UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Sociology » Sociology and Economics

Sociology and Economics

Sociology and economics are interrelated and have immense significance in their analysis. This article discusses their correlation and differences in detail.

Sociology is the science of social structure. It deals with the relationship of humans with society, their behaviour in social spaces, the changes in society brought by humans, and cultural influence in society. 

In simple terms, Sociology is a part of the social sciences that tells us about human conduct and its functions and effects in society. The interaction between humans and society brings changes that affect everyone in multiple ways. The causes and consequences of human behaviour are the roots of sociology.

The main aspects of sociology include:

  • Emergence and transformation of society
  • Human social behaviour
  • Maintenance of social order
  • Various social processes include cooperation, conflict, communication, biases.

What is economics?

Economics is a section of social sciences that interprets the availability of resources in society. It is a systematic and reasoned way of studying the pattern of demand and usage of resources and their lack in society. 

Economics deals with the wants, needs, and demands of resources and their supply and fulfilment at the individual level and in society. The study of the consumption pattern helps determine various aspects of society, such as inflation and wealth management. It also makes predictions about changes in demand and supply of resources in the future.

The main aspects of economics include:

  • Wants and needs of resources
  • Consumption of resources
  • Production of resources
  • Wealth distribution

What is economic sociology?

Economic sociology analyses economic events like inflation, market, and work using sociological philosophy and theory. It is a subdivision of sociology that studies the working of the society looking from a sociological perspective.

What is the significance of sociology in economics?

Studying the pattern of societal changes helps determine various aspects of the economy, including gender equality, education, immigration and emigration, environmental issues, framing economic welfare schemes and programs, etc. Moreover, studying these aspects of society helps find out the solutions to challenges faced by society.

The difference between sociology and economics

The main differences between sociology and economics are discussed below.

                    Sociology

                  Economics

Sociology has comparatively emerged in recent times.

Economics is an age-old institution used to deal with the changing patterns in society.

Sociology deals with the relationship between humans and society.

Economics helps understand the pattern of want and consumption of resources.

The focus of study in sociology is society and the behaviour of humans in society.

Sociology takes a conceptual and philosophical view of society. It is an abstract science of society.

The focus of study in economics is individual humans. The unlimited want of resources and the supply of them is the basis.

Economics uses systematic and logical analysis of society. It is a concrete science of society.

The scope of sociology has a broader range since it involves various aspects of society.

The scope of economics is comparatively limited since it deals with the availability of resources and their consumption.

Sociology involves the activities of individuals in a society.

Economics involves the economic activities of individuals and society, taken individually and as a whole.

What is the relationship between sociology and economics?

The welfare and wellbeing of society come with economic prosperity. If the economy is flourishing, then it will bring harmony to society. On the other hand, if the economy faces a crisis, it will severely impact society. For example, inflation, poverty, and unemployment severely affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.

Sociology is also dependent on economics in various ways. Any event that happens in society is directly or indirectly influenced by economics. Every social problem has its cause in some aspect of the economy. Whether it’s the case of social evils like domestic violence or preference for male children, it all has its origin in economics.

Analysing several social changes and problems in society requires economics to understand the patterns and find solutions. With the knowledge and research of society, economics plays a crucial role in every aspect.

The relationship between sociology and economics is a complex yet close one. Without economics, there is no basis for sociology. And without sociology, economics would not make sense.

The close association between sociology and economics makes it possible to analyse and solve complex sociological and economic development problems.

What are the common issues dealt with in sociology and economics?

The common issues that sociology and economics deal with include poverty, unemployment, child labour, economic and social inequality.

Conclusion

The article began with the basic definitions of sociology and economics. Then, we further saw the importance of sociology and economics in society. Finally, the variation between sociology and economics gives us a clear idea of their relationship and significance in society.

We also discussed the relationship between sociology and economics. The two have utmost significance in the respective fields of their study. Their correlation helps economists and sociologists to develop strategies to formulate solutions for the welfare of society. Therefore, all developmental programs and schemes require an in-depth evaluation of sociology, economics, and economic sociology.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Who coined the name sociology?

 The French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès coined the name sociology in 1780. The term was first used in an unpub...Read full

Who is considered the father of economic sociology?

 Max Weber, Georg Simmel, and Emile Durkheim have contributed significantly to the development of economic sociolog...Read full

Who is the father of Sociology?

 The French philosopher Auguste Comte is the father of sociology. He started as an engineer and took up to study so...Read full

Who is the first woman sociologist?

 The English social theorist Harriet Martineau is considered the first woman sociologist. Her works include several...Read full

Who is credited for the birth of economic sociology?

Karl Marx’s work significantly influenced the birth of economic sociology. Moreover, his writings clearly show...Read full