SOCIOLOGY IN INDIA:: A Perspective from Sociology of Knowledge

Book Details

• Author: Surendra Sharma

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: Second Edition

• ISBN: 9788131610237

• Pages: 175

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book

In this thought-provoking work, Surendra Sharma tackles pivotal questions concerning the theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches within sociology in India. Despite the wide range of research conducted in the field, questions surrounding the rationale behind the choice of specific theoretical frameworks and research methods have largely gone unanswered. Sharma delves into these unexplored territories, questioning the very foundation of sociology as practiced in India and highlighting the lack of explicit discussions on the relevance and choice of research activities.

The book takes a sociology of knowledge perspective, analyzing the intersection of theory, methodology, and epistemology within Indian sociological research. By examining key elements such as philosophy, theory, methodology, and the field of study, Sharma explores the evolution of the discipline, focusing on how Indian sociology has been shaped by both positivist and idealist traditions. He also discusses attempts at indigenizing Indian sociology, including critiques of the ideologizing tendencies within the field.

The text brings to light the theoretical and methodological challenges in the study of village communities and social stratification, presenting them as test cases for examining the connection between theory, method, and data. The second edition includes a new introduction by K.L. Sharma, reflecting on the recent developments within Indian sociology over the past three decades.

This book is essential reading for those looking to understand the historical and current debates surrounding the practice of sociology in India, and it offers valuable insights into the discipline from a sociology of knowledge standpoint.

Contents:

• Introduction

• New Introduction: Revisiting Indian Sociology – K.L. Sharma

• Some Issues in the Sociology of Knowledge

• Sociology in India: Historical and Theoretic Probings

• Sociology in India: A Sociology of Knowledge Perspective

• Studies on Social Stratification: A Sociology of Knowledge Perspective

• Village Studies: Theoretical and Methodological Orientations

• Conclusion

Surendra Sharma's academic insights continue to resonate with scholars and practitioners alike, making this work an indispensable part of the study of sociology in India.