about illusion and vice versa.
Relationship between sociology and economics
Categorically speaking, Economics is the study of goods and services. However, Fairchild, Buck, and Slesinger write, “Economics is the study of man’s activities devoted to obtaining the material means of the satisfaction of his wants.” Sociology encompasses group interactions. The economic processes and developments improve one’s social life. Any economic change would naturally affect one’s social life. Not forgetting that these economic processes and changes are largely determined by the social environment itself. Economics is concerned with the material wealth of man, and depending on his wealth it is determined that where he should be placed in the society. His respect, status, and class are all results of his monetary possessions.
The relationship between Sociology and History:
Everything or subject has deep roots which can only be known by studying their history. In order to know the sociology of something, it is necessary to know their history and they both are intimately related. Social institutions are in a way inherited from the past. If there’s no solid data or evidence available then the study of Sociology could become difficult and unreliable without important sources. The transformation of Varna to Jati is an example of this reliability because of historical evidence and sources present. Jati was the outcome of societal changes. Without Sociology, history also cannot be understood.
History is the most primitive historical event alive. Sociology emerged in around the 19th century. Human internet and inquiry have always been the subject matter. History can be considered as more practical because it requires records and evidence. Whereas Sociology is more of experiences and observations which are subjective and could be impractical sometimes
The relationship between Sociology and Anthropology:
Anthropology is the science of man and so there’s no need to deeply explain how frequently indistinguishable they both remain. Society, culture, family, religion, social stratification, are some common links of study between Sociology and anthropology.
The relationship between Sociology and Psychology:
Psychology is the science of human experience and behaviour. It is to learn about human intelligence and mental abilities, his memory and the order and disorder of one’s mind. Sociology studies human interactions existing in the society. Relationships are formed depending on whether the mind is ready for it or not. So in a way they both talk of human experience. Every mental reaction is an outcome of what the society makes a person go through, could be a positive or negative reaction depending on one’s experience. Famous psychologists like Freud, Piaget, Murphy and many others have worked and researched in this relation which is read by the students of sociology. On the other hand, sociologists like Durkheim, Parsons, Bales, and others have a contribution in the field of psychology. One is a mental organization and other a social one.
To conclude, sociological concepts overlap with other social sciences. Because of their similarities, they all use the same modern scientific approach. Each of the social sciences has increased its base and has its roots in various systems of social philosophy.