Essential Sociology 3rd Ed (Two Volumes)

Authors: IAS Nitin Sangwan, Seema, Shruti Jakhar
Book Overview:

Essential Sociology (3rd Edition) is a comprehensive two-volume set aimed at providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the fundamentals of Sociology. Authored by IAS Nitin Sangwan, Seema, and Shruti Jakhar, this book is designed for those preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Exam, but it is also suitable for any reader interested in learning about sociological concepts, theories, and societal issues in contemporary India.

The third edition includes updated content, enhanced explanations, and comprehensive coverage of both theoretical and practical aspects of sociology. The volumes cover the major sociological perspectives, sociologists, and societal changes, with a strong focus on Indian society, making it an essential resource for students of sociology and those pursuing social science-related disciplines.

Core Themes & Topics Covered:

Volume 1:

1. Introduction to Sociology:
   • Definition, Scope, and Importance of Sociology
   • Relationship with other Social Sciences
   • Basic Concepts and Theories in Sociology
2. Sociological Theories:
   • Classical and Contemporary Theories (e.g., Marxism, Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism)
   • Key Sociologists (e.g., Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim)
3. Social Institutions:
   • Family, Education, Religion, and Economy
   • Social Structure and Stratification
4. Socialization and Social Control:
   • Theories of Socialization
   • Social Control Mechanisms (e.g., laws, norms, customs)
5. Social Change:
   • Evolution of societies
   • Causes and Theories of Social Change

Volume 2:

1. Indian Society:
   • Structure and Dynamics of Indian Society
   • Rural and Urban Communities
   • The role of Caste, Class, Religion, and Ethnicity
2. Social Problems in India:
   • Poverty, Unemployment, Inequality, and Social Exclusion
   • Issues like Dowry, Child Labour, Gender Inequality, etc.
3. Political and Economic Issues:
   • State and Society in India
   • Impact of Globalization and Development on Indian Society
4. Social Movements:
   • Types and Role of Social Movements in India
   • Women’s Rights Movements, Dalit Movements, Environmental Movements
5. Contemporary Issues in Indian Society:
   • Modernization and Its Impact on Traditional Values
   • Changing Family Structure and Dynamics
   • Technology and Social Transformation

Key Features of the 3rd Edition:

1. Updated Content: The third edition includes the latest developments in sociological theories and concepts. It addresses contemporary societal issues and their sociological implications.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers theoretical frameworks, practical case studies, and Indian sociological themes, offering a holistic approach to the subject.
3. Exam-Oriented Approach: It is tailored to meet the needs of students preparing for competitive exams, especially for UPSC and other civil services exams.
4. Simplified Language: The authors have written the book in a clear, student-friendly language, making complex concepts accessible to everyone, including beginners in sociology.
5. Illustrative Examples: To better explain concepts, the book includes real-world examples, case studies, and sociological applications relevant to current societal issues.
6. Updated Theoretical and Empirical Research: The latest research and updates are incorporated to reflect the changing nature of Indian and global society.
7. Diagrams, Tables, and Illustrations: Clear diagrams and tables are used to explain complex sociological structures and theories.

Who Should Read This Book?

1. UPSC Civil Services Aspirants: Given its focus on Indian Society and sociological theory, this book is a valuable resource for students preparing for IAS, IFS, and other civil services exams.
2. Sociology Students: Ideal for students of Sociology at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels who need a detailed, structured resource.
3. Social Science Enthusiasts: Anyone with an interest in understanding the social dynamics of India and global societies will find this book insightful.
4. Competitive Exam Candidates: Apart from UPSC, students preparing for State PSCs, NET/JRF, and other competitive exams related to sociology can benefit from the in-depth coverage.
5. Teachers and Educators: This book can be used as a reference guide for teaching sociology and preparing coursework for students in sociology-related disciplines.

Why This Book is Important:

• Deep Dive into Indian Society: Unlike many other books, this one offers a thorough analysis of Indian social structures, caste, gender roles, and political dimensions that shape the contemporary Indian society.
• Sociological Relevance: The book is not just focused on theory but provides practical applications for understanding the real-world social challenges and problems.
• Comprehensive Reference: It is a one-stop solution for students needing Sociology books that cover both theory and Indian context, especially for competitive exams.

Memorable Insights:

• “Sociology helps us understand the way societies function, but it also teaches us how to approach social issues through informed analysis and critical thinking.”
• “Social stratification, though centuries old, continues to shape the fabric of Indian society in many ways, be it caste, religion, or class.”
• “In an era of globalization, the challenge is to preserve our unique cultural identity while embracing modernity.”

Conclusion:

The third edition of Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan, Seema, and Shruti Jakhar is a thorough and engaging resource for anyone serious about studying sociology, whether it’s for competitive exams or academic interest. It is rich in content, offering a deep dive into both sociological theories and Indian societal issues, and provides readers with the tools to understand and analyze the ever-evolving social landscape.

📚 An indispensable guide for understanding both the theory and practical aspects of sociology, ideal for students, scholars, and aspirants.