Relationship of Political Science and Sociology:
There is a close relationship between Political Science and Sociology. Both are dependent or each other because state is a socio – political organization. Sociology is a social science. It studies all the topics related to society. Political Science is related to political aspect of social life.
So, Political Science is also a part of Sociology. Sociology is mother of all Social Sciences which are related to man. Thus, Sociology is mother of Political Science also.
Inter-relationship of both these subjects can be understood by following points:
1. Contribution of Sociology to Political Science:
Scope of Sociology is very wide. It studies all the social relations of human being like – political, economical, ethical, etc. Sociology can be considered as the very basis of Political Science as of other Social Sciences. It has provided much help in study of Political Science. Political Science has received much help from Sociology to understand the origin, development and organization of state.
Many new study methods and concepts like Behaviouralism, group theory, Political system, Approach and Political development theory, etc. are adopted by Political thinkers from Sociology. It is only because of the effect of Sociology, that these days, study of Political behaviour is emphasized instead of the study of Political institutions.
2. Contribution of Political Science to Sociology:
Political Science also provides study material to Sociology. It provides those facts which help Sociology to study effectively the political life of society. Sociology gets the knowledge of the origin, organisation and works of state from Political Science.
Regarding the close relationship of Political Science and Sociology, Prof. H. Giddings has rightly said, “To teach the theory of the state to men, who have not learnt the first principles of Sociology is like teaching Astronomy or Thermodynamics to men who have not learnt the first Principles of Newtonian laws of motion.”
Prof. Catlin, the famous political thinker, has said, “Political Science and Sociology are integrated and in reality, two sides of one coin.” That’s why, it is said that a socialist should also be a political thinker. To sum up, it can be said that the mutual co-operation of Sociology and Political Science is necessary for the development of knowledge about human problems and welfare of society.
