The nature of Sociology can be methodological, empirical, interactive, analytical, dialectical or phenomenological depending on the orientation of the sociologist or thinker. The nature of sociology is also evolving and as a discipline sociology has interacted and been influenced by other subjects like anthropology, philosophy, Political Science, Economics and Law. A fundamental difference is that sociology is concerned chiefly with the society or sections of the society as opposed to psychology for example which is concerned with the individual. A sociologist is concerned with establishing the patterns or tendencies which seemingly influence routine or abnormal social behavior. The presence of matrilineal societies or the concept of “avoidance relationships in human societies” or the stereotyping and targeting of black youth in some societies for criminal or deviant behavior are all examples of classic sociological inquiry.
Sociology largely relies on data collection, case studies, participant or non participant observation and other methods to establish certain generalizations. The challenge for any sociologist is not to find new avenues for exploration but be aware of the surroundings or neighborhood and open your vision to unlearn a few things.