1.2. History of Sociology The study of social phenomena and processes has a long tradition. Already in the writings of the philosophers of the Ancient World, the first attempts were made to solve such problems as building an ideal state and improving the social structure of society

Politics around sociology To present your antisociology as sociology, build your “theory” on the destruction of all sociological approaches in the field of music and thereby express the “need of the day” - this is like a desire to make a small revolution in your field

20. Technological approach to sociology Although historicism is our topic, that is, a method with which I do not agree, it will be useful to discuss successful methods so that the reader can see the essence of my position and the point of view underlying criticism. For convenience, I’ll call these

1. THE MEANING OF “UNDERSTANDING” SOCIOLOGY In the behavior (Verhalten) of people (“external” and “internal”), as in any process, connections and regularity are found. Only human behavior is inherent, at least completely, in such connections and regularity that can be understood

Chapter 6 The End of Sociology

Foreword to Sociology I draw the limits of the excellence of human society. Of course, my drawings can be neither complete nor true. Infinity separates truth from our weak imagination. I give essays on the distant future, but I don’t know which path leads to it.

Introduction

sociology forecast fact practical

The term "sociology" (from lat. Societas - society and Greek logos - teaching) was first introduced by the French thinker O. Comte in 1838, i.e. much later than the actual study of society began, and he meant in the most general form what they consider in a first approximation to this concept and now - the science of society O. Comte proposed the word "sociology" to denote science studying society.

Currently, there is a concept that sociology is the science of the interactions of social communities within social institutions, organizations, structures and systems. This is a science about social processes, about meaningful social actions of people, their behavior. This is the science of the interaction between personality, social community and society. This is the science of society as a holistic system.

In general, the study of society began at the earliest stages of its development long before the formation of sociology. This first stage can be called pre-scientific. It is appropriate to call the initial stage of sociology proper methodological, since it is within its limits in the second half of the 19th century. the methodology of a new science was developed. Finally, XX century. can be called the empiricotheoretical stage of the study of society and the development of sociology, since it was in the 20th century. empirical research began on truly scientific grounds and the first sociological theories were built.

O. Comte, the founder of a new philosophical trend - positivism - was prepared for this by his previous work and the development of science. He believed that human thinking in its development went through three stages. At first it was religious (theological) and explained everything that happened with the action of the gods. Then it became philosophical (metaphysical) and deduced everything from comprehensible ideas and essences. In the new era following the Renaissance, thinking became scientific (positive) and it draws conclusions based on an empirical test of theoretical constructions, discovering the laws of nature. Such thinking is affirmed in the study of nature, then in the study of society. Initially, natural sciences arose - astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, then a science studying society should appear. For her, O. Comte proposed the name "sociology", which literally means "the science of society."

O. Comte believed that sociology should be based on facts and investigate, like natural science, social phenomena empirically and analytically. This will allow her to get away from speculative abstract constructions and become a “positive” science, capable of positively solving the problems of society, a science. Constantly comparing sociology with the natural sciences that dominated at that time, O. Comte calls it social physics, referring to the creation of a positive science about society, the development of which would make it possible to discover its fundamental laws.

Speaking about the emergence of sociology as a science, it should be remembered that sociology is a system of internally organized and verified knowledge of the facts that make up the life of people in modern society. This means that knowledge of any sociological phenomenon should be based on verified and validated information and scientific evidence. This provision is especially relevant for sociological knowledge, which should be free from the power of myths, fallacies, traditions, and layers of ordinary knowledge, based on observations of everyday life.

The goal of sociology is to obtain reliable, true information that allows you to create an objective picture of both the modern world and that particular society in which people who consume this information live.

Sociology gains the opportunity and ability to clarify the social situation, to make it more understandable and adequate to the ongoing deep-seated processes, but only on the basis of accurate information - both statistical and sociological in nature. Having mastered sociological knowledge, sociologically "educated", people will learn more about the life of society, about the state of social processes, about their own work, family, education, conditions and various forms of activity; at the same time, they can influence them, showing initiative and activity, and the conducted sociological studies are of considerable theoretical and practical importance for assessing the results of certain political decisions and actions.

Thus, there is sufficient reason to conclude that sociology is a very “vital” science. Of course, she has purely theoretical problems of her own scientific development, which are of interest, primarily for the sociologists themselves. But the main purpose of this science is to constantly turn to social life and systematically study it at the level of society as a whole, its specific social processes and structures, institutions and organizations, social communities and groups, people's activities and behavior, social relations and interactions. Since sociology appears before us in this capacity, the question arises of its functions, which will be discussed below.

The functions of sociology

The variety of relations of sociology with the life of society, its social purpose are determined primarily by the functions that it performs.

Sociology performs diverse functions in which its purpose and role is manifested. In the most general form, these functions can be divided into three groups - cognitive, prognostic and managerial.

The basis of such a division is, on the one hand, the objective need for a diverse and differentiated inclusion of sociology in the system of society and social sciences, on the other hand, the allocation of various forms of sociological activity in accordance with the nature and content of the sociologist's work.

The distinction between these groups of functions should not, of course, be excessively rigid, excluding their interconnection and interaction.

All groups of functions of sociology are considered in the course of any ongoing sociological research.

People turn to the results of sociological research quite often. And then, when they want to know the opinion of most people on a particular issue, and when it is necessary to make a decision. Often, the data of sociology are taken into account when conducting elections or when releasing certain consumer goods to the market. However, often these materials give a distorted picture that does not correspond to the true state of things. Then the data of sociology allow you to manipulate knowledge, make decisions that run counter to public opinion, which discredits sociology itself. Cases like the latter occur, as a rule, from the fact that a sociological study was conducted in violation of the general methodological principles of constructing a research program. Therefore, it is very important to correctly (scientifically) formulate initial methodological principles, determine adequate goals and objectives, choose high-quality methods for collecting reliable social information.

Like any intellectual activity, sociology begins with knowledge. Cognitive function  sociology consists in the study of social phenomena in order to obtain adequate scientific ideas about their nature and content, connection with other phenomena, the nature and patterns of development. Sociology attaches paramount importance to the study of social relations between various entities, an analysis of the objective and subjective aspects of their activities, as well as an analysis of the functioning of social institutions.

The system of ideas and concepts about social processes is fixed at the levels of sociological knowledge. At each of these processes are reflected with varying degrees of depth. At the level of general sociological theories, wider scientific generalizations and conclusions are made in comparison with special (private) sociological theories. The function of specific sociological research is to collect primary data characterizing the daily practice of people, and in their empirical analysis.

The cognitive function of sociology is also based on the analysis of social processes to develop scientific forecasts of their further development in the sphere of material, political or spiritual life of society. Forecasts can also be long-term or current: at the level of general sociological theories, we can talk about deep prediction of trends in the development of society in the near and distant future, useful forecasts can be developed within the framework of social sociological theories. The cognitive function of sociology is realized through description, study, explanation, analysis, diagnosis of social reality,  serving as one or a whole group of interrelated social facts. The larger the sociological knowledge of a particular problem in terms of goals and objectives, the more likely that sociology will deal with a large number of complex social facts. In the course of the implementation of the cognitive function, the task of sociology is to identify the connections between them, manifesting themselves in the form of certain trends. Therefore, it makes sense to specify the group of cognitive functions through - descriptive, explanatory, diagnostic.

The beginning of any sociological research necessarily begins with a description of social facts and processes. To describe is first of all to count. Count things and facts that are at some distance from each other. Digital tables have a certain form. Statistics show that the most memorable appearance is one that allows you to count yourself. It is important to understand what is usually not understood. The sociology of religion makes it possible to count the number of people who come to Mass; but what's the point in the figure? It is much more important to highlight the true believers, for the visit to the mass does not yet indicate the degree of faith of a person.

When conducting a case study in his descriptive work, the sociologist often relies on data provided by others, such as administrative and economic statistics. In countries where statistics are developed, the way these data are presented is not always suitable for a sociologist who is forced to process and re-interpret them. In countries with “incomplete statistics,” work becomes much more delicate.

One of the important conditions for describing a problem situation is the choice of such research methods that will allow you to collect the largest amount of necessary information about the object and subject of the study. The larger the object, for example, some major social phenomenon, the more extensive the information should be and the more the number of respondents should cover it.

In order to describe certain social facts and processes, it is necessary to obtain, process, analyze and generalize relevant sociological information. This information is obtained using collection methods. The main methods of collecting information are: observation, survey (questionnaire), interviews and analysis of documentation. One of the leading places among these methods of collecting information is the survey method. This is due to a number of its advantages. It allows you to instantly get a significant amount of information. The collection of information using the survey method is convenient, does not require special material and physical costs. Interviewing even a large array of respondents is quite simple to carry out technically. Attention to the method of interrogation is determined by the fact that verbal information is easy to process, easy to register and is universal in nature.

The description of the problem situation in any kind of sociological research is a very responsible and laborious moment. The whole further course of the research process largely depends on how correctly the problem is described. In essence, this is the discovery and fixation of that social material, which requires its further study and analysis.

Following the description, it becomes necessary to explain the established social facts and identify the links between them. Explanation, i.e. disclosure of the essence of an established social fact is an important concept, because the final result of any sociological research depends on how accurately the essence of an established social fact will be revealed.

A natural continuation of the description and explanation is diagnostic function, the meaning of which is to identify a specific social problem that needs its research, to characterize its relevance and practical significance, to identify its signs and features, to show a social contradiction that needs to be resolved.

Thus, when conducting a sociological study, the sociologist first describes the situation, then explains the causal relationship, and then makes a kind of “social diagnosis”, which in essence is the rationale for further research on the formulated problem.

Practical function  sociology consists in developing, on the basis of an empirical analysis of social phenomena and processes, practical recommendations, for example, on enhancing incentives and increasing the efficiency of people’s activities in the field of material production, improving economic and political relations and the activities of relevant social institutions.

Ultimately, these recommendations are aimed at improving the mechanism of social management, increasing its effectiveness at all levels - from managing the team to managing the affairs of society. To a greater or lesser extent, all modern societies, especially the most civilized ones, do this. None of them allows the development of the economy, socially class and national relations, and the political system of society to drift. Their development is accomplished under a certain influence of the corresponding managerial structures, whose activities are provided scientifically. The complication of modern societies and the conditions for their development (economic, environmental, political, etc.) reinforces the need for targeted impact on social processes. Sociology can play its role and often plays it, which performs significant work, starting from the so-called sociological measurements of the functioning of various aspects of society and obtaining primary sociological information to the development of scientifically based conclusions and recommendations.

Of great practical importance are sociological forecasts regarding the near and distant future of society, scientific predictions of the development of the economy, social, political and spiritual spheres of society.

Cognitive functions find their organic continuation in prognostic functions. For sociology, their implementation is extremely significant. Without this, science loses a sense of the new, a vision of the future results of changes in the social process. To carry out cognitive functions without being guided by a sociological forecast is to impoverish the possibilities of science.

One of the main principles of social forecasting is the responsibility of its implementation, because social forecasting includes such important aspects as social planning, design and construction, is associated with modeling of the future process. Sometimes the prognostic function and the function of social design and construction are shared. In general, the prognostic function is specified through the functions of social design, construction, and planning.

Under function social design  It means the development of a specific model of a social process or a social system (subsystem) with its own parameters and specifics of functioning.

The function of social construction embraces broader research activities than social design. It represents the general mental construction of a new social object regardless of the specific parameters and standards. It is only about the image of the future object, its model.

An example of design is the creation of various models of social objects on a computer base (including models of new economic and social mechanisms based on the transition to a market economy). Social construction in this case means the creation of a common model of transition to the market. Neither social engineering nor social engineering are purely sociological functions. These are functions of a broader activity related to the work of mathematicians, economists, specialists in systems analysis, etc., but which also includes the work of sociologists.

A sociological variety of prognostic function is social planning function, the implementation of which is the development of targeted comprehensive programs for the development of individual areas of public life, industries, regions, cities, etc.

One of the functions of sociology is - ideological. The fact is that sociology in one form or another expresses the interests of certain social groups, classes, political parties and movements. This cannot be avoided, even if the goal is to completely get rid of the ideological approach in specific sociological studies and in formulating the provisions of social sociological and general sociological theories. After all, a sociologist occupies a certain socially - class position and often enters into one or another political party. He comprehends the social processes studied by him, social relations and the activities of various subjects from the standpoint of a certain worldview, the formation of which depends on his social position.

The conclusions and generalizations formulated by the sociologist concerning various aspects of social life affect not only the interests of the social group to which he belongs, but also the interests of other social groups, including classes. Thus, these conclusions and generalizations acquire an ideological content, a certain ideological connotation.

Of course, it is wrong when a scientific approach is replaced by an ideological one, which was often observed in the recent past of Soviet sociology. An objective analysis of social phenomena is always important for a scientist - sociologist.  However, his social status is a moment of this analysis itself, which will inevitably affect his conclusions and generalizations regarding the studied social phenomena and processes. In this sense, sociology is always ideologically oriented. And in order to prevent ideological distortions, excessive ideologization and politicization must be avoided, both in the course of sociological research and in the formulation of conclusions and generalizations, including theoretical ones. It is also useful to relate them to universal values.

The functions of sociology, as well as the structure of sociological knowledge, indicate its place in the system of social and human sciences.

Thus, general sociological theories that reveal the social structure of society, the laws of its development, the interaction of objective and subjective factors of the historical process, play an important philosophical and methodological role in explaining the problems of history, political science, law, social psychology, ethics and other sciences. General theoretical sociology contributes to the consideration of the problems of these sciences in a broad social context, to the identification of the place and role of the phenomena they study in society and in the historical process. Thus, it develops general theoretical approaches and a methodology for the scientific analysis and interpretation of these phenomena.

The provisions and conclusions formulated at the level of special sociological theories have a certain significance for a number of sciences. They may relate to problems of work, life, various types of activities of people. These issues are also considered by other sciences, including economic, environmental, pedagogical, etc. However, special sociological theories have their own perspective on considering these problems. In this sense, they supplement the data of other sciences, arm them with their conclusions and contribute to a comprehensive study of the relevant phenomena.

Special sociological theories reveal the social aspects of labor, political and other activities of people, the conditions of their social (say, urban or rural), family and personal life. They reflect the possibilities of social self-affirmation of the individual and various social groups in the system of economic, political, legal and other social relations. We are talking about the specific aspects of these relations, first of all, about the possibilities of human life that are enclosed in them, and the satisfaction of their urgent needs and interests. The substantiated conclusions made at the level of special sociological theories may have one or another value for various social and human sciences.

Finally, case studies. They are carried out within the framework of many social and human sciences in order to obtain operational data on various processes of public life or to reveal people's attitudes to these processes. Sociology is developing a technique and methodology for such empirical studies, processing their results. Thus, it contributes to the fact that research data, in whatever area of \u200b\u200bscientific knowledge they are conducted, allows to obtain the most adequate information about the studied phenomena and processes. This makes it possible not only to comprehensively consider individual phenomena of public life, having operational information, but also to more specifically reveal their place and role in a particular social system and society as a whole, to identify the interaction of macro- and microprocesses in society.

The implementation of, for example, the cognitive function allows sociology to expand and concretize knowledge about the essence of society, its structure, laws, main directions and trends, ways, forms and mechanisms of its functioning and development. The enrichment of scientific sociological knowledge occurs both on the basis of internal improvement of theoretical sociology, and as a result of the dynamic development of the very object of cognition of this science - social reality. And here a special role belongs to empirical sociology and special sociological theories directly related to it.

Sociology acts as an important tool for improving management, which gives reason to talk about its implementation managerial functions. Their essence lies in the fact that sociological conclusions, recommendations of the proposal, assessment of the state of a social object, created social technologies serve as the basis for the development and adoption of managerial decisions.

A sociological study is the basis for making important managerial decisions, in some cases having considerable and state significance.

Management belongs to organizational and technological function of sociology. It is about the development, construction by her (or with the help) of social technologies. Social technology is understood as a program of transformative activity, and this activity itself is based on the adopted program, designed to radically change the situation. In contrast to the recommendations and suggestions often made by sociologists, social technologies have different goals. If the former, as a rule, are aimed at improving certain aspects of social practice, solving specific problems within the framework of improving the current system, the latter should contribute to deep qualitative transformations of social processes and include a set of organizational measures aimed at this.

Among the management should also include control and analytical and consulting functions. The first is to monitor the implementation of the proposals and recommendations of sociologists, the implementation of certain social technologies and the analysis of new social processes that are the result of the transformations that have taken place. The control and analytical function in the sociologist’s system of activity, if the latter is considered sequentially as a specific cycle (setting goals and objectives of the study, conducting it itself, processing and analyzing data, summing up results, monitoring the implementation of the ideas and proposals formulated), plays an important role. Thanks to the implementation of this function, sociologists can judge the effectiveness of their own activities and set new tasks related to its optimization.

Talking about advisory function  as a variety of managerial functions, we can say that it consists in rendering all kinds of - theoretical, practical, "enlightening" - assistance to a large number of people interested in receiving it from the side of the sociologist conducting empirical research. A sociologist consults representatives of various categories of people, disseminates sociological knowledge, introduces the results of his own research and materials of other works. In a number of cases, consulting activity is closely related to training. Essentially, through such an activity, a sociologist instills a taste for sociological research and an understanding of their necessity.

The functions of sociology are connected with the fact that science is not limited to the knowledge of social reality. She develops suggestions and recommendations for policies and practices aimed at improving social life and improving the efficiency of social process management. Sociology not only describes social life, its manifestations in various fields and at different levels, but also gives them an assessment from the standpoint of humanism, universal values. And here the enrichment and improvement of the theory is not an end in itself, but a necessary prerequisite and condition for rationalizing and optimizing social life in the interests of free and comprehensive development of the individual.

The fact that not only theoretical and fundamental, but also empirical and applied research is carried out within the framework of sociology, emphasizes the especially close connection and close interaction of sociological theory and social policy and practice. First of all, on the basis of empirical sociological research, the social ill-being of society, the growth of social tension, etc., are detected, and in this regard, political and practical measures must be developed to overcome and prevent them. In this regard, social foresight, planning, and forecasting are particularly important as concrete forms of realizing the practically political function of sociology.

Conclusion

It should be noted that due to the implementation of its groups of functions, sociology at all levels and in all its structural elements provides, first of all, the growth of new knowledge about various areas of social life, reveals the laws and prospects of social development of society. This is based on both fundamental theoretical research, developing methodological principles for cognizing social facts, processes and generalizing significant factual material, as well as directly empirical studies that supply this rich factual material, specific information about certain areas of public life.

A characteristic feature of sociology is the unity of theory and practice. A significant part of sociological research is focused on solving practical problems. Sociological studies provide specific and necessarily reliable information for the implementation of effective social control over social facts and processes. Without this information, the possibility of social tensions, social crises and cataclysms increases. In the overwhelming majority of countries, executive and representative bodies, political parties, and associations make extensive use of the potential of sociology for pursuing a focused policy in all spheres of public life.

The practical orientation of sociology is also expressed in the fact that it is capable of developing scientifically based forecasts of trends in the development of social facts and processes in the future. It is especially important to have such a forecast in transitional epochs of the development of society. In this regard, sociology is capable of:

Determine what is the range of opportunities, probabilities that open to the participants in the events at this historical stage;

Present alternative scenarios of future processes associated with each of the selected solutions;

Of great importance in society is the use of sociological research for planning the development of various spheres of public life. Social planning is developed in all countries of the world, regardless of social systems. It covers the widest areas, ranging from certain vital processes of the world community, individual regions and countries, and ending with the social planning of the life of cities, villages, individual enterprises and collectives.

Thus, the results of sociological research can be used in the interests of any social groups to achieve certain social goals. Sociological knowledge often serves as a means of manipulating people's behavior, forming certain stereotypes of behavior, creating a system of value and social preferences, etc. But sociology can also serve to improve mutual understanding between people, to form a sense of closeness among them, which ultimately helps to improve social relations.

Bibliography

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Sociology - the science of the laws of formation, functioning and development of social systems. The social system is a holistic education, the main elements of which are people, as well as their stable connections, interactions and relationships. Social systems are formed on the basis of joint activities of people.

The subject of sociology is a system of essential properties and laws that characterize the existence of an object of sociology, its internal certainty, i.e., the mode of existence and the mechanism of manifestation and functioning of social phenomena, social processes and relations.

Objects of the study of sociology: society as an integral social reality, social organizations, social institutions, social interactions, social phenomena, social processes, social relations, social communities, social actors.

The following elements are distinguished in the structure of sociology:
  1. Microsociology and macrosociology. Microsociology studies the behavior, communication of people in everyday life, their motives, actions, and norms of behavior. Macrosociology studies the interconnections of various parts of society, their interaction. At the macro-sociological level, the main attention is paid to the economic and political systems of social structure, religions, parties, classes, types of families, etc.

2. Theoretical and applied sociology. Theoretical sociology defines the boundaries, goals, methods and functions of sociological knowledge. Applied sociology studies the real processes of social development and offers ways to influence social reality. Applied sociology is engaged in forecasting, designing, shaping social policy, developing methods of social management.

Three levels of sociological theories are distinguished: general sociological theories, mid-level theories, and special theories. General sociological theories investigate the general laws of social development. Sociological theories of an average level in terms of generality of coverage occupy an intermediate position between general sociological and special theories; in mid-level theories, theoretical knowledge proper is combined with empirical knowledge. Special sociological theories regard individual social spheres, communities or processes as relatively independent systems with general and specific connections, universal and particular characteristics, general and special conditions of origin, functioning and development.

The functions of sociological science:
  Cognitive function. Sociology studies and explains the laws of social development at various levels of the social system. The implementation of the cognitive function includes the development of the theory and methods of sociological research, in particular methods for collecting and processing sociological information.

Predictive function. Based on sociological studies, short, medium, and long-term forecasts can be made that determine the prospects for the development of social structures, a change in the demographic situation, living standards, the intensity of urbanization, the outcome of election campaigns, etc.

The function of social design. The task of social design includes the development of optimal organization models for various social communities and models of social management. In countries with a developed civil society, the majority of professionally trained sociologists are engaged in just such work.

Social and technological function. A typical example of the implementation of this function in practice is the creation of social development services in enterprises, in large organizations where professional sociologists work. Such services are involved in determining potential staff turnover, studying the socio-psychological situation in groups, managing social conflicts, etc.

Managerial function. Sociology, especially applied, is directly related to managerial activity. For example, it is pointless to begin any change in the working hours of the work collective without analyzing the undesirable social consequences.

Ideological function. Like any other science about society, sociology performs a certain ideological function. Forming people's ideas about the state of society, it ultimately affects society. From abuse of this influence, researchers are guaranteed by the depth of scientific analysis, a strictly scientific approach to the problems being studied, and tolerance for various points of view.

There are many branches of sociology, and their number continues to grow. Recently, such branches as sociology of civil society, sociology of market and market relations, sociology of public opinion, sociology of international relations, political sociology, economic sociology, environmental sociology, etc. have been distinguished.
  Sociology is increasingly intertwined with different sciences about society. Ethnosociology is being affirmed, socio-economic, socio-political, historical and sociological studies appear, etc. Methods and tools of sociology are adopted by other social sciences: economics, law, demography.

Sociology implements all the functions inherent in social science: cognitive, critical, descriptive, prognostic, practically transformative, ideological.

Cognitivethe function of sociology is manifested in the most complete and concrete knowledge of social reality. Performing this function, sociology accumulates knowledge about various aspects of social life, systematizes them, and seeks to give a holistic view of the problems of development of modern society. To the theoretical and cognitive function of sociology is also the disclosure of the nature of the social being of people, the characteristics of their behavior and consciousness, spiritual activity, lifestyle. Obviously, without specific knowledge of the processes taking place within individual social communities, groups or associations, it is impossible to ensure effective social management.

Critical functionsociology is the study of negative phenomena in society and the search for ways to eliminate them. Sociology shows, on the one hand, that which must be preserved in social life, and, on the other, that which requires radical transformations. Studying the processes of social disorganization, sociology gives them a kind of social diagnosis and gives recommendations for restoring the social health of society.

Descriptive functionsociology is to systematize, describe the material received by researchers in the form of various analytical notes, scientific reports, articles, books. They should reflect the real characteristics of the studied social object. Naturally, this work assumes a high level of professional ethics of the scientist, because on the basis of the materials obtained, practical conclusions are made and managerial decisions are made. These materials will serve as a reference point, a source of comparison for future generations of researchers.

Predictive functionsociology - making scientific forecasts of the development of social processes in all spheres of society. Such forecasts are long-term or current. They are especially important during the transition period of the development of society. And here sociology is capable of:

determine the range of opportunities that open to the participants in the events;

present alternative scenarios of probable processes associated with each of the selected solutions;

Practical conversion functionsociology is to develop practical recommendations based on empirical and theoretical studies aimed at improving the effectiveness of social management mechanisms. These recommendations can be used both for social planning of the life of cities, villages, individual enterprises and collectives, and for improving economic and political relations and the activities of relevant social institutions. The role of this function of sociology is constantly growing, because the complexity of modern society requires a more focused impact on social processes.

Ideological functionsociology is connected with the fact that sociological theories and concepts to one degree or another express the interests of certain social groups, political parties and movements. The choice of the research topic, the development of the problem, the interpretation of the results are often determined by the sociopolitical position of the sociologist and depend on his value orientation and political interests. According to several leading sociologists, sociological science should be ideologically neutral. Therefore, the task of a sociologist is not to replace the scientific approach with an ideological one, but to conduct an objective analysis of social phenomena and processes.

Sociology in the system of sciences

In the system of relations taking shape in society, any science fulfills its characteristic functions. This is the circle of her actions, and responsibilities, as well as important activities. The methods and functions of sociology are closely interrelated, define each other. So, on the basis of various roles, methods for studying social processes are developed.

In accordance with the functions, cognitive activity is built up, action methods and their order are selected.

The main functions of sociology

In all existing scientific sources, they are classified and defined differently. However, the following can be considered optimal.

1. Theoretical. It represents the concentration, replenishment, explanation and enrichment of existing knowledge in sociology. It is also the development of social concepts, theories and laws. This function consists in elucidating the patterns that manifest themselves in society. The enrichment of scientific knowledge occurs on the basis of improving the theory of this discipline.

2. Predictive. She, like no other function of sociology, characterizes this science. She best distinguishes her from other social disciplines, identifies her. These include: forecasting trends in processes and phenomena, summarizing them and disclosing them. This is a kind of presentation of social "predictions" in a scientific way. As a rule, they are short-term and long-term. Social forecasting can be presented as finding science-based ways of realizing what the state of society will be in the future. This tactic is widespread during election campaigns.

3. Descriptive. The essence of this function of sociology is to systematize and update the material received. It exists in the form of reports, records, diagrams, books, articles. An ideal picture of a social object is formed and outlined in them. Based on the results obtained, conclusions are drawn and practical recommendations are made regarding decision-making.

4. Information. This function is implemented through the collection, replenishment and systematization of social data that are obtained as a result of ongoing research. Information is accumulated in large scientific centers and stored on modern electronic media.

The functions of sociology, according to other sources

1. Ideological. It consists in expressing the diverse interests of various sectors of society.

2. Practical. Sociology involves the study of processes and phenomena occurring in society, using theoretical and empirical analysis. On its basis, it develops practical recommendations for resolving a number of problems that arise in society.

3. Cognitive. The essence of this function is to study the phenomena occurring in society with one purpose: to obtain scientific and adequate ideas about their nature. Based on the analysis of social processes, forecasts of their development in the future are developed.

The question of the ideological function of sociology

As for its social and scientific legalization, this problem has not been solved to this day. On the one hand, sociology, as a science, expresses certain interests of various social groups, circles, political parties and movements, classes. Indeed, the results and generalizations acquire a certain worldview tone and content. In this regard, sociology always focuses on some kind of ideology. To prevent this, of course, is difficult. But one must avoid, at least, bias and excesses in relation to this science.