Economics and Sociology are two branches of social science that study human development overall.
Economics is the social science that deals with factors of production, consumption of goods and services and resource management.
Sociology is the study of human behaviour, development and how different human societies function under different organizational structures.
This article will further elaborate upon the differences between the two within the context of the IAS Exam.
*Sociology and Economics (Indian Economy) are both optional subjects in the UPSC Mains Examination
Economics vs Sociology – Comparative Analysis
The difference between Economics and Sociology is given in the table below:
Differences between Economics and Sociology
| Economics |
Sociology |
| Economics focuses on how economic factors behave in a given scenario and how economies operate | Traditional focuses of sociology include social stratification, social class, religion, law etc. |
| Economics is further divided into Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics analyzes elements such as individual buyer and businesses while macroeconomics analyzes the economy as a whole where factors of productions such as land, labour and capital are studied in detail | Sociology can also be defined as the general science of society as it uses various methods of critical analysis and empirical investigation that develops a system of knowledge about social change and behaviour |
| Other broad definitions within economics include positive economics and normative economics. Positive economics describes “what is” while normative economics focus on “what should be” | Sociology has slowly expanded its focus on other subjects such as health, medicines, military, social stigma, the system of control and role of social activity in human development |
| Economic analyses can find its applications in finance, government, businesses. It is even at times applied to subjects such as crime, family law and war. | Research done through sociology has influence throughout various aspects of life and finds its application among politicians, policymakers, educators and legislators |
| Adam Smith (15th June 1723 – 17th July 1790) is regarded as “the father of modern economics) | Modern-day Sociology can find its origins through the works of Auguste Comte ( January 19th, 1798 – September 5 1857) |
Aspirants can find study materials for UPSC Economics and Sociology optional subjects through the links given below:
- Sociology Optional Strategy for UPSC
- UPSC Sociology Syllabus
- UPSC Books for Sociology Optional
- Difference between Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
- Economy This Week
- Strategy and Syllabus for UPSC Economics
- Economics Syllabus for UPSC Mains
Aspirants can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Difference Between Economics and Sociology – Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions about Economics and Sociology
How are economics and sociology related?
What is the main focus of economic sociology?
Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Exams by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page. For more articles and exam-related preparation materials, refer to the links given in the table below:
Related Links
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