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Category: Basic Concepts

  • 10 Reasons Why it’s Important to Study Sociology and Scope

    Sociology is an academic discipline that is vital to be studied in our rapidly progressing and changing world. The study of societies is important as every society has their own unique characteristics and histories that define the lives of people that belong to them. Sociology helps understand various human and social perspectives in which individual…

  • Reference Group: Types, Functions, Characteristics, Importance

    The term reference group, originally coined by Hebert Hyman in his book The Psychology of Status  (1942), is used to describe any group that an individual uses as a point of comparison in the process of self-appraisal. The points of comparison (or reference) that an individual looks at could be the norms, attitudes, and values…

  • Jacque Derrida’s Deconstruction Theory – Explained

    Synopsis: Deconstruction theory, derived from the works of philosopher Jacques Derrida, is a theory of literary analysis that opposes the assumptions of structuralism. Its primary purpose is to discern the relationship between text and meaning. In performing this task, deconstruction theory is critical of the structuralist ideas of logocentrism and binary oppositions and instead seeks…

  • ANTHROPOLOGY vs SOCIOLOGY: DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES

    Synopsis: Although the two domains are closely related to each other, Sociology and Anthropology are two distinct fields of study. Differences that exist between the two disciplines provide them such distinction from one another. At the same time, both the subjects have much in common. This article explores the two areas of Anthropology and Sociology,…

  • Orientalism: A Critical Introduction & Analysis

    Synopsis: Edward Said’s groundbreaking work ‘Orientalism’ critically analyses the western construction and interpretation of the orient, its subsequent biases, and imperialist tendencies What is Orientalism? The orient refers to eastern (most often colonized nations), most notably the Middle East and all of Asia. Edward Said’s most prominent work ‘Orientalism (1978)’ which set the foundation for…

  • Utopian Socialism: Origin, Characteristics, Experiments, Critique

    Introduction to, Origin and History of Utopian Socialism: In 1515, Thomas More conceptualised an atheistic and communist republic in his novel, ‘Utopia.’ Utopia [ou-topos = not place] has come to denote a vision of an ideal and flawless society. [ou-topos = not-place] The etymology of this word which literally translates to a place that doesn’t…

  • Mass culture vs. Popular Culture: Explained with Examples

    Synopsis: ‘Mass culture’ and ‘Popular culture’ constitute the culture industry and are often perceived to be synonymous for they work in the same context, but differ greatly in function. Introduction: Mass culture and popular culture are often used interchangeably, but the two terms are actually not synonymous with one another. Their meanings lie at the…