The main processes proceeding in society are studied by such science as sociology. The modern sociology is the complex scientific discipline covering various aspects of public life.
Instruction
1. The sociology is the science studying society, systems making it, regularities of its development and functioning, social institutes, the relations and communities. In the modern trend of science select three main sections: theoretical, empirical and applied sociology.
2. The main subject of theoretical sociology is the objective research of society for obtaining theoretical knowledge. It is necessary adequately to interpret the social phenomena and behavior of people. However for its reasoning are required given to empirical sociology.
3. The empirical sociology represents set of researches which are based on technical and methodical methods and methods of collecting, processing and the description of primary sociological information. This section is also called a sotsiografiya that emphasizes the descriptive nature of discipline and also a doxografiya as its main function - studying public opinion and social moods of any given communities and social groups, mass consciousness and behavior.
4. Applied sociology call the field of science which is brought most closer to practice and is directed to use of the available sociological knowledge in the solution of the vital public practical tasks.
5. Each of sections of modern sociology consists of three levels. Level of all-sociological theories and knowledge is top. The average level unites branch (cultural, political, legal, economic sociology, etc.) and also special theories (persons, families of youth, etc.). Nizhny Novgorod is made by concrete social researches.
6. As the science in general modern sociology is subdivided into microsociology and macrosociology depending on the level of studying society — micro or macrolevel. At the microlevel small social interactions and systems, and at the macrolevel - big processes and systems within uniform society are studied. A subject of studying macrosociology are big social structures — social structure of society, big social groups, social institutes, communities and layers and also the processes happening in them. The microsociology is directed to a research of small social interactions and groups, social networks and the relations which arise between certain people.