The main difference between sociology and political science is that sociology is the scientific study of human society while political science is the study of politics and their impact on society as a whole. Hence, unlike sociology, political science emphasizes the use of political power in the national and international level.
Sociology and political science are subjects that concern the administration and management of human society and its social development. Though the contemporary subject of political science has incorporated several sociology concepts and widened its scope, its main focus makes it distinguishable from other academic disciplines.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Sociology
– Definition, Focus, Scope
2. What is Political Science
– Definition, Focus, Scope
3. What are the Similarities Between Sociology and Political Science
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Sociology and Political Science
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Education, Sociology, Social Sciences, Society, Political Science, Politics
What is Sociology
Sociology is the academic discipline which focuses on the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. It, therefore, analyses the social associations and interactions that influence forming a stable society, overcoming the extreme impacts on its members.
Hence, sociology is a social science that emphasizes the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture of human life. Subjects such as anthropology, communication studies, and, culture studies go hand in hand with sociology.
Some major theoretical approaches in sociology are functionalism, conflict theory, structuralism, and, utilitarianism. Likewise, the subject scope of sociology ranges from the micro-sociology level of individual agency and interaction to the macro level of systems and the social structure.
Figure 1: The bust of Émile Durkheim
Some of the pioneering personalities who contributed to the development of the subject of sociology are Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Franklin Frazier, Albion Small, Adolphe Quetelet, and, Herbert Spencer to modern day sociologists such as Anthony Giddens, and, Harrison White.
Sociology is the best choice for someone who is interested in researching how human societies develop and finding ways to develop and organize societies from its root level. Some careers such as social researchers, caseworkers, paralegals, public relations workers, administrators, community organizers, public policy researchers, and data analysts are related to sociology. Hence, the career options for sociology spans varied sectors including the research sector, administrative sector, public and welfare sector, the business sector as well as the education sector.
What is Political Science
By definition, political science is the academic discipline that studies the state and systems of government; the scientific analysis of political activity and behaviour. In brief, political science focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Consequently, it involves the systematic study of governance by political means through the application of observations and experiences and generally scientific methods of analysis.
Some major approaches utilized in political science are positivism, interpretivism, rational choice theory, behaviouralism, structuralism, realism, and, institutionalism.
Similarly, in addition to its analysis of power and its operation in the political arena, political science also analyses problems that occur as a result of political instabilities such as security issues, economic crisis, globalization, international trade, etc. Hence, it allows understanding of how governments operate and interact, the impact of government policies on economic stability and growth, and how laws affect social and political change.
Moreover, the contemporary discipline of political science encompasses studies of all political, societal, cultural factors that influence the operation of power in the government as well as the international level. Hence, subjects such as international relations and business studies go hand in hand with political science.
Figure 2: Michael Barone, Senior Political Analyst
Some well-known career options for political science include politician, lobbyist, political consultant, policy analyst, paralegals, legal assistant, legal analyst, public relations specialist, marketing research analyst, etc.
Similarities Between Sociology and Political Science
- These academic disciplines study human society and the manner in which human interactions with social institutions and politics impact the overall function of the society.
- Also, both fall under the category of social sciences and utilize some social science theories that overlap.
Difference Between Sociology and Political Science
Definition
Sociology is the academic discipline that studies the development, structure, and functioning of human society while political science is the academic discipline that studies the state and systems of government or the scientific analysis of political activity and behaviour. Thus, this is the main difference between sociology and political science.
Focus Area
Also, the focus area is one other important difference between sociology and political science. The main focus area of sociology is the human society and its development; hence, it focuses on the study of the structure, its function and eventually the development for the proper function of human society. In contrast, the main focus area of political science is the use of political power. Thus, it focuses on the practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Subject Scope
Furthermore, the subject scope is another difference between sociology and political science. Sociology includes the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture of everyday life whereas political science includes the manner in which governments operate and interact, the impact of government policies on economic stability and growth, and how laws affect social and political change.
Career Options
Some career options for sociology include social researchers, caseworkers, public relations workers, administrators, community organizers, public policy researchers, and data analysts while some career options for political science include politician, lobbyist, political consultant, policy analyst, legal assistant, legal analyst, public relations specialist, and, marketing research analyst. Hence, this is another difference between sociology and political science.
Conclusion
Sociology and political science have a slight inter-related nature since both concern the human society and its development. However, these two diverge on their focus areas. While sociology focuses on the development, structure, and functioning of human society, political science focuses on the state and systems of government; the scientific analysis of political activity and behaviour. Thus, this is the difference between sociology and political science. Eventually, how these political changes can affect society as a whole.
Reference:
1. “Understanding the Role of Religion in American Politics”, Department of Political Science, University of Washington, Available here.
2. “What Can I Become If I Study a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences?” MastersPortal, 25 Aug. 2017, Available here.
3. “What Is Sociology?” Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina, Available here.
4. “What Is Sociology?” American Sociological Association, 23 May 2016, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Logo sociology” By Tomeq183 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Le buste d’Émile Durkheim 05” By Christian Baudelot – (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “1327276” (CC0) via Pixabay
4. “Michael Barone, Senior Political Analyst” By Policy Exchange (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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