Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Introduction to Sociology Syllabus - Mumbai University

About this course

Sociology is one of the foundation subjects relevant to the profession of social work. It prepares one for a lifetime of change by developing one's appreciation of diversity, love of learning, writing and study skills, and knowledge base about human behaviour, social organization, culture, and social change. Sociology is about people and their interactions; relationships, circumstances, and lives with each other and the profession of social work will always seek to promote that. The course focuses on the interconnectedness of various social concepts, and social structures and their impact on human relations. Sociology as a field related to social work creates a forum where the sociological perspective, sociological concepts, and principles addressed and developed by sociologists are applied in the substantive areas of social work. The Fieldwork in social work provides a platform for the practitioner to engage in the areas such as communities (urban/rural), families, medical and educational institutions, as well as government and non-government organizations.

Course objectives

• To understand and analyse Indian society and culture
• To carry out social analysis through the understanding of sociological perspectives.
• To develop an overview of the various social processes and social change taking place in society.
• To equip with theoretical knowledge as a base for social work practice

Learning outcomes

• CO 53 Analyse Indian society, its varied culture, and its impact on various sections of the society.
• CO 54 Discuss key sociological theories on social control and change
• CO 55 Describe how social structure, culture, and institutions operate in society.
• CO 56 Apply sociological knowledge in social work field content.

Unit I: Foundations of Sociology and Social Perspectives

• Emergence of sociology: Definition and Scope; Basic concepts: Society, Social Systems, Status and Role, Social Stratification, Social Mobility, Social Control, and Social Institutions.
• Theoretical perspectives: Functionalist, Conflict, and Interpretivism
• Social processes (Definition and Characteristics): Cooperation, Competition, Conflict, Accommodation, Assimilation, Social change
• Factors: Physical, biological, cultural, technological, social legislation, education
• Theory of social change: Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernisation, Post- Modernisation

Essential readings

• Rao, S. (2005). Sociology. New York: S. Chand and Company Ltd
• Srinivas, M. N. (1991). Indian Social Structure. New Delhi: Hindustan Publishing House.
• Ahuja, R. (1993), Indian Social System, Rawat Publication, Jaipur

Unit II: Culture, Socialization and Contemporary Indian Society

• Culture: concept, functions, characteristics, dimensions of culture; Socialization: Definition, Agents of Socialisation ( family, peer group, religion, education, mass media); Social Institutions and Identities in Indian Society:
• Caste System;
• Tribal communities;
• Rural and urban societies;
• Religious communities;
• Gender and Society in India

Essential readings

• Rao, S. (2005). Sociology. New York: S. Chand and Company Horten, P, Hunt, C. (1980). Sociology.
• Tokyo: Mac Grawhill Beteille, A., (2002) Sociology, Oxford University Press: New Delhi