Comparative Method in Sociology - Comparisons in Daily Life

The Significance of Comparisons in Daily Life and Sociological Comparative Method

Comparisons in Daily Life:

Comparisons are an integral part of our decision-making process in daily life. When faced with multiple options, we compare their merits and suitability to make the best choice. However, for comparisons to be meaningful, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, alternatives must be available. Secondly, the objects being compared should belong to the same category or class. For example, we do not compare cotton with silk or wool. Thirdly, there should be a noticeable difference among the objects being compared, but this difference should be within narrow limits. Comparisons that involve significant differences are often deemed as not comparable.

Comparisons in Social Sciences:

Comparisons are not limited to our personal lives; they also play a crucial role in social sciences. By comparing different social situations and phenomena, researchers can gain insights into patterns, variations, and potential causes. Comparisons in social sciences can be conducted within a society or among different societies, either at a specific point in time or over a period.

Comparisons within a Society:

Emile Durkheim’s study of suicide rates in France exemplifies the use of comparisons within a society. Durkheim compared suicide rates among various sections of French society, such as males and females, rural and urban populations, and individuals following Catholic and Protestant faiths. By analyzing the data, Durkheim identified meaningful differences and their potential explanations. He found that suicide rates were influenced by the strength of social bonds within a group, with both weak (egoistic) and strong (altruistic) bonds contributing to higher suicide rates.

Comparisons among Different Societies at a Point in Time:

Comparisons among different societies at a specific point in time provide valuable insights into variations and potential causes. Durkheim compared suicide rates in Germany, a Protestant country, with those in Spain, a Catholic country. He found that suicide rates were higher in Germany, suggesting a potential correlation between religious affiliation and suicide rates. This comparison allowed Durkheim to identify concomitant variation, where variations in one phenomenon (suicide rates) were accompanied by variations in another (religious affiliation).

Comparisons over a Period of Time:

Durkheim emphasized the importance of considering the time factor in social science studies. Comparing events happening at the same time in different countries may not be valid if the societies are at different stages of development. Durkheim argued that societies at different levels of development cannot be compared directly. For example, comparing nineteenth-century Europe or Japan to developing societies of the late twentieth century may not yield meaningful results. It is crucial to consider the context and level of development when conducting comparisons over time.

Conclusion:

Comparisons are essential tools in both our daily lives and social sciences. They help us make informed decisions and gain insights into patterns and variations in social phenomena. Emile Durkheim’s use of comparisons in his study of suicide rates highlights the significance of this method in sociology. By comparing different societies, social factors, and time periods, researchers can uncover meaningful differences and potential causes. However, it is crucial to ensure that comparisons are conducted within the same category, involve noticeable differences, and consider the context and level of development.