Introduction Social mobility is a central concept in sociology that examines how individuals, families, or entire groups move across different layers of society’s hierarchical structure. It essentially captures the dynamics of shifts in economic standing, occupational status, and social prestige…
Robert K. Merton (1910–2003) stands as one of the leading figures in 20th-century sociology, recognized for his vast contributions to our understanding of social structures, deviance, and the role of science in society. His work, grounded in functionalist theory yet…
Introduction Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961) was a leading French phenomenologist philosopher whose contributions are deeply relevant to sociological inquiries into human experience, social existence, and embodiment. His work serves as a linchpin in understanding how individuals perceive and interact with their…
Introduction Pillarization, known in Dutch as Verzuiling, is a sociological concept that refers to the division of society into distinct social, political, and cultural groups or “pillars.” Each pillar typically has its own institutions—such as political parties, media outlets, educational…
Understanding the Concept of Political Economy Political economy is a field of inquiry that examines the interplay between economic structures and political power, highlighting how these relationships shape societies at multiple levels. From a sociological perspective, political economy is not…
Understanding the concept of ‘need’ is a foundational aspect of sociological inquiry. In everyday discourse, we often hear statements like “I need a car,” “I need a job,” or “I need affection.” However, from a sociological perspective, the word “need”…
Open-ended questions are a cornerstone of qualitative research, inviting respondents to express themselves in their own words rather than selecting from a predetermined set of options. In sociology, these questions facilitate a rich exploration of social phenomena by capturing individual…
