This academic text serves as a foundational guide for students pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology at Sreenarayanaguru Open University. It defines the fundamental structure of theory, explaining how precise definitions and abstract concepts are used to build scientific frameworks for understanding human behaviour. The material details the historical emergence of the discipline, highlighting how major social shifts like the Industrial Revolution and urbanisation influenced early thought. Key intellectual contributions from foundational theorists are examined, including Auguste Comte’s positivism, Herbert Spencer’s evolutionary perspective, and Emile Durkheim’s study of social facts. Specifically, it explores Durkheim’s theories on suicide and the functional role of religion in maintaining communal bonds. Ultimately, the source provides a comprehensive overview of the analytical schemes and historical contexts that shaped modern sociological inquiry.

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