Growing up, have you ever wondered about the world you see ? Have you tried to make sense of everyday life ? Have you ever thought about how your family and friends enrich your life ? Were you curious about about the Origin of Religion and the Dynamics of Politics? Sociology gives answer to all these questions you have asked yourself a million times!.
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY ?
Sociology is a social science that focuses on society, human social behaviour, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and aspects of culture associated with everyday life. Subject matter can range from micro-level analyses of society (i.e. of individual interaction and agency) to macro-level analyses (i.e. of systems and the social structure).
SOCIOLOGY AS UPSC OPTIONAL FOR MAINS
Sociology has been one of the most preferred Optional Subject for UPSC Mains. The Subject is easy to comprehend and has numerous source materials for preparation. It can be taken by students from any academic background, be it Humanities or Engineering.
Moreover Sociology overlaps with Mains GS Paper 1 covering a huge part of Social Issues and Social Justice. A good student of Sociology can write wonderful philosophical essays for Essay Paper in Mains. Sociology can provide you with a fresh take on Case studies in Ethics Paper. Additionally, The Current Affairs and Newspaper articles you are already familiar with in the course of preparation can immensely help you in enriching your Sociology answers.
SOCIOLOGY AS A LIFELONG COMPANION
“Whatever sociology may be, it is the result of constantly asking the question, what is the meaning of this?”, remarked C. Wright Mills. The basic understanding of Sociology can help you see the world you live in through a different lens. We mindlessly exist in everyday life and seldom thoughtfully navigate through it. Sociology helps in the latter. It tunes you to be a wholesome individual and a better human being.
To sum up, Yes, the subject is nearly magical.
As a very scoring subject, Sociology is a safe bet as an Optional. As a very interesting subject, Sociology is a long-term friend.
