Political Science and Sociology both deal with human society. The two terms understand human behavior and the fundamental aspects of human life in a community.
Key Takeaways
- Political science studies political systems, institutions, and behavior, focusing on power, authority, and resource distribution. At the same time, sociology studies human society, its structure, and its dynamics, including social interactions, norms, and values.
- Political science primarily deals with government systems, public policy, and political theory, whereas sociology covers a broader range of topics, such as social stratification, culture, religion, and family dynamics.
- Both disciplines seek to understand the functioning and organization of human societies, but political science emphasizes the political aspects, while sociology examines the broader social context.
Political Science vs. Sociology
Political Science and Sociology differ because political science deals with only the political and governing roles in society. In contrast, sociology deals with every aspect of human culture.
Sociology helps one understand the structure and functioning of human beings in a group. It is a form of social studies, which looks into human interaction, and all aspects of a human’s life as they change and grow.
Political Science is considered a more in-depth section of sociology that deals with the politically organized groups in society and how the role of such a body affects the functioning of other humans in the community.
Comparison Table
| Parameters Of Comparison | Political Science | Sociology |
|---|---|---|
| Coining of Term | Introduced by Aristotle, “The Father of Political Science,” between 428/427–348/347 bc | Coined by French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès in the year 1780 and developed further by Auguste Comte. |
| Scale | Political Science is a smaller branch of Sociology that deals with a narrow field of interest. | Sociology consists of many branches of studies about human society on a broader scale. |
| Meaning | It is concerned with the functioning, theory, and analysis of political systems in a society. | Sociology considers every aspect of the behavior, interaction, and functioning of human society. |
| Type of Study | In political science, the study is purely political based, i.e., based entirely on philosophical and historical methods. | In Sociology, due to having a broader scope, studies are done in sociological, political, and even psychological manners. |
| Components dealt with | Political Science only deals with government and state bodies. | Sociology deals with all communities, associations, and institutions, both social and political. |
What is Political Science?
Political Science was rooted in the Macedonian Empire, where the great philosopher Aristotle first coined the term, and hence why he is known as the “Father of Political Science.”
It is defined as the study of a society’s political and governing systems and how they function and interact with each other. Here, the research focuses mainly on government, state, local and international bodies of law.
Within Political Science, we have a branch called “comparative political studies,” which compares different political systems to judge which method people function better and uphold the values of equality, freedom, and justice.
“Comparative political studies” is divided into two necessary frameworks. The first is considering individual institutions and compliant systems and comparing their existence and functioning in different countries/nations.
We will hence learn how the governing body operates in different environments. The second framework is done by looking into a governing body in a single nation to get an in-depth analysis of the work being done.
What is Sociology?
The term Sociology was Coined in the year 1780 by the French essayist Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès when he completed his unpublished manuscript.
Sociology is done on a broader scale, considering that it studies the various interactions, functioning, and behaviors of human beings in a society.
Sociology inevitably has to consider the political aspect of society, as the political structure is the foundation of civilization.
The above perspectives give us an understanding of necessary human behavior and help us understand how human beings would function without these factors.
Main Differences Between Political Science and Sociology
- Political science is a purely political-based study based on historical and civic perspectives, while studies of Sociology are done in social, political, and even psychological manners.
- Political Science only deals with government, state, local and international bodies, while Sociology deals with all communities, associations, and institutions, both social and political.
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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While the article captures the essence of Political Science and Sociology, the comparative aspect could be further enriched with additional examples and illustrations.
Excellent point, Yrose. The inclusion of more comparative examples would enhance the article’s comprehensiveness.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctions between Political Science and Sociology, but some practical examples could make the differences more tangible.
Point taken, Zach16. Illustrating the differences with real-world examples can make the comparison more relatable.
I see your point, Zach16. Real-life examples would definitely enhance the reader’s understanding.
A well-presented overview of the differences between Political Science and Sociology, offering valuable insights into how each discipline approaches the study of human society.
Well-summarized, Florence Gray. The article effectively captures the essence of these two disciplines.
The article provides a well-structured comparison, but claiming that Political Science deals only with government and state bodies is an oversimplification.
I concur, Dylan Mason. The characterization of Political Science appears somewhat narrow.
I share your skepticism, Dylan Mason. The scope of Political Science might extend beyond what has been presented here.
This article excellently compares Political Science and Sociology into a clear, detailed, and informative. This definitely adds to my understanding of these two disciplines.
Totally agree! It helps to clarify the differences between the two subject areas.
An enlightening discourse on Political Science and Sociology, shedding valuable insight on these academic fields.
The article elegantly distinguishes the realms of Political Science and Sociology, shedding light on their unique foci. An intellectually stimulating read.
Precisely, Leah Collins. The article’s elucidation of these scholarly domains greatly enhances our understanding.
I couldn’t agree more, Leah Collins. The piece offers a thought-provoking exploration of these subjects.
The comparison presented in the article is informative and authoritative, providing a compelling examination of the differences and areas of overlap between Political Science and Sociology.
Well-articulated, Alex Mason. The comparative analysis effectively clarifies these distinct scholarly pursuits.
Absolutely, Alex Mason. The detailed analysis offered in the article is intellectually enriching.
The detailed comparison is highly insightful, however, the article’s argument that Political Science is a smaller branch of Sociology is not convincing.
I agree, Tyler80. The claim that Political Science is a smaller branch of Sociology seems contested and requires more elaboration.
Well-said, Tyler80. The relationship between these two disciplines needs to be clarified to support that statement.
The article provides a nuanced exploration of the differences between Political Science and Sociology, broadening the reader’s understanding of these significant disciplines.
Well-articulated, Ray Powell. The piece effectively dissects the core disparities between Political Science and Sociology.
Indeed, Ray Powell. The article’s treatment of these disciplines is a testament to its thorough exploration of the subject matter.