In this article we consider the basic methods and functions of sociology.
functions of sociology define its role and contemporary public purpose.In general terms, the following basic functions of sociology:
1. epistemological.It is the accumulation of knowledge about the company, its processes and structural elements.The importance of this function is determined by the acceleration of the development of society.The most important function of this gets in our country, as Russia was characterized by a very rapid and profound transformation.Only objective knowledge about the changes taking place in our society, their direction and nature that provides sociology, allow to overcome the crisis and to ensure the country's development.
2. Information. Sociology is largely based on empirical research, in which the collection, accumulation and grouping of sociological information.In today's society it is impossible to implement an effective and sound management if the decisions taken do not have the necessary information support.Sociologists, based on objective information collected and, develop recommendations and suggestions for practice and policy.
3. Practical.Pretty diverse manifestations of certain functions such sociology.It appears, for example, that sociology, exploring society from the standpoint of an integrated system, can develop reasonable predictions about trends in the development of specific social processes and phenomena.It is of great importance for the development of society, especially in the transition period.For this function of sociology include specific activities as a social and counseling services to the population.At the same time, the manifestation of such function of sociology found itself in social studies, for example, public opinion polls, marketing and others.
4. worldview.Sociology, studying modern society, creating a complete picture of the processes and social relations, forms a system of views on the world in general and man's place in it, as well as the attitude of a man to himself and to the social reality, causing these views ideals of the people, their position in life.
5. Humanist.It is manifested in consequence of the fact that sociology explains the conditions necessary for human fulfillment, showing how you can fully realize their own social identity.
This is the basic basic functions of sociology.Now we need to analyze basic methods of science.
sociological method is a collective term that includes specific cognitive orientation, techniques, approaches, tools and methods that are used in sociological research.
all sociological methods can be grouped into the following groups:
- General scientific, which include the methods used by all sciences, but applied in sociology, given its specificity.These include the following methods: the comparative-historical, comparative, critical-dialectical, structural-functional, genetic, experiment, observation, and others.
- -private research, which include the methods used only this science, for example, biographical method, the surveymethod sociometrics etc.
Since the methods of sociology necessarily based on empirical data in the study of reality, can be identified in addition to the methods of collecting and analyzing the information collected about the facts.The main methods of gathering information are interviews in sociology, the study and analysis of information, observation, etc.. The relevance and accuracy of the information determine the methods and functions of sociology.
