Unit 1: Introduction of Basic Concepts ( 6 Hrs )

1.1 Meaning and Definition of Sociology and Anthropology

Meaning of Sociology:
The term sociology is derived from the Latin word Socious/Societus and the Greek word logos/logia
meaning respectively Society and Science or Study. Thus, the etymological meaning of Sociology
comes to be “Science or study of Society “. Therefore, Sociology as a general science of society
studies scientifically the social events, relationships, interactions, processes, social problems and
many other aspects that come to happen in a society seeking their best causal explanation of the
events and come to the conclusion so as to maintain a better social system.
Sociology as a general social science studies society as a whole, whereas society in short means the
web of social relationship and the web of such relationships is formed through interaction,
interrelationships and interdependence among the individual, group and the social institutions in
course of fulfilling the needs or necessities of the members of a society. Therefore, society is the
network of social relationships. Such network is invisible, so the concept of society is an abstract one.
The term Sociology was first coined by the French Philosopher Auguste Comte ( Isidore Auguste
Marie Francois Xavier Comte ) in 1839, prior to he used the term, he used Positive Philosophy for the
same purpose. Comte’s contemporary scholars Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Herbert Spencer
also contributed in culminating and develop sociology as a general social science, therefore, they have
been respected as the Four Founding Fathers of Sociology, whereas, Comte is regarded as the God
Father of Sociology. The most significant factors or the movement like Renaissance (Equality,
Freedom and Brotherhood), Enlightenment, French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution
happened in Europe before Comte’s time as well as the abandonment of Speculation and the
emergence of different perspectives of studying society have been considered to encourage Comte to
seek casual explanation of social events through the general social science, Sociology.
Definition of Sociology:

Sociology is the youngest of the social sciences. As such sociology is the subject of quite new
origin. There are several controversies regarding definitions, subject matter and scope of sociology.
That is why, Sociologists have not come to any agreeable point regarding its definition. Some of the
important definitions are given below:

“Sociology is the science of social phenomena, subject to natural and invariable (existing) laws, the
discovery of which is the object of investigation”. – Auguste Comte
“Sociology is the science which attempts the interpretative understanding of social action in order
thereby to arrive at a casual explanation of its course and effects.”-Max Weber
“In the broadest sense, Sociology is the study of human interactions and interrelations, their
conditions and consequences.”- Morris Ginsberg
“Sociology is the systematic description and explanation of society as a whole and the science of
social institutions.”- Emile Durkheim
With the meaning and various definitions cited above, we come to know that Sociology is the science
of society, concerned with man, his social relations and his society. Thus, sociology is the study of
society, social relationships, social group behaviour, social actions, social structure, social institutions
and social systems. It is also a way of looking at the social world.
 Meaning of Anthropology:
The term Anthropology is derived from both the Greek words Anthropos and logos meaning
respectively man or human and study or science. Therefore, the etymological meaning of
Anthropology comes to be the scientific study of human being through the holistic or multifaceted
approach.
It is believed that the term Anthropologist was first used by Aristotle, the Greek Philosopher, at
around 4th century BC to mean ‘who talks about himself’, but the Anthropology took its disciplinary
shape only after the publication of “Origin of the Species by means of Natural Selection” by Charles
Darwin in 1859 and “ Primitive Culture” by E.B. Tylor in 1871.
Definition of Anthropology:
“ Anthropology is the science of group of men, their behaviour and production.”- A.L.Kroeber
“Anthropology is the study of man and all of his works, in its fullest sense, it is the study of race and
custom of mankind.”-E.N. Hoebel
“ Anthropology is the scientific study of the physical, social and cultural development and behaviour
of human being since their appearance on earth.” – Jacobs and Stern
“ Anthropology studies the emergence and development of man from the physical, cultural and social
point of view.”- D.N. Majumdar et.al.
Anthropology, by meaning and definition above, is the discipline of infinite curiosity about human
beings. Whereas the Anthropological curiosity is concerned with the questions like, where, when and
why human being appeared on the earth ?, how and why they have changed since then ? and how and
why the human races vary in certain physical and cultural features ?, how and why societies in the
past and present have varied in their customary ideas and practices ? etc.
1.2 Similarities and Differences between Sociology and Anthropology with other social
sciences (Political Science, History, Economics, Psychology, Law, Linguistic and Medical
Anthropology)
Similarities between Sociology and Anthropology:
Sociology and Anthropology are both the youngest social sciences emerged as a separate discipline
during 19th century. Being both the social sciences, Anthropology studies man and his works through
holistic approach whereas Sociology studies human interaction and interrelations, social processes
and different events come to happen in society. Both the disciplines have common concern in the
socio-cultural evolution, development, progress and differentiation. Likewise, sociologists and
anthropologists employ the same principles such as evolutionism or functionalism in studying society.
They also use the same research methods such as in-depth interview, participant observation and field
works. Most of the concepts are also equally used by both the disciplines. Likewise, the information
collected through respective research are useful for both the disciplines. Regarding the similarities
between the two, A.L.Kroeber regarded both the disciplines “twin sisters”; for Hoebel, Sociology and
Social Anthropology are the same and for Evans Pritchard, social anthropology is a branch of
sociology.
Further, Sociologists and Anthropologists borrow several theories, concepts and research methods to
explain societies and human socio-cultural life of both the primitive and modern type. Sociology is
particularly important for anthropology in understanding modern society and its culture as well as in
doing comparative studies between the two. Thus, Anthropology and Sociology are the closest
sciences among all the social sciences.
Although these subjects are very similar there are some fundamental differences between the two. The
differences between sociology and anthropology are as follows.
Differences between Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology Anthropology

1. Sociology studies social interaction and 1. Anthropology studies man (as a biological
inter relationship between the different and cultural being) and his works
groups of people in society. (physical materials and ideologies).

2. Traditionally sociology was involved in 2. Traditionally anthropology was involved

studying modern industrial societies. Which in studying small-scale primitive types of
were complex, fast changing with available societies, which were simple, unchanging
historical records. and lacking historical records.

3. The scope of sociology is comparatively 3. The scope of anthropology is broader than

narrower than anthropology because sociology because it studies man as a
sociology studies man as a social being biological as well as socio-cultural being.
only. It is mainly concerned with the It also covers prehistoric, historical and
current society. present society and culture.

4. Sociology generally studies larger, literate 4. Anthropology focuses on small-scale non-

complex societies and more. literate primitive type of societies.

5. Sociology implies an etic (surface) 5. Anthropology implies an emic (in-depth)

perspective to analyse social phenomena. perspective in its study.

6. Nature of sociology is abstract. It deals with 6. The physical anthropology is concrete

social relationships, which do not have because it deals with objective,
objective qualities. measurable aspects of human being.

7. Sociology studies man as a social being 7. It studies man both as a biological as well
only. as socio-cultural being.

8. Sociology is comparatively old. It was 8. Anthropology is comparatively newer than

introduced in 1839 A.D. sociology because E.B. Tylor introduced it
in 1871.

9. The term sociology was coined later (1839) 9. The term anthropology was coined during
the Greek period.

Sociology and Other Social Sciences

Social science refers to a number of disciplines, which deal with human behavior in their own way.
History, economics, political science, culture, psychology, anthropology sociology, human geography
are some examples of social sciences. As sociology is also a social science it shares some important
aspects of study with other social sciences. Many areas of human behavior are studied by more than
one social science. That is why all the social sciences are related among as well as differ in various
aspects on their respective disciplinary grounds.
The similarities, interdependency and differences between sociology and Political Science, History,
economics, Psychology, Law, Linguistic and Medical Anthropology are discussed below.

Similarities between Sociology and Political Science

Political science and sociology are both behavioral or social sciences therefore they are very closely
related to each other. Political science regards man as a political being whereas, Sociology on the
other hand studies humans as social beings. Political science mainly deals with the origin, evolution
and functions of the state, government, political parties and many such organizations. Political
scientists use many of the same methods of research such as questionnaire, interview and participant
observation that are available to sociologists. Political science is also considered as a branch of
sociology.

There are several common areas of interests for both the disciplines ie. power, authority government,
mass movement, propaganda, leadership and elections etc. Further, many of the social problems are
also of deep concern to political problems, ie, communal riots, social conflicts between caste and
ethnic groups all have problems having political as well as social implications. Furthermore, Political
methods and instruments can be used to solve social problems like beggary, unemployment,
prostitution, poverty and crime etc.

Likewise, Political activities influences social life and the polity is also influenced by the social life of
man. Political science provides sociology the facts about the organization and functions of the state
and government. Political science derives from sociology the knowledge of the origin of political
authority. The laws of the state have a great influence upon society which are largely based on
customs, traditions, conventions and usage- major concerns of sociology. The family is an element in
social life & it is the concern of sociology but laws of marriage fall within the field of political
science.

Morris Ginsberg has remarked that historically sociology has its main roots in politics and philosophy
of history. Catlin has also opined that political science and sociology are two facets of the same
figure. All these opinions show that there is very close relationship between these two disciplines.

Although there is a close relationship between them, they are quite separate and distinct in several
respects. There are several differences between them. They are as follows:

Differences between Sociology and Political Science

Sociology Political Science

1. Sociology is the science of society. It 1. Political science is a science of state and

studies man as a member of society i.e. as government. It studies man as a political being.
a social being.

2. Sociology studies all kinds of societies 2. It focuses only on politically organized social
organized or unorganized. groups.

3. Scope of sociology is broader, which 3. Scope of political science is comparatively narrow.

studies all the social institutions. It studies mainly state, government and
bureaucracy as well as their responsiveness to the
public.
4. Sociology studies all kinds of or forms of 4. Political science is a special social science because
social relationship in general. it focuses only on human relationships, which are
political in character.

5. The approach of sociology is sociological. 5. The approach of political science is political. It has
It follows its own methods in addition to its own methods of study like historical method,
the scientific method in its investigations. philosophical method comparative method and
statistical method.

6. Sociology is of recent origin. It is less than 6. Relatively political science is much more order
two centuries old. than sociology. It is thousands of year old.

7. Sociology is abstract in nature. 7. Political science is more concrete subjects.

8. Sociology is neutral or objective social 8. Political science is normative. It prescribes and

science. It mainly focuses on 'what is' and suggests societies and governments prescribe what
it does not prescribe what 'it ought to be' they ought to be.

9. Sociology deals with both conscious and 9. Political science deals with only the deliberate,
unconscious behavior of mankind. aware and conscious behavior and activities of
man etc.

Similarities between Sociology and History

History is the written records of all the events that occurred in the past. It is a systematic record of
man's life and achievement from distant past to the present. The historian studies the significant
events of man in order of time. Sociology on the other hand is the study of society. It is interested in
explaining the social relationships between people at present. It tries to analyse human interactions
and interrelations with all their complexities and diversities. It inquires the historical development of
societies & examines various stages of human life, modes of living, customs, manners, and their
expression in the form of social institutions and associations. Thus sociology has to depend upon
history for its materials while history with its record of various social events of the past offers data
and facts to sociological study. The comparative method often requires data from past and present and
historical sociology always requires data, which only historians can supply & historians also draw the
relevant data from sociology.

G.Von Bulow have refused to acknowledge sociology as a science distinct from history. As such
history is a storehouse of records, and a treasury of knowledge. It supplies materials to different social
sciences. The information about the past is of great help to sociologists. Although sociologists are
concerned more about the present civilized & complex societies, it can better be understood from the
knowledge of its past because what we are today is because of what we were in the past.

Further sociologists often make use of comparative method in their studies for which they have to rely
on history for data. Sociology provides the social background to the study of history. History would
be meaningless without the appreciation of socially significant events. If history is to be useful to
understand the present and to serve as a guide for future, sociological interpretation of the facts is
 absolutely essential. It is because of such mutual dependence between sociology and history G.E.
Howard has remarked that History is the past Sociology ,and Sociology is the present History.

Differences between Sociology and History

Although there is a very close relationship between the two disciplines, there are differences in
several respects:

Sociology History

1. 1. Sociology is interested in the study of present1. 1. History deals with the past events of man and
social phenomena with all their complexities. it remains silent regarding the present.

2. It is relatively a younger social science. It 2. History is an age-old social science with a

has a very short history of about 180 years of long history of about more than 2000 years.
its own.

3. Sociology is analytical science . 3. History is a descriptive science.

4. Sociology is abstract social science by 4. History is a concrete social science. The

nature. It usually studies the regular, historian is interested in the unique, the
recurrent and the universal feature. particular and the individual, for example
each war is regarded as unique and
significant event.

5. It is a generalizing science. It studies wars, 5. History is a particularizing/individualizing

conflicts and treaties as a general process of science. It rarely makes generalizations; it
society, not a specific and particular one. focuses mainly on historically specific events
World War.etc.

6. Sociology is a neutral, positive social 6. History is normative social science. It

science. It studies society "as it is." It does describes historical events of society.ie. it
not prescribe what type of society ought to prefers democratic society or movements to
be. autocratic ones.

7. Scope of sociology is very wide. It studies all 7. Scope of history is comparatively narrower.
the general social phenomena. It studies social phenomena, which have
particular historical significance.

8. The findings and conclusions drawn from 8. The findings of historical studies cannot be
sociological studies can be tested and re- tested and re-tested again and again.
tested several times.
 9. It is primarily based on primary sources of 9. It is primarily based on secondary sources of
data. data.

Similarities between Sociology and Economics

Economics is the social science fundamentally concerned with economic mobility of the people in
society in its three phases of production, distribution and consumption. It is "the science of human
behavior in its relations with ends and scarce means which have alternative uses" (Robbins). It also
studies the structures and functions of economic organizations such as banks, factories, markets,
business firms, corporations and transport etc. Sociology on the other hand is the study of general
social relationships and phenomena. Society is influenced by economic factors; the mode of life is
greatly influenced by the degree of economic mobility in society.

Economics is concerned mostly with material welfare of human beings but economic welfare is only
a part of human welfare and it can be sought only with the proper knowledge of social laws. For
example, to solve economic problems of unemployment, poverty, business cycle or inflation an
economist has to take into consideration the social phenomena at the particular time. Matters like
labour relations, standards of living, employer-employee relations, social classes, socio-economic
planning, socio-economic reforms are common to both economists and sociologists, economists are
now analysing the social factors influencing economic growth. They are working with the sociologists
in their study of the problem of economic development in the underdeveloped countries. It is for this
reason that sociologists have been concerned with economic institutions. Thus the relationship of
sociology and economics is so close that one is often treated as the branch of the other.

According to Thomas "Economic is in fact, but one branch of the comprehensive science of
sociology." Spencer has also included the activity of government in his analysis of social
relationships. Sumner, Durkheim, and Weber, Marx and Engels had approached the study of society
through economic institution. Marx asserted that economic factor determines the social phenomena.

Differences between Sociology and Economics

Although there is close-relationship between sociology and economics, they are quite distinct from
each other.

Sociology Economics

1. Sociology is a general social science. It 1. Economics is a particularistic social

studies all kinds of social relationships science. It studies only the economic
in general. activities and relationships.

2. Scope of sociology is more wider than 2. Scope of economics is narrower than

that of economics. It has a sociology. It lacks comprehensive
comprehensive viewpoint. viewpoints.

3. Sociology is a younger social science. It 3. Economics is relatively older and more

is only about one and a half century old. matured discipline with thousands of years
 of history.

4. The unit of analysis in sociology is 4. The unit of analysis in economics is an

society or social group such as social individual. Economics usually deals with
class, family, marriage, kinship, per capita income, expenditure, savings etc.
community etc.

5. Sociology is abstract subject because it 5. Economics is a concrete social science,

deals with social relationships which are because economic activities and
not concrete, therefore cannot be relationships ie. production distribution,
objectively observed and measured, but demand, supply, income, expenditure etc
only felt. can be objectively measured & quantified.

6. It is quite difficult to measure and 6. It is easy to measure and quantify economic

quantify social variables, ie it is difficult variables.
to measure unemployment, happiness,
job satisfaction, success objectively and
accurately.

7. Sociology is a positive science. It does 7. Economics is a normative social science. It

not attempt to explain what society recommends or prescribes certain economic
'should be' but it simply explains society policies to show what society 'should be'
as it is. like.

9. Sociology is concerned with social 9. Economics is concerned with economic

welfare in general. welfare through the capital formation.

Similarities between Sociology and Psychology

Sociology and Psychology are contributory sciences, whereas psychology is the study of human mind
and mental processes. It deals with mental processes of man, considered as a social being. It studies
particularly the influence of group life on the mental development of individual, the effect of the
individual mind on the group or of the mental life of groups within themselves and in their group
relations. Sociology on the other hand studies the various kinds of groups, which compose the society.

There is close relationship between sociology and psychology. The relationship is so close that Karl
Pearson asserts that the two are not separate sciences. Freud is of the view that the whole of the
social life is regulated by the psychological forces, and regards sociology a mere branch of
psychology. This view however is not an acceptable one because social behavior is also affected by
political, economic, biological and geographical factors and social life of man may not be studied
exclusively with the methods of psychology alone. Ginsberg is of the opinion that many sociological
explanations could be made firmly established by being related to general psychological laws or
explanations, for him psychological phenomenon is the result of social interaction.
 Sociology and psychology are interdependent to each other. Psychology has to depend on sociology to
properly understand human behavior because sociology can provide information about structure,
organizations and culture of societies to which individuals belong. K. Young also argues that
interaction between different individuals can only be understood within the social life and cultural
matrix in which it occurs. Sociology equally depends on psychology because psychological factors
help sociologists in understanding changes in the social structure and to solve several social problems
such as racial conflict, religious prejudices, communal tensions, crimes, juvenile delinquency,
prostitution, gambling and alcoholism etc. Likewise, sociologists and psychologists may have to study
together certain common issues such as crime, public opinion, leadership, war, conflict, socialization,
suggestion, imitation and fashion etc.

Remarkable assertion by MacIver and Page, when we study the nature of individual consciousness,
which expresses itself in social relationships, we are taking the psychological point of view and when
we study the relationships we take the sociological point of view. Thus, both the social sciences are
closely related and concerned with different aspects of an individual reality.

Differences between Sociology and Psychology

Although there is a close relationship between sociology and psychology, there are some fundamental
differences between the two. The differences are as follows:

Sociology Psychology

1. Sociology is a general social science. It studies 1. Psychology is a particularistic social science. It

all kinds of social relationships in general. studies only individual mental processes and its
relationships.

2. Scope of sociology is very wide because it 2. Scope of psychology is comparatively narrower than
deals with all the aspects of human social life. that of sociology because it is restricted to mental
It has a comprehensive viewpoint. processes and individual behavior.

3. Sociology analyses social processes. 3. Psychology analysis mental processes of man.

4. In sociology direct observational and 4. In psychology the most commonly used methods of
laboratory experimental method is rarely used. research or study are direct observation and
laboratory experiments.

5. Sociology is a positive (scientific or neutral) 5. Psychology is a normative science i.e. it attempts to

discipline. It explains 'what is' and does not explain 'what should be' aspect of individual
recommend what 'should be' of any aspect of behavior.
society.

6. It is relatively a new social science with a 6. It is relatively older discipline than sociology. It has
history of less than two hundred years thousands of years of history.

7. It believes that human behavior is determined 7. Psychology believes that human behavior is the
 by social structures such as family marriage, product of mental structures and not the social
kinships and religion. structures.

8. The unit of analysis in sociology is the whole 8. The unit of analysis in psychology is individual or a
society. person.

9. Sociology by nature is a social science but not 9. Psychology by nature is a pure social science.
a pure science.

Similarities between Sociology and Law

Sociology and law are closely related social sciences, both have common concern in maintaining a
social system as expected by the members of society. Law simply means the rules of action or statutes
established by authorities such as states, government. Likewise, all those major sources of law are the
social traditions, customs, usages, religion, cultural practices and the accepted common behavioural
patterns in society whereas law and the legal practices in society remain as a sole matrix of measure
and control of the human behaviour so as to fit it to the social system and maintain its desirable
functions. Both the sciences aware and regulate the human social behaviour and make it completely
sociable and try to maintain good sociability in a society. Further legislative, one of the major organs
of a government plays a vital role to maintain rule of law, good governance, government
responsiveness and accountability to the people in general. Likewise, sociology of law, as a branch of
sociology, which deals with the study of how social forces affect the making and enforcement of law.
It examines the law and legal system as a part of society and social institution related to other
institutions and changes associated with them. It treats law and legal system as an agency of social
control. It seeks to perceive the relationship between law and other subsystems of society such as
economy, nature and distribution of power and authority, structure of family, kinship and other such
relationships.

Traditionally Law was an instrument of class oppression, Bourgeois or the Feudal Lords practised it
in this way but in the modern democratic society rule of law, protection of human rights and
international treaties, protocols, conventions and their effective practices in global society has
significant role of law. Likewise, in the contemporary society, considerable interest is now being
shown to Sociology of Law. Due to this growing interest, a number of sociologists and lawyers have
made a joint venture to produce an interesting work entitled” Society and the Law: New meanings for
an old Profession.

Some of the important contributions in the field of sociology of law include Emile Durkheim's
classification of law into retributive (punishable) and restitutive (un punishable or reformative); , Max
Weber’s Law in Economy and Society; E. Ehrlich’s Fundamental Principles of the Sociology of Law
(1936). George Gurvitch’s Sociology of Law (1942).

Differences between Sociology and law

Although there is close-relationship between sociology and law, they are quite distinct from each
other as follows;
 Sociology Law

1. Sociology is a general social science. It 1. Law is a particularistic social science. It studies

studies all kinds of social relationships in mainly legal aspects, practices in society.
general.

2. Scope of sociology is wider than 2. Scope of law is narrower than sociology. It

compared that of law. It has a lacks comprehensive viewpoints as sociology,
comprehensive viewpoint. rather it concentrates more on rule of law and
check and balance.

3. Sociology is a younger social science. It is 3. Law is relatively older and more matured
only about one and a half century old. discipline with thousands of years of history.

4. The unit of analysis in sociology is 4. The unit of analysis in law is the regulation of
society or social group such as social the arbitrational functions of legal units and its
class, family, marriage, kinship, responsiveness in society.
community etc.

5. Sociology is abstract subject because it 5. Legal practices are concrete, concrete records
deals with social relationships which are such as precedent which can be objectively
not concrete, therefore cannot be taken into consideration while prosecution or
objectively observed and measured, but hearing.
only felt.

6. It is quite difficult to measure and 6. It is easy to measure and quantify the legal cases,
quantify social variables, ie it is difficult rules and regulations taken in to practice and
to measure unemployment, happiness, job their outcome.
satisfaction, success objectively and
accurately.

7. Sociology is a positive science. It does not 7. Law is considered as a normative social science.
attempt to explain what society 'should be' It recommends or prescribes certain regularities
but it simply explains society as it is. so as to show what society 'should be' like.

8.. Sociology is concerned with social 8.. Law is concerned more with legal welfare
welfare in general. maintaining rule of law and listened the voice of
the voicelessness in society.

Similarities between Sociology and Linguistics

 Linguistics simply means the scientific study of language/s whereas language means any verbal or
non-verbal communication engaged in by humans. The general field of study which deals with the
socio-cultural functions and construction of language in known as sociolinguistics. Which is primarily
concerned in describing variation in the use of language in society.

Similarly, language itself is culture as well as a chief vehicle for expressing feelings among human
beings in society. In the history and development of human civilization the invention of the fire and
the language has been considered a most wonderful event. Language, has further been developed and
diversified as well as used in many ways to express feelings, emotions and to communicate and
impress, are the matter of core concern of both Sociology and Anthropology. That is why sociology
and linguistics have close relationships. Further, all the societies have languages that allow humans to
express ideas of equal complexity and may need to borrow or invent new words, in order to express
new concepts.

Likewise, the power of language can be seen in political rhetoric or slogan-making, where single
words ( such as democracy) or phrases ( such as ‘Black is Beautiful’) can mobilize large and diverse
groups to political action. Language also demonstrates important divisions within societies that reflect
broader political and economic factors. For example, Basil Bernstein has shown that, although
middle-class and working-class speech codes are linguistically of equal validity, the working – class
code is liable to be discriminated against in the educational arena.

A similar phenomenon may be perceived in the relationship between language and regional, ethnic or
religious background. On the other hand ethnic groups may utilize their languages as a symbolic
means of fostering or developing their own self-identity or as a means of defense against
encroachment by outsiders. Thus sociology and linguistics have close relations between both the
sciences, the findings of either discipline is equally helpful to each other, which has social
significance.

Differences between Sociology and Linguistics

Although there is close-relationship between sociology and linguistics, they are also distinct from
each other as follows;

Sociology Linguistics

1. Sociology is a general social science 1. Linguistics is a particularistic social science. It

studies all kinds of social phenomena and carries out the scientific study of different
their relationships in society. languages in society.

2. Scope of sociology is more wider. It has a 2. Scope of linguistics is narrower than sociology.
comprehensive viewpoint of study. It is focussed on languages and their use in
society.

3. Sociology is a younger social science. It is 3. Linguistics is relatively older discipline

only about one and a half century old. compared to sociology.

4. The unit of analysis in sociology is society 4. The unit of analysis in linguistics is the
 or social group such as social class, language and its diversified dimensions ie.
family, marriage, kinship, community etc. Descriptive, historical, linguistic divergence
and dialects etc..

5. Sociology is a positive science. It does not 5. Linguistics rather recommends certain

attempt to explain what society 'should be' dimensions of expressions to show what
but it simply explains society as it is. language 'should be' like.

6. Sociology is concerned with social welfare 6. Linguistics is concerned with the welfare and
in general. preservation of the language of the minority
and extinct groups.

Similarities between Sociology and Medical Anthropology

Sociology of medicine is a field of sociology that focuses on medicine as a set of ideas and practices
about health, illness and health care system. Basically the concepts like healing or healers, of health
care systems introduced as an independent discipline since 1950s. Talcott Parsons’s influential work
on the medical profession and the sick role, which put medicine and illness into the mainstream of
sociology. Doctor – patient relationships also constitute the major focus of the sociology of medicine
included doctor patient interaction, views exchanges and the doctors time spent with the patients have
been considered sociologically more significant.

Medical anthropology covers the cultural understandings of health and illness, treatment of illness,
political and economic influences on health and health conditions and diseases in society, all as a
considerable aspects of culture. It considers illness and death are significant events for people
everywhere. So it should not be surprising that how people understand and bear their notion about
health and the causes of illness and death, how they behave and what resources they marshal to cope
with these events are extremely important parts of culture.

Some argue that it is difficult to understand completely how to treat illness effectively until we
understand the cultural behaviors, attitudes, values and the larger social and political milieu or settings
in which people live. Contrary to this, others argue that the reason people die needlessly is that they
do not get appropriate medical treatment. In this realm, Medical Anthropologists do believe that
biological and socio-cultural factors included the belief system of supernatural forces as well as
sorcery or witchcraft or the belief on shamans need to be considered and analyzed well if we are to
reduce human sufferings from illness. Infants deaths due to diarrhea is the cause of biological one-
bacterial infection or malnutrition, whereas such infections come to happen in is the socio-cultural
factors ie level of knowledge of hygiene and sanitation, belief system and the traditional practice of
curing diseases. Likewise, the effectiveness of treatment varies form group to group prevailed on
these factors on public health and illness.

Thus, sociology of medicine and medical anthropology both are the behavioral social sciences and are
solely concentrated on the public health, hygiene practice, illness, the health care system and their
impact in human social life. Thus, these are closely related with each other. However, the perspectives
that both the sciences consider is their disciplinary distinctiveness.

Differences between Sociology and Medical Anthropology

Although there is close-relationship between sociology and medical anthropology, they are distinct
from each other in certain area. Which is as follows;

Sociology Medical Anthropology

1. Sociology is a general social science. It 1. Medical anthropology is a particularistic

studies all kinds of social relationships in behavioural social science. It studies health,
general. illness and its economic and political
influences.

2. Sociology of medicine has sociological 2. Medical anthropology has cultural

significance. significance.

3. Sociology of medicine is a field of 3. Medical anthropology comes under the field

sociology. of anthropology and biological
perspectives.

4. The unit of analysis in sociology is society 4. The unit of analysis in medical

or social group such as social class, family, anthropology is cultural considerations of
marriage, kinship, community etc. health, illness and treatment.

5. Sociology is abstract subject because it 5. Medical anthropology is a concrete

deals with social relationships which are behavioural social science, it deals with
not concrete, can only be felt. cultural relationships of health and illness
included biomedical paradigm-acupuncture.

6. Sociology is a positive social science. 6. Medical anthropology is a behavioural

social science.

7. Sociology is concerned with social welfare 7. Medical anthropology is concerned with the
in general. health issues and its cultural connectivity.

Anthropology and other social sciences

All the social sciences deal with humans, their behavior and social phenomena. They attempt to
explain various aspects of human behavior in general, so there is relationship between each other.
Some of them deal with economic activities while others political and educational aspects. Some deal
with psychological aspect of man while others deal with historical concerns. In this way different
social sciences are integrated in nature, one is not complete without the study of the other.

Anthropology is one of the social sciences, which deals with races of mankind, their culture, physical
as well as cultural variations. It is different from other social sciences for its holistic approach. The
relationship of anthropology with major social sciences is discussed below:
 Similarities between Anthropology and Sociology
Anthropology and sociology are both behavioral social sciences. Among all social sciences sociology
and anthropology are the closest ones. Anthropology studies about man and his works whereas
sociology studies the social relationship between different group of people in society. Hoebel, an
anthropologist opines that sociology and social anthropology are in the broadest sense one and the
same. Evans Pritchard also considers social anthropology as a branch of sociology.
Sociological subject matters such as origin of social institutions, such as family, marriage, kinship,
private property, religion can be better understood in the light of anthropological knowledge.
Sociology has borrowed many concepts like cultural area, cultural traits, race, cultural lag, cultural
patterns, cultural configuration from cultural anthropology and similarly several information about
human chemistry and biology Is provided by physical anthropology and anthropological theories and
research methods greatly help to understand society. Likewise, anthropologists also borrow several
theories, concepts and research methods to explain societies primitive as well as modern. Sociology is
particularly important for anthropology in understanding modern society and its culture and in doing
comparative studies between the two. Both sociologists and anthropologists are involved in the value
judgments.
Both sociologists and anthropologists employ the same principles such as evolutionism or
functionalism in studying society they also use the same methods such as in-depth interview,
participant observation and field works. Alfred Kroeber has rightly claimed that these are twin sisters.
These two disciplines are so much similar and intermingled that it is very difficult and quite
impossible to distinguish between the two.

Difference between Anthropology and Sociology:

Although these subjects are very similar there are some fundamental differences between the two. The
differences between sociology and anthropology are as follows.

Sociology Anthropology

1. Sociology studies social interaction and 1. Anthropology studies man (as a biological
inter relationship between the different and cultural being) and his works
groups. (physical, materials and ideologies).

2. Traditionally sociology was involved in 2. Traditionally anthropology was involved

studying modern complex industrial in studying small-scale societies, which
societies. were simple, unchanging and lacking
historical records.

3. The scope of sociology is comparatively 3. The scope of anthropology is broader than

narrower than anthropology because sociology because it studies man as a
sociology studies man as a social being biological as well as socio-cultural being.
only. It is mainly concerned with the It also covers prehistoric, historical and
current society. present society and culture.

4. Sociology generally studies larger, literate 4. Anthropology focuses on small-scale non-

complex societies and more. literate societies.

5. Nature of sociology is abstract. It deals with 5. The physical anthropology is concrete

social relationships, which do not have because it deals with objective,
objective qualities. measurable aspects of human being.
 6. Sociology is comparatively old. It was 6. Anthropology is comparatively newer than
introduced in 1839 A.D. sociology because E.B. Tylor introduced it
in 1871.

7. In sociology, use of experiment is not very 7. In physical anthropology experiment is

common. frequently conducted.

8. Sociology originated from philosophy of 8. Anthropology originated from biology.

history, political thought and social survey.

Similarities between Anthropology and Political Science

Anthropology is the discipline that deals with human as biological as well as socio-cultural animal
and his works , culture. In anthropology primitive as well as modern, formal as well as informal
institutions and organizations are studied. Political science is also a behavioral science that is
associated with the behaviour of man as a political being. In political science state, government,
sovereignty, oppositions party, political party, law, political organization, authority, leadership etc are
studied. Since both are the behavioral sciences, which focus on, human behavior so there is a close
relationship between the two.
Anthropology studies primitive societies and the origin and evolution of law, state, authority,
leadership, power and other similar concepts of political forms in those informal societies.
Anthropology therefore can provide political science fundamental information about the modern state.
The knowledge of political organization of primitive societies helps understand, explain and analyses
modern political systems, institutions and organizations. Likewise,Political science also provides
anthropology several terms and concepts, which are necessary for understanding socio-cultural
relationships and processes. For example, the study of primitive law has contributed to the growth of
modern jurisprudence. Politics greatly affects the socio-cultural system of any society. No
anthropologist can explain marriage, family, kinship, social stratification, religion, law or any other
concept without a basic knowledge of the concepts of political science.
Difference between Anthropology and Political science:
Both the disciplines deal with human social group, human behaviour, human nature, power and social
relationship of man so they are very closely interlinked and interrelated but there are however several
differences between the two disciplines as well. They are as follows:
Anthropology Political Science
1. Anthropology studies man and his 1. Political sciences deals man as a political animal
works – man as a cultural animal. only.
2. Anthropology is both pure science 2. Political science is a social science only.
(physical) and social science (cultural) .
3. Scope of anthropology is widest among 3. Scope of political science is narrower than the
social sciences. scope of anthropology.
4. Anthropology is a general social 4. Political science is specific social science.
science.
5. It is positive in natural. It only describes 5. It is normative in nature. It describes as well as
about society. prescribes about social system.
6. In anthropology political boundaries are 6. Political boundaries are very important aspect of
not much relevant. political science.
7. Anthropology mainly focuses about 7. Political science mainly focuses on state,
family, marriage, kinship, division of government, constitution, judiciary, legislative,
labor religion and power as informal executive election, voting and similar other formal
social organizations and distribution of political organizations and systems.
power within them.
8. Anthropology studies mankind, human 8. It mainly describes and analyses formal political
 race, human relationships and culture institutions and organization of the present.
from prehistoric times to the present
day.
9. In anthropology both qualitative and 9. In political science, mostly quantitative and field
quantitative techniques are applicable. methods are used; the use of laboratory experiment
Laboratory experiment is also possible. is not possible.
10.In physical anthropology measurement 10.In political science objective and accurate
can be objective and accurate and measurement is quite impossible and predictions
predictions mostly come true. based on such measurements will also not be very
true.

Similarities between Anthropology and History

Anthropology is the study of man and his works whereas history is the systematic record of the past
events of mankind. History does not study or deal mankind in totality. It is concerned with the written
records of the major past events only. Historians usually stay in the library and study past events and
interpret them. Historians usually do not study the unwritten human life and they do not study about
the present society and culture; anthropology on the other hand studies humans in totality. It studies
mankind and their behaviour of the prehistoric times, historical epochs and of the present times. It is
not focused with the major events but treats all kinds of human activities as important.
There is close relationship between anthropology and history. Both study the past record of human
history. History supplies the written records of past events of mankind so that anthropologists can
better understand human activities. It provides the records in systematic chronological order. It
supplies various materials regarding the past events. In the same way anthropology also provides
history with various information about prehistoric times, origins of letters, culture, clothes, costumes
etc are explained in the light of anthropological knowledge in exploration and excavation. It records,
describes and analyses the present events which become important resources to history later.
Paleontological and archeological studies in anthropology supply valuable information to history. A
famous British Anthropologist R.R Marret therefore has claimed that anthropology itself is history.
Difference between Anthropology and History
Although there is a close relationship between anthropology and history there are some fundamental
differences. They are as follows:
Anthropology History
1. Anthropology is holistic study of mankind. It 1. History is a study of systematic records of
studies prehistoric, historical and present major events of the past human social life.
societies and mankind.
2. Anthropology deals man as both biological as 2. History deals man as only a social being.
well as cultural being.
3. In anthropology the results and conclusions 3. In history one can only describe and explain
obtained from human action and interaction past records of events that we cannot test and
can be tested and retested several times. retest historical events; it is not possible.
4. The scope of anthropology is wider. 4. The scope of history is comparatively
narrower than anthropology.
5. Anthropology is a general social science. 5. History is a specific or particularistic social
science.
6. Anthropology takes accounts of general as 6. History takes into accounts of events and
well as important persons in general. It deals activities related to important specific
human relationships and interactions in persons, places or times.
general.
7. In anthropology participant observation, 7. In history secondary data collection method
ethnography and fieldwork methods are such as library, historical documents are
commonly used. commonly used.
8. Anthropology is both descriptive and 8. It is mostly descriptive.
analytical.
9. Anthropology is objective or Neutral. 9. It is normative one.
10.Anthropology as a separate academic 10.History is a very old discipline with thousands
discipline is quite new. of year old.

Similarities between Anthropology and Economics

Anthropology and economics are intimately related disciplines. Anthropology studies man and all his
works from prehistoric periods to present day world while economics deals with the economic
activities of people such as production, consumption, distribution, demand, supply, profits and loses,
since anthropology is holistic study of man, anthropological study cannot be completed without
incorporating economic knowledge and aspect. Furthermore, the culture of any society is directly or
indirectly influenced by economic factors. Thus in order to fully understand any society or culture one
need to have basic knowledge of economics as well. Therefore, anthropology and economics are
closely correlated social sciences.
Economics also borrows required information heavily from anthropology. Since anthropology covers
the aspect of human activities and behaviors from the distance past to the present it can provide
valuable information about origin, growth, development and functioning of various social institution
including economic institutions such as division of labor, barter system, banks, slavery, feudalism,
capitalism, industrialization and many other such institutions. Anthropology can help economics in
explaining its institution from historical perspective. It also provides comparative information from
different societies and cultures of the world that are present today but were found in the past.
Similarly in order to understand economic activities of people, their motivating factors in work one
needs to understand the socio-cultural aspects in which the workers have grown up and being
encultured. Therefore, there is a very close relationship between anthropology and economics.
Differences between Anthropology and Economics
Although there is a close relationship between anthropology and economics, still there are some major
differences between the two disciplines. They are as follows:
Anthropology Economics
1. Anthropology studies all the aspects of 1. Economics only studies economic activities and
human activities and products. behaviour of man.
2. Anthropology is general social science, 2. Economics is particularistic social science,
which is concerned with holistic study of which is limited mostly on economic activities
man in general. and principles.
3. Anthropology is a pure social science and its 3. Economics is social science only so its scope is
scope is the broadest of all the social limited.
sciences.
4. Anthropology gives more emphasis on 4. Economics focuses more on modern industrial
traditional and primitive types of societies and complex societies, which are very advanced
which have not being intermingled with in terms of technology and capital.
modern technologies and ideologies
5. In anthropology both quantitative and 5. In economics quantitative techniques are more
qualitative methodology are equally utilized. commonly used rather than qualitative
techniques.
 For example, participant observation, For example econometrics, inductive/deductive
unstructured interview, ethnography etc. techniques, structured questionnaires and
interview, official statistics etc.
6. Anthropology is positive and neutral social 6. Economics is normative social science. It
science. It simply explains society as it is. attempts to suggest what is good and better.
7. In physical anthropology laboratory 7. In economics laboratory experiment is not quite
experiment is commonly used. possible.
8. Anthropology is comparatively new 8. Economics is the social science with very long
discipline, its formal academic recognition historical origin and background. It is of
started only after E B Tylor’s publication of thousands of years old.
scientific theory of culture in 1871.
9. Anthropology usually prefers primary 9. Economics mainly deals with secondary
methods of data collection. sources of data.

Similarities between Anthropology and Psychology

Anthropology studies man and his works through the holistic view point while psychology is the
study of the human mind and behaviour. It studies the mental states of man such as emotion, feelings,
personality, mental processes and learning process. Since anthropology and psychology both study
about humans they are closely related to each other. They both make use of laboratory techniques just
like other pure sciences. They both are called behavioral sciences. Both study human beings and
borrow certain concept from each other. For example during 1930-1960 some American cultural
anthropologists devoted much of their interest towards social psychology, which gave rise to the
emergence of culture and personality school. The process of learning and socialization developed in
psychology left enduring effect on cultural anthropology. In recent years some American cultural
psychologists have made valuable cross-cultural studies.
Anthropology contributes by providing cross-cultural data to psychology. Statements about human
society cannot be based solely on observations made in one single society. The psychological
anthropology provides data on psychological traits, which vary over cultures through cross-cultural
studies. Mead showed that psychological traits vary widely among cultures. Societies instill or
introduce different values by training children differently. Anthropologists also provide cross-cultural
perspectives on psychoanalytic propositions. In the same way psychology provides raw materials for
anthropological generalizations and explanation. Therefore, both the sciences are closely related.

Differences between Anthropology and Psychology

Although anthropology and psychology are very closely related there is a considerable difference
between the two. They are as follows:

Anthropology Psychology
1. Anthropology studies man and all his works. 1. Psychology studies the mind and the mental
processes of man only.
2. In anthropology basically human anatomy 2. Psychology attempts to explain how man
and socio-cultural institutions are studied. develops his personality and behavior, which
is influenced by social-cultural factors.
3. Anthropological approach is holistic. 3. Psychological approach is primarily
individualistic.
4. Anthropologists study the culture of 4. Psychologists study individual behaviour
different societies and social group through through controlled laboratory experiments.
methods like participant observation,
ethnography, in-depth interview and field
 work study etc.
5. It studies man as a biological being as well 5. Psychology treats man as a social being.
as socio-cultural being.
6. It usually uses qualitative research 6. It usually uses quantitative research
methodology and data. methodology and data.
7. Scope of anthropology is the widest among 7. Scope of psychology is much narrower than
all social sciences. anthropology.
8. Anthropology is a general discipline. 8. Psychology is specific social science.
9. Anthropology is a positive science. It 9. Psychology is normative. It prescribes how
explains society as it is; human should behave and learn.

Similarities between Anthropology and Law

Anthropology and law are close related and behavioural social sciences. Law simply means the rules
of action or statutes established by authorities such as state or government. Likewise, all those major
sources of law are the indispensable social traditions, customs, usages, religion, cultural practices
which owe social cultural significance, whereas law and the legal practices in society remain as a sole
matrix of measure and control of the human behaviour so as to fit it to the socio-cultural system and
maintain its desirable functions. The legislative, one of the major organs of a government plays a vital
role to maintain rule of law, good governance, government responsiveness and accountability to the
people in general. Likewise, anthropology deals with the study of how socio-cultural forces affect the
making and enforcement of law in society. Legal anthropology, also known as the anthropology of
laws, is a branch of anthropology which specializes in "the cross-cultural study of socio-cultural
ordering. As such the questions that Legal Anthropologists seek to answer is more concerned how is
the law present in cultures? How does it manifest in socio-cultural life of the people?

Bronisław Malinowski's 1926 work, Crime and Custom in Savage Society, explored law, order, crime,
and punishment among the Trobriand Islanders. The English lawyer Sir Henry Maine is often credited
with founding the study of Legal Anthropology through his book Ancient Law (1861), and although
his evolutionary stance has been widely discredited within the discipline. Thus Anthropology of law
leads to the ethnographies examining of the aspects like order, dispute, conflict management, crime,
sanctions, or formal regulation. It also studies small scale primitive types of societies and their
societal studies leading to insightful self-reflections and better understanding of the founding concept
of law. Which is equally important to the discipline of Law as a source of law. Besides, Legal
anthropology is considered the discipline with modern and recent applications of law including issues
such as human rights, legal pluralism and political uprisings. Which are of the great concern to law as
a discipline. Therefore, these two disciplines are similar in many ways concerning law, legal practices
and its use and impact in the socio, political and cultural settings. Both the disciplines use case
studies, in-depth interviews and unstructured questionnaires in their study methods too.

Differences between Anthropology and law

Although there is close-relationship between anthropology and law, they are quite distinct from each
other as follows;

Anthropology Law
 1. Anthropology is a general social 1. Law is a particularistic social science. It
science. It studies man through holistic studies mainly legal aspects and practices in
perspectives. society.

2. Scope of anthropology is more wider 2. Scope of law is narrower than anthropology.

than that of law. It has a comprehensive It lacks comprehensive viewpoints,
viewpoint. concentrates more on rule of law and check
and balance.

3. Anthropology is a younger social 3. Law is relatively older and more matured

science. It is only about one and a half discipline with thousands of years of history.
century old.

4. Anthropology studies mankind, human 4. The unit of analysis in law is the regulation of
race, human relationships and culture the arbitrational functions of legal units and
from prehistoric times to the present its responsiveness to society.
day.

5. Anthropology primarily deals with the 5. Law in society is primarily concerned with the
socio-cultural relationships in society. legal issues remain more responsive and
accountable.

6. Anthropology is a positive science. It 6. Law is considered as a normative social

does not attempt to explain what society science. It recommends or prescribes certain
'should be' it simply explains society as regularities so as to show what society
it is. 'should be' like.

7. Anthropology is concerned with human 7. Law is concerned more with legal welfare
social welfare in general. maintaining rule of law and listened the voice
of the voicelessness in society.

Similarities between Anthropology and Linguistics

Linguistic anthropology investigates the relationship between language and culture. This is the
understanding of the crucial role played by language in the constitution of society and its cultural
representations. To pursue this goal, linguistic anthropologists have ventured into the study of
everyday encounters, language socialization, ritual and political events, scientific discourse, verbal
art, language contact and language shift, literacy events, and media . Likewise, linguistic
anthropologists have never considered language in isolation from social life but have insisted on its
interdependence with cultural and social structures. The relation between languages and social groups
cannot be taken for granted, rather this is ethnographically investigated. Thus anthropology considers
linguistics a means to pursue its importance in relation to human groups and their cultural
complexities. Whereas, linguistics as the scientific study of language/s deals with the socio-cultural
functions and construction of language. Besides, language itself is culture as well as a chief vehicle to
transform the culture. That is why anthropology and linguistics have close relationships.

The political considerations of bilingualism is just one aspect of the relationship between language
and culture Languages in many ways reflect the culture of a society, hence the importance that
anthropologists place on learning the language, when studying other societies. For example, languages
show how societies classify and evaluate their environment, including kinship relations, the animal
kingdom, colours, food and the natural world. Each society has its own distinctive system of
classification which serves in part to maintain boundaries between insiders and outsiders. Mutual
comprehension of the cultural as well as the linguistic significance of language used is therefore
essential in order to avoid misunderstanding; the translation of culturally constructed concepts and
ideas into terms comprehensible to members of another society is a major element of the work not
only of anthropologists, but also cross-cultural specialists. Therefore, there is close relationships
between the two discipline.

Differences between Anthropology and Linguistics

Although there is close-relationship between anthropology and linguistics, they are quite distinct from
each other as follows;

Anthropology Linguistics

1. Anthropology is a general behavioural 1. Linguistics is a particularistic social science.

social science and studies all kinds of It carries out the scientific study of different
human social phenomena and their languages in society.
relationships in society.

2. Scope of anthropology is more wider. It 2. Scope of linguistics is narrower than

has a comprehensive viewpoint of study. anthropology. It is focussed only on
languages and their use in society.

3. Anthropology is a younger social science. 3. Linguistics is relatively older discipline

It is not more than two century old. compared to anthropology.

4. Anthropology studies mankind, human 4. The unit of analysis in linguistics is the

race, human relationships and culture language and its diversified dimensions ie.
from prehistoric times to the present day. Descriptive, historical, linguistic divergence
and dialects etc..

5. Anthropology is a positive science. It does 5. Linguistics rather recommends certain

not attempt to explain what society dimensions of expressions to show what
'should be' but it simply explains society language 'should be' like.
as it is.

6. Linguistic Anthropology is more 6. Linguistics is concerned with all those

concerned with cross-cultural variation of dimensions construction and function of the
 language. language.

Similarities between Anthropology and Medical Anthropology

Medical anthropology studies "human health and disease, health care systems, and biocultural
adaptation”. It views humans from multidimensional and ecological perspectives. It is one of the most
highly developed areas of anthropology and applied anthropology as well as a subfield of cultural
anthropology. Which examines the ways in which culture and society are organized around or
influenced by issues of health, health care and related issues. The term "medical anthropology" has
been used since 1963 as a label for empirical research and theoretical production by anthropologists
into the social processes and cultural representations of health, illness and the nursing/care practices
associated with these. The relationship between anthropology, medicine and medical practice is well
documented in the field of anthropology in general.

Illness and death are significant events for people everywhere. So it should not be surprising that how
people understand and bear their notion about health and the causes of illness and death, how they
behave and what resources they marshal to cope with these events are extremely important parts of
culture. Some argue that it is difficult to understand completely how to treat illness effectively until
we understand the cultural behaviours, attitudes, values and the larger social and political milieu or
settings in which people live. Contrary to this, others argue that the reason people die needlessly is
that they do not get appropriate medical treatment. In this realm, Medical Anthropologists do believe
that biological and socio-cultural factors included the belief system of supernatural forces as well as
sorcery or witchcraft or the belief on shamans need to be considered and analyzed well if we are to
reduce human sufferings from illness.

Based on the argument cited above, there is close relationships between anthropology and medical
anthropology as such anthropology as a holistic science covers all those aspects of human socio-
cultural life whereas medical anthropology as a subfield of anthropology considers human health and
disease, health care systems, and biocultural adaptation in relation to human health and disease.

Differences between Anthropology and Medical Anthropology

Although there is close-relationship between anthropology and medical anthropology, they are quite
distinct from each other in certain area. Which is as follows

Anthropology Medical Anthropology

1. Anthropology broadly is a general and 1. Medical anthropology is a particularistic

behavioural social science. It studies all social science. It studies human health,
kinds of human socio-cultural disease and care system.
relationships in general.

2. Scope of anthropology is more wider 2. Scope of medical anthropology is narrower

than that of medical anthropology. It has compared to anthropology. It is a sub filed
a comprehensive viewpoint. of anthropology and lacks comprehensive
viewpoints too.

3. Anthropology is older discipline. 3. Medical anthropology is younger science

 developed from the 1960s,

4. Anthropology studies mankind, human 4. The unit of analysis in medical

race, human relationships and culture anthropology is "human health and disease,
from prehistoric times to the present health care systems, and biocultural
day. adaptation".

5. Anthropology is a positive science. It 5. Medical anthropology rather recommends

does not attempt to explain what society certain dimensions of health care system.
'should be' but it simply explains society
as it is.

6. Anthropology as a holistic science has 6. Medical anthropology primarily focusses

theoretical as well as applied on applied perspectives.
importance.

Just for Further readings;

Nature of Sociology

Sociology as a science: Science is the use of systematic methods of investigation, theoretical

and the logical assessment of the arguments, to develop a body of knowledge about a particular
subject matter (Giddens, 1989).

For any piece of study to be scientific it should meet several criteria: systematic, empirical,
cumulative, objective, accurate, experimental, testable re-testable, predictable, causal, falsifiable and
generalizable. Many sociologists including the most founding fathers claim that sociology is a
science.
Sociology cannot be a science: because its subject matter cannot be seen, weighed or put in a test-
tube in the laboratory nor It can be examined under microscope or measured by thermometer. Human
behavior and relationships remain very peculiar and uncertain. There are sentiments, subjects like sex
life and religion, which evoke great controversies. Likewise, it has Lack of Objectivity, Lack of
Exactivity or accuracy and exists the terminological difficulties etc.

Robert Bierstedt in his book The Social Order' has suggested the real nature of sociology as follows:

1. Sociology as a Social Science not a Natural Science. As such Science studies human as a
biological being but sociology studies human as a social being.

2. Sociology is Positive Science not a Normative Science because it does not recommend
social policy nor it deals with problems of good and evil, right and wrong, better or worse or
any others that concerns human values.

3. Sociology is a Theoretical Science and not an Applied Science.

4. Sociology is Abstract and not a Concrete Science.

5. Sociology is a Generalizing and not a Particularizing Science

6. Sociology is General and not a Special Social Science

7. Sociology is Both Rational and Empirical Science

8. Sociology is an Independent Science

Therefore sociology is an independent, a social, a categorical, a pure, an abstract, a generalizing, a

rational, an empirical and a general social science.

Note: All the students are advised to make hand written notes based on these handouts.
Will be continued………