About the Book

Welcome to Introduction to Sociology—a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts, theories, and dynamics that shape human societies. This book serves as both a textbook and a gateway, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of social life and uncover the intricate patterns that define our collective existence.

Organized into five thoughtfully structured units, the text begins with an examination of sociology itself, establishing a foundation by exploring its relationship with related fields such as anthropology and political science. Subsequent units delve into essential concepts, addressing the roles of culture, institutions, and social structures in shaping human behavior.

The third unit focuses on the dynamic interplay between individuals and society, emphasizing the process of socialization and the influential theories of scholars like George Herbert Mead and C.H. Cooley. This unit reveals how personal identities are formed within a broader social context.

Unit four examines social stratification, analyzing its dimensions and impact on life chances through various theoretical perspectives, including functionalism and Marxism. This discussion of inequality also considers social mobility and the factors that influence it.

Finally, the fifth unit addresses social control, differentiating between formal laws and informal societal norms that regulate behavior and maintain social cohesion.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Introduction to Sociology equips readers with critical analytical tools, fostering thoughtful engagement with societal issues. Whether you are a student or an inquisitive reader, this book seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of sociology and meaningful contributions to conversations about society’s future.

About the Author

Dr. Lavakush Singh is an accomplished academician and finance professional with an 18-year career dedicated to academia, research, and leadership. He currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Finance at the International Institute of Management and Human Resources Development for Women, Pune.

Dr. Singh holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Savitribai Phule Pune University, along with multiple master’s degrees in diverse fields, including Accounting, Taxation, Cost and Works Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Sociology. His academic excellence is highlighted by his achievement of securing the 3rd rank in Maharashtra in the National Eligibility Test (NET) for Commerce.

A prolific author, Dr. Singh has written 30 internationally published reference books on subjects ranging from business research to financial modeling. Additionally, he has published 52 research papers with impact factors reaching as high as 8.045. As a Ph.D. guide, peer reviewer for international journals, and organizer of academic conferences and webinars, Dr. Singh has made significant contributions to his field.

His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Peer Reviewer Award from renowned international research journals and the Global Teacher Award. Beyond academia, Dr. Singh has actively contributed to extracurricular and social initiatives. He served as a senior supervisor for university examinations and as a team leader in Pune’s COVID-19 vaccination drive during the lockdown.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh has actively participated in NCC activities and represented Maharashtra in a national cultural event, where the state secured first place.
Capt. (Dr.) Gurukishore Nayak is a distinguished academician and NCC officer with over 13 years of experience in teaching and research in psychology. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Kalinga University and has earned multiple postgraduate diplomas in HR, Hospitality, Tourism Management, and Counseling Psychology.

As a decorated NCC officer, he has been honored with the Best Associate National Cadet Corps Officer (ANO) Award and the Governor’s Award for his significant contributions. His academic achievements include degrees from Utkal University, where he excelled as a university position holder.

Capt. (Dr.) Nayak’s research interests encompass Organizational Behaviour, HR Management, and Behavioural Psychology, with several publications in prominent journals such as The Journal of Social Science International and The Odisha Journal of Social Science.

He is highly regarded for his core competencies in analysis, report writing, participatory teaching, career counselling, and exam supervision. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer in Psychology and NCC Officer at Godavaris Mahavidyalaya, Banpur, Khordha, Odisha.