Sociology is often debated as to whether it qualifies as a science. The discussion centres around its methodologies and the nature of its subject matter.
Arguments for Sociology as a Science
Historical Context: Sociology gained recognition as a science with Auguste Comte, who proposed applying the methods of natural sciences to social phenomena, aiming for precise predictions akin to mathematical formulas (Park, 1921).
Scientific Methodology: Sociology employs scientific methods, such as systematic observation and empirical research, to study social phenomena. This approach aligns it with other sciences, despite the complexity and variability of its subject matter (Merton, 1938; Bain, 1932).
Natural Science Comparison: Sociology can conduct precise measurements and causal explanations similar to natural sciences like physics, while also dealing with complex phenomena akin to geology and meteorology (Machotka, 1949).
Challenges and Criticisms
Complexity and Precision: Critics argue that sociology cannot achieve the same level of precision as natural sciences due to the complexity of social phenomena (Machotka, 1949; Bain, 1932).
Perception and Acceptance: Sociology is sometimes not accepted as a science by traditional scientific institutions, which may stem from its overlap with politics and the subjective nature of its inquiries (Gregory, 1995).
Conclusion
Sociology is considered a science by many due to its use of scientific methods and its systematic study of social phenomena. However, its acceptance as a science is sometimes challenged due to the inherent complexity and variability of its subject matter, which can limit the precision of its findings. Despite these challenges, sociology continues to contribute significantly to our understanding of social structures and processes.
References
Park, R., 1921. Sociology and the Social Sciences. American Journal of Sociology, 26, pp. 401 – 424. https://doi.org/10.1086/213192
Merton, R., 1938. Science and the Social Order. Nature, 157, pp. 578-578. https://doi.org/10.1086/286513
Machotka, O., 1949. Is Sociology a Natural Science?. American Journal of Sociology, 55, pp. 10 – 17. https://doi.org/10.1086/220446
Bain, R., 1932. Sociology as a Natural Science. American Journal of Sociology, 53, pp. 9 – 16. https://doi.org/10.1086/220087
Gregory, R., 1995. Why Isn’T Sociology a Science?. Perception, 24, pp. 977 – 980. https://doi.org/10.1068/p240977
