Book Review: "An Introduction to Sociology" by Abdul Hameed Taga and Abdul Aziz Taga

Reviewer

Dr. Basharat Ali Ramay

Assistant Prof. Department of Sociology

GCUF 

 Social sciences appear to be vast and constantly moving forward in development. One of these sources that will be of help to both students and interested people of sociology is the book “An Introduction to Sociology” authored by Abdul Hameed Taga and Abdul Aziz Taga. According to the Imtiaz Book Depot, this text presents a detailed examination of the basic concepts, theories and applications of sociology and sociological discipline which is a significant contribution to the knowledge of society and its several aspects.

Sociological Developmental Systematic Picture

They begin with Chapter 1, 'Sociology: An Introduction,' where they start with basic definitions of sociology, its field and relevance in comprehending the socially informed actions of individuals, as such this chapter helps to properly orient readers to the material of books establishing the importance of sociology as a science that studies the complexity of social relations and institutions Architecture of chapter 2 ‘Sociology and Other Social Sciences’ achieves its goal. Defining the scope of the essay aimed at the present task or comprehension of any issues concerning sociology of sociology and related to psychology, anthropology, political cultures, and economics. Such comparison would allow clearing the boundaries of sociology’s subject matter, but also reinforce its integrative aspect and stimulate readers to be more open regarding social sciences.

Chapter 3, ‘Sociological Theory: An Overview,’ is one of the book’s major strengths as it focuses on reviewing sociological theories extensively. The contents of Chapter 3, ‘Sociology Theory – An Introduction’, cover the whole range of non-substantive concepts of sociology such as the ‘social action’ of Max Weber, ‘Behaviorism’, functionalism’ of Emile Durkheim, up to the political social theories of Karl Marx. The authors are especially successful at editing a theoretical construct with more depth while making sure that the complex ideas are easy to grasp and are interesting.

First laying out the conceptual groundwork, Chapter 4, ‘Social Research – An Introduction’, presents the methods used in sociological research. It covers qualitative and quantitative approaches, research methods, data collection and analysis. They do so by highlighting the necessity of development of knowledge on the basis of observation and empirical studies of social phenomena, therefore, sociological research is underlined and defined as a thorough and scientific study of growing social processes.

Analysis of Social Processes and Institutions

The second part of the book turns to even more specific components of social life, starting from Chapter 5, ‘Social Action and Interaction’. In this context, Taga and Taga, for the first time, consider each sociological problem in their interconnection with such social phenomena as social norms, roles, and relationship systems. This chapter is particularly useful in demonstrating how actions of an individual are contained in and enact possibilities provided by social institutions.

The same phenomena, ‘social groups and organizations,’ ’social status and role,’ and ‘community and society’ are followed in chapters 6. Eighth chapter extends this line of inquiry, examining ‘Social Bonds: Community and Society.’ These chapters as a whole deal with the question of how social relations are formed and persist. How do these groups operate, what are the roles and status of individuals, and how does community differ from society? This is what the authors skilfully address and enlighten the readers on social order.

Culture, Norms, and Deviance

Chapter 9 entitled “Culture” is a particularly interesting part since it provides a comprehensive analysis of components that constitute culture, namely values, norms, symbols, as well as language. It also exemplifies how in sociological matters presented in this paper, culture is truly understood as omnipresent both in individual actions and cultural activities, i.e. culture imparts certain perceptions, behaviors, and interactions.

Particularly in the 10th chapter “Social Norms and Sanctions” and the 12th chapter titled “Deviance and Control” the authors explore the topic of social regulation and the understanding of deviance. Such chapters enlighten on the means in which societies impose adherence to norms with threats of consequences and the various sociological matte that accounts for deviance. The authors have managed to integrate theory with practice by using examples which students can easily relate with.

Power, Authority, and Socialization

Chapter 13, “Power and Authority”, provides an in-depth analysis on the sources of power and its manifestations in society. Showing variances in the definitions of authority from traditional to legal-rational and others, the authors also address the issue of how power relations impact social relations and social arrangements.

Lastly, chapter 14 “Socialization and Personality” examines the outcomes of the last socialization by covering the phenomena where people acquire norms and values of the society as well as the self-identity and character. This chapter acts as a bridge between the growth of a person and society, capturing the connection of the two at both its edges when a person is growing and when society is changing.

Public Opinion, Institutions, and Social Change

Chapter 15 is devoted to the peculiar characteristics of “Public Opinion”, its formation and value to society, more specifically its role in shaping and defining important decisions and policies of society. This discourse is especially timely with regard to how the media is being carried out in today’s politics of, and with, ‘polarization’.

Chapters 16 through Chapter 23 provide a detailed analysis of a variety of social institutions including the family, education, religion, economy, politics, mass media, recreational facilities, etc., as enumerated in terms of order of appearance. They take pains to focus on the background, structure, functions and propriety of the given institutions, which none the less stand out in aiding social order and socialization.

In chapters 24 and 25, ‘Collective Behaviour and Social Norms’ and ‘Socio-Cultural Change’, members of society appear and interact in groups, and in a very little more detail, why societies change. These chapters are fundamental in understanding the development of societies over time and the factors that cause societal change.

Social Stratification, Mobility, and Problems

Chapter 26, ‘Social Stratification & Social Mobility’, addresses the hierarchy that exists in society, degree of inequality commonly referred to as the stratification of society into castes, class systems and other such divisions. The authors examine what causes the population to move socially and what are the effects of social stratification with regard to the wellbeing of individuals and urban society.

Since its inception the chapter in two parts evokes contextualization of the chapter as “the problems of society from a little perspective – Pakistan”. extend beyond, this chapter grounds the theoretical discussions into practice and further demonstrates the authors’ willingness to engage with specific social issues from the region. The authors try to tackle the regional specific problem, which in this case has been so popular, local social problems and enhances the awareness about Pakistan's multicultural context further justifying appropriateness of this book to readers from or interested with this region Having reviewed the book from the set objectives, I would like to add some of the strengths of the book.

‘An Introduction to Sociology’ can be underlined for the fact that it has examined a range of sociological topics ensuring that the reader has adequate training on the subject. The straightforwardness of the authors writing, relative even to advanced students, facilitates the comprehension of intricate theories and notions even to children. Moreover, practical dimensions of the issues are illustrated through real-life cases and situations presented in the book that helps the audience to contextualize the learned theories in real social situations ‘.

According to the regular-situated conception, each chapter is arranged in a sequence to form a continually developing concept. This pedagogical strategy is effective not only in knowledge acquisition but in knowledge construction process wherein the reader is able to make relations of different areas in sociology.

Conclusion

”An Introduction to Sociology” written by Abdul Hameed Taga & Abdul Aziz Taga has gone above the Cushy with providing a thorough text and a text through all the points that would be necessary for anyone who wants to apply guiding in the heart of human nature. All essential aspects are thoroughly covered, straightforward definitions are provided, and the structure is well thought-out and balanced which makes the book indispensable for students and educators and anybody interested in social sciences.

The authors sure know how to combine theory and practical activities as audience not only master the basics of sociology but also understand how these concepts can be applied to understand real issues facing society today. There is still space for the introduction of more of the current and more engaging aspects but on the whole, the advantages of the book far exceed these small disappointments.

At a time when members of society need to grapple with and appreciate the sociatorical and social interplay, this book ‘An Introduction to Sociology’ is as assertive of the impact sociological study should have on the ship of society. The reader acquires the knowledge and tools to make their own analysis of the structures, processes and phenomena surrounding man, making this book very necessary for the academic library.