Sociology and Common Sense | UPSC NOTES

 

What's Inside this Blog!

1. Meaning and Definition of Common Sense
2. Relationship between Sociology and Common Sense
3. Differences Between Sociology and Common Sense
4. Thinkers’ Views on Sociology and Common Sense
5. Relevance for UPSC Civil Services Examination
6. Frequently Asked Questions by UPSC Sociology Optional Students

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Sociology and Common Sense 

In everyday life, we use common sense to understand people and situations based on our personal experiences, traditions, and beliefs. However, Sociology goes beyond everyday understanding — it uses scientific and systematic methods to study society objectively.

Sociology helps us see the hidden patterns of behavior, social structures, and power relations that common sense often overlooks.

Meaning of Common Sense

• Common sense refers to the unscientific, everyday knowledge people acquire through socialization, traditions, and experience.
• It is based on subjective perception, cultural biases, and personal observation rather than verified evidence.
• Example: “Rich people are always happy” or “Men are more logical than women.” These are common-sense ideas, not sociological truths.

Sociology vs. Common Sense: Key Differences

Aspect	Sociology	Common Sense
Nature	Systematic and scientific study of society.	Based on ordinary experiences and beliefs.
Methodology	Uses empirical evidence, observation, and analysis.	Relies on assumptions, customs, and stereotypes.
Objectivity	Objective and value-neutral.	Subjective and influenced by emotions and culture.
Verification	Findings are tested and verifiable.	Based on intuition or personal opinion.
Universality	Sociological explanations aim for general laws or patterns.	Varies from person to person or culture to culture.
Purpose	To understand and explain social phenomena.	To make quick, practical judgments in daily life.

Example:

• Common Sense: “People are poor because they are lazy.”
• Sociology: Studies structural causes like unemployment, inequality, and lack of education leading to poverty.

Thinkers’ Views on Sociology and Common Sense

1. Max Weber

• Distinguished between Verstehen (understanding) and explanation.
• Sociology should understand meanings behind social actions scientifically — not rely on subjective impressions.

2. Emile Durkheim

• Rejected common sense entirely.
• Said “Sociology must study social facts as things” — objective realities external to individuals.
• Example: His study on suicide used statistical data, proving it is a social phenomenon, not just a personal act.

3. C. Wright Mills

• Introduced the Sociological Imagination — the ability to connect personal troubles with public issues.
• Encouraged moving beyond common-sense thinking to view individual experiences in a broader social context.

4. Karl Marx

• Criticized common-sense beliefs that justify inequality.
• Exposed hidden structures of power and exploitation (class relations) that people often accept as natural.

Why Sociology Differs from Common Sense

1. Empirical Evidence: Sociology depends on observation, surveys, and data.
2. Objectivity: Sociologists keep personal biases aside while interpreting facts.
3. Systematic Approach: It uses theories and methods, not random opinions.
4. Critical Perspective: Challenges everyday assumptions (e.g., caste, gender norms).
5. Global Applicability: Sociological theories apply across cultures with modifications.

FAQs

Q1. Why is sociology not based on common sense?

➡ Because sociology is a science; it uses data and research to arrive at conclusions rather than opinions or traditions.

Q2. Can common sense ever be useful in sociology?

➡ Yes, it can guide the formation of hypotheses, but sociologists must test them scientifically.

Q3. Why did Durkheim reject common sense?

➡ He believed common sense is subjective and emotional, while sociology should be objective and value-free.

Q4. What is the role of sociological imagination?

➡ It helps individuals connect their personal experiences to wider social structures — moving beyond common-sense explanations.

Q5. What is the difference between sociology and common sense knowledge?

Sociology is scientific and based on evidence; common sense is intuitive and often biased.

Q6. Why is it important to distinguish between sociology and common sense in UPSC answers?

Because UPSC expects analytical, evidence-based reasoning — not moral or emotional judgments.

Q7. Give an example of how sociology challenges common sense.

Common sense: “Marriage is a private affair.”

Sociology: Studies marriage as a social institution affected by law, economy, caste, and gender norms.

Q8. Can sociology and common sense ever overlap?

Yes, sometimes common-sense beliefs are correct, but sociology still verifies them scientifically.

Q9. Which thinkers highlighted this difference?

Durkheim, Weber, and C. Wright Mills are key thinkers who emphasized scientific study over everyday assumptions.

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Conclusion

Sociology and common sense both aim to understand human behavior, but sociology does so systematically, objectively, and scientifically.

It helps us see beyond appearances — questioning taken-for-granted ideas and revealing the real causes of social issues.

Sociology and Common Sense UPSC Notes | Sociology Optional Paper 1 Unit 1 | Sociology vs Common Sense | Durkheim Sociology Study | UPSC Sociology Notes PDF | Sociology Optional Preparation | 

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Next Topic → Sociology as Science: Scientific Method and Objectivity