This section provides download links from Google Drive for NCERT Sociology Books from Class 11 & 12 in Hindi Medium. Please Click the Hyperlink (red colour) and thereafter in Google Drive click download button given at upper right side or click three-line dotted menu (in Mobile) and thereafter click download button:
NCERT Sociology Books Hindi Medium Download Links
- Class 11 NCERT Sociology Book : समाज शास्त्र, भाग 1 (समाजशास्त्र परिचय)
- Class 11 NCERT Sociology Book : समाज शास्त्र, भाग 2 (समाज का बोध)
- Class 12 NCERT Sociology Book : समाज शास्त्र, भाग 1 (भारतीय समाज)
- Class 12 NCERT Sociology Book : समाज शास्त्र, भाग 2 (भारत में सामाजिक परिवर्तन एवं विकास)
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Introduction to Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of society, social institutions, and human relationships. It helps us understand how individuals interact, how societies function, and how social change occurs. As one of the most vital disciplines in the social sciences, sociology examines the patterns of human behavior and the structures that hold civilizations together.
In an era of rapid globalization, urbanization, and cultural transformation, the study of sociology has become increasingly important for promoting harmony, equality, and progress in society.
What is Sociology?
The term Sociology comes from the Latin word “Socius” (companion or society) and the Greek word “Logos” (study or science). Thus, sociology literally means the study of society.
Sociology systematically analyzes human interactions and social processes—how people form groups, develop institutions, create cultures, and influence each other’s lives.
It answers fundamental questions like:
- How does society shape our behavior, beliefs, and identity?
- What causes inequality, social conflict, or cultural change?
- How do institutions like family, education, religion, and government affect individuals?
Sociology is both theoretical and practical—it not only helps explain social behavior but also offers ways to improve society.
Branches of Sociology
Sociology is a diverse discipline that covers many subfields, each focusing on a specific aspect of human society.
1. Social Anthropology: Studies human evolution, cultural traditions, and community life. Closely related to the origins and development of civilizations.
2. Social Psychology: Examines how individuals think, feel, and act in social situations. Bridges the gap between psychology and sociology.
3. Criminology: Studies crime, its causes, prevention, and the functioning of legal and correctional systems.
4. Rural and Urban Sociology
- Rural Sociology: Studies village life, agriculture, caste, and rural development.
- Urban Sociology: Focuses on cities, urbanization, housing, and social issues in metropolitan areas.
5. Educational Sociology: Examines the role of education in socialization, equality, and national development.
6. Political Sociology: Studies the relationship between politics, power, and society.
7. Economic Sociology: Explores how social factors affect economic behavior and institutions.
8. Industrial Sociology: Deals with labor relations, organizational behavior, and industrial management.
Importance of Sociology
Sociology is essential for understanding and improving human civilization. Its contributions to humanity are vast and enduring:
- Understanding Social Structure: Explains how family, economy, religion, and government function together to maintain social order.
- Promoting Social Harmony: Encourages tolerance and cooperation among diverse communities.
- Addressing Inequality: Helps analyze and reduce issues like caste, class, gender, and racial discrimination.
- Guiding Social Change: Provides insights into modernization, reform movements, and development policies.
- Cultural Preservation: Records traditions, customs, and values that strengthen community identity.
- Problem Solving: Aids in dealing with social problems like poverty, unemployment, addiction, and crime.
In essence, sociology helps build a just, cohesive, and progressive society—qualities essential for the survival of civilizations.
Sociology and Society
Sociology and society are deeply connected. While society is the actual web of relationships and institutions where people live and interact, sociology is the discipline that studies and interprets these relationships scientifically.
- Society is the reality; sociology is its systematic understanding.
- Society gives rise to sociology, and sociology helps reform and develop society.
By studying sociology, individuals become aware of social norms, roles, and responsibilities, leading to greater civic awareness and social sensitivity.
Importance of Sociology in Government Job Competitive Exams
For aspirants of UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, Teaching, Defence, and other government exams, sociology plays a key role both as a subject and as a tool for understanding social issues.
- Part of General Studies: Topics like social justice, poverty, inequality, gender issues, and globalization are drawn from sociology. These are vital for exams such as UPSC Civil Services (GS Paper I and II).
- Optional Subject in UPSC and State PCS: Sociology is one of the most popular and scoring optional subjects due to its concise syllabus and relevance to current affairs.
- Essay and Interview Relevance: Knowledge of sociology helps write analytical essays and answer interview questions on society, culture, and governance.
- Understanding Public Policy: Administrators need sociological insight to design inclusive policies that address social problems effectively.
- Humanitarian Outlook: Sociology promotes empathy, social awareness, and ethical reasoning—key traits for civil servants and public officials.
Conclusion
Sociology is the mirror of human civilization. It helps us understand how societies function, evolve, and overcome challenges. By studying social institutions, relationships, and cultural values, sociology guides humanity toward equality, justice, and harmony.
For government job aspirants, sociology is more than just an exam subject—it is a foundation for leadership, policy-making, and ethical governance. It develops a balanced understanding of human behavior and social realities, which are crucial for building a just and progressive nation. In short, sociology connects individuals to society and society to humanity—making it one of the most meaningful and impactful fields of study in modern education.