Sociology as a Science: Understanding Social Relations

Sociology as a Science

Sociology is the scientific study of society, social relations, and the functioning of social structures, groups, institutions, and social actions.

Principles of the Marxist Paradigm

1. Law of Universal Interaction: Everything is interconnected, and society consists of interrelated elements.
2. Law of Contrary Unity: Everything is in constant transformation and conflict, generating permanent investigation into social phenomena within their context.
3. Law of Spiral Development: The new integrates and perfects the old without destroying it, leading to continuous development.

Difficulties in Studying and Delimiting the Object of Sociology

1. Reflexivity: We are both the subject and object of study, making it challenging to maintain objectivity.
2. Plurality of Approaches: Multiple interpretations of social reality arise from different methodological applications. The complexity of sociology's object of study demands complex analysis.
3. Duality of Relation/Person: Two main approaches exist:
   • Holistic: A global, macro-sociological approach focusing on large social structures.
   • Interactionist: A concrete, micro-sociological approach analyzing small-scale social interactions within groups.
   These approaches are complementary and offer different perspectives on social relations.

Émile Durkheim's Social Fact

Durkheim defined social facts as ways of acting, thinking, and feeling that are external to the individual and exert coercive power.

Dynamic Density

Dynamic density refers to the number of people and the degree of interaction within a society. It characterizes not only the size but also the type of interaction.

Max Weber's Social Action

Weber defined social action as action endowed with subjective meaning, directed towards or related to the conduct of others.

1. Rational Action Under Ends: Goal-oriented behavior focused on achieving specific outcomes.
2. Rational Action Under Values: Behavior determined by belief in certain values.
3. Affective Action: Action driven by emotions or feelings.
4. Traditional Action: Action determined by established customs and habits.