Choosing what to study after 12th grade can be hard. Two subjects that many students think about are Sociology and Political Science. These subjects are part of social sciences, but they are not the same. Each one looks at different parts of human life and society. If you are thinking about studying one of them, it is important to know how they are different. In this article, we will explain what each subject is about, how they are similar, and what makes them different.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of human society, social behavior, and the structures that shape our daily lives. It looks at how people interact within groups and institutions, such as families, schools, governments, and religious organizations. Sociology also examines how societal issues, like poverty, inequality, and crime, affect individuals and communities.
In simpler terms, Sociology is the study of how society works and how people behave within society. It helps us understand the roles that culture, social institutions, and social norms play in shaping our actions and behaviors. It answers questions like, “Why do people act the way they do in certain situations?” and “How do social groups influence individual behavior?”
Key Areas of Focus in Sociology:
- Social Structures: Sociology looks at different social institutions like family, education, and religion. For example, it studies how education systems impact individuals’ career choices and how family structures affect social behavior.
- Social Behavior: Sociologists investigate how people behave in different social contexts, including family, school, or work. They explore things like group behavior, peer pressure, and social conformity.
- Cultural Norms: Every society has its own set of cultural norms and values. Sociology helps explain how these values guide behaviors and actions within a community.
- Social Change: Sociology also looks at how societies evolve over time. It studies historical changes and how societal problems like inequality or discrimination affect people and lead to social movements.
What is Political Science?
Political Science, on the other hand, is the study of politics, government, and political behavior. It focuses on how power, authority, and decision-making processes work in societies. Political scientists study governments, political institutions, political processes, and the behavior of political actors, such as politicians, voters, and public officials.
If Sociology helps us understand how people interact within society, Political Science helps us understand how societies are governed and how political systems function. It asks questions like, “How do governments make decisions?” and “What factors influence political behavior and voting patterns?”
Key Areas of Focus in Political Science:
- Political Systems: Political Science looks at different systems of government, such as democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, and communism. It examines how each system works and how power is distributed in different countries.
- Political Behavior: This area looks at how people engage with politics. It includes studying voting behavior, public opinion, and political participation. Political scientists analyze why people vote the way they do and what factors influence their political choices.
- Public Policy: Political Science investigates how policies are created and implemented by governments. It looks at both local and international policies and their effects on society, including economic, health, and education policies.
- International Relations: This branch of Political Science studies the relationships between different countries, including diplomacy, conflicts, international organizations, and treaties.
What’s the Difference between Sociology and Political Science?
While Sociology and Political Science have overlapping themes, their focuses are different. Let’s break down the key differences between these two disciplines.
| Aspect | Sociology | Political Science |
| Focus | The study of society, social institutions, and behaviours. | The study of political systems, governance, and power. |
| Main Objective | Understanding social structures and human behaviour. | Understanding political systems, governance, and policy. |
| Methods Used | Primarily qualitative research like surveys and interviews, but also quantitative methods. | More analytical and empirical research methods, including case studies and comparative politics. |
| Career Opportunities | Social researcher, counsellor, teacher, NGO worker, sociologist. | Political analyst, civil servant, diplomat, policy advisor. |
| Subject Matter | Society, social norms, institutions, and human behaviour. | Politics, governments, political systems, policies, and political behavior. |
How are Sociology and Political Science Related?
While Sociology and Political Science are different, they are both concerned with the study of human behavior and society. In fact, there are some areas where these two fields intersect. For example:
- Political Sociology: This is an area that combines elements of both Sociology and Political Science. It examines the relationship between society and politics. For instance, political sociologists might study how social issues like poverty or race affect political participation and voting behavior.
- Social Movements and Politics: Sociologists study social movements, and Political Scientists examine how these movements affect politics. The study of political revolutions, protests, and collective action often involves both disciplines.
- Social Policies: Political Science looks at how policies are made, while Sociology examines how these policies affect society at the grassroots level. For example, a policy on healthcare may be analyzed both in terms of political strategy (Political Science) and its impact on different social groups (Sociology).
Choosing Between Sociology and Political Science
Both Sociology and Political Science offer great opportunities for those interested in understanding how society works. The decision of which subject to pursue depends largely on your interests and career goals.
- Choose Sociology: if you’re more interested in understanding how individuals and groups behave within a society, and if you’re passionate about social issues such as inequality, poverty, and crime. Careers in social work, education, counseling, and research may be ideal for you.
- Choose Political Science: if you’re fascinated by politics, governance, law, and international relations. Political Science is perfect for those who want to work in government, public policy, international relations, or law. It can also be a stepping stone to a career in political consultancy or diplomacy.
Studying Sociology and Political Science at Desh Bhagat University (DBU)
If you’re considering pursuing a degree in Sociology or Political Science, Desh Bhagat University (DBU) offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in these fields. The university’s Online and Distance Learning (ODL) system provides students with the flexibility to study from anywhere while balancing other commitments.
Courses Offered by DBU Online:
- BA in Sociology: This is a three-year undergraduate program that covers essential topics like social structure, human behavior, and social change. DBU’s Sociology program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of social dynamics and societal issues.
- MA in Political Science: This two-year postgraduate program delves deep into political theory, governance, international relations, and public policy. Students will gain a critical understanding of political systems and how they shape societies globally.
Why Choose DBU Online?
- Flexibility: With DBU’s ODL system, you can study at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. This makes it easier for students to balance work, family, or other commitments.
- Expert Faculty: DBU boasts experienced faculty members who specialize in their respective fields, ensuring that you receive high-quality education.
- Practical Learning: The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will help you in your career.
- Affordable Fees: DBU aims to make education accessible and affordable for all students, ensuring that you receive value for your investment in your future.
Conclusion
Sociology and Political Science are both fascinating fields of study that offer a deep understanding of human society. While Sociology focuses on the study of social behavior, institutions, and social structures, Political Science concentrates on politics, governance, and power. Both fields provide valuable insights into the functioning of society and offer rewarding career opportunities.
Choosing between Sociology and Political Science depends on your personal interests and career goals. Whether you are passionate about understanding social issues and human behavior or interested by politics and governance, both fields provide ample opportunities for growth and development. And with flexible study options at Desh Bhagat University Online, you can pursue your passion at your own pace and convenience.
FAQs
1. What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of how society works. It looks at how people interact with each other and how different parts of society, like family, education, and religion, shape behavior. Sociologists try to understand the reasons behind social issues like poverty, crime, and inequality, and how societies change over time.
2. What is Political Science?
Political Science is the study of politics, government, and how power works in society. It looks at how different political systems function, like democracy or dictatorship, and studies how governments make decisions. Political scientists also explore political behavior, voting patterns, and public policies to understand how societies are governed.
3. What is the main difference between Sociology and Political Science?
The main difference is that Sociology focuses on social behavior and the structures of society, like family, education, and culture. It looks at how people behave within these structures. Political Science, on the other hand, is focused on politics, government systems, and how power is distributed and exercised in society.
4. Can Sociology and Political Science be studied together?
Yes, you can study both subjects together. There are fields like Political Sociology, which blend both disciplines. Political Sociology looks at how social factors influence politics and how politics affect society. Studying both gives you a more complete understanding of how society and politics interact with each other.
5. What kind of career can I have with a degree in Sociology?
A degree in Sociology can lead to careers like social researcher, counselor, teacher, or social worker. You could also work for non-profit organizations or in community services. Sociologists are needed in many areas where understanding social behavior and human interaction is important, such as healthcare, education, and criminal justice.
6. What career options are available after studying Political Science?
With a degree in Political Science, you can work as a political analyst, diplomat, civil servant, or policy advisor. Many Political Science graduates work in government, law, or public policy. You could also work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international relations, or even run for public office.
7. What should I study first, Sociology or Political Science?
It depends on your interests. If you are more interested in understanding how people behave within society and the issues that affect social life, Sociology might be a better fit. If you are interested in how governments work and how political decisions affect society, Political Science would be the better choice.
8. Can I study Sociology or Political Science online?
Yes, many universities, including Desh Bhagat University (DBU), offer online and distance learning programs in Sociology and Political Science. Studying online gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while balancing other commitments, like work or family, making it easier to pursue higher education.
9. How long does it take to complete a degree in Sociology or Political Science?
A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or Political Science typically takes about three years to complete. After that, you can pursue a Master’s degree, which usually takes two years. Some universities, like DBU, offer flexible online programs to make it easier to complete your degree while managing other responsibilities.
10. What skills do I learn from studying Sociology and Political Science?
Both Sociology and Political Science help you develop important skills. From Sociology, you’ll learn to analyze social behavior, think critically about social issues, and work on solutions for societal problems. Political Science teaches you how to understand political systems, make informed decisions, and develop leadership and communication skills, useful in many professional fields.