Introduction
Common sense refers to the everyday knowledge, beliefs, values, and assumptions that are widely held by members of a society. It is derived from experience, culture, tradition, religion, and socialization, and passed down from generation to generation.
While common sense appears “natural” or “obvious,” sociology teaches us that what is considered “common” is often deeply shaped by social structures, ideologies, and historical contexts.
Sociological thinkers like Peter L. Berger (in Invitation to Sociology) and C. Wright Mills (in The Sociological Imagination) emphasize the need to go beyond common sense to understand the underlying causes of human behavior.
However, it is also true that many sociological questions are born from common-sense observations, which are then critically and scientifically explored.
Is Common Sense a Starting Point for Sociology?
Yes. While sociology rejects accepting common sense as truth, it often begins with common-sense observations and then questions, deconstructs, and verifies them through theory and research.
For instance:
- The belief that “poverty exists because people are lazy” is a common-sense explanation.
- Sociology, instead, investigates structural factors: unemployment, capitalism, inequality, policy failure, etc.
Thus, sociology doesn’t deny common sense but subject it to critical analysis.
Advantages of Common Sense in Social Research
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Helps in Identifying Research Problems | Many sociological problems start with questions people encounter in daily life. E.g., Why do women earn less than men? Why does caste still persist? |
| 2. Useful in Forming Hypotheses | Common-sense beliefs can be transformed into testable hypotheses. E.g., “Joint families are happier” → test it sociologically. |
| 3. Grounded in Local Realities | Reflects public perceptions and helps researchers remain grounded in social context. |
| 4. Makes Research Accessible | Sociological writing informed by common examples connects better with students and the public. |
| 5. Provides Cultural Intuition | Researchers may use common-sense understanding to navigate unfamiliar field settings. |
Limitations of Common Sense in Sociology
| Limitation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1. Subjective and Biased | Based on individual life experiences; influenced by caste, class, gender, religion. |
| 2. Not Empirically Verifiable | Common sense is taken as “truth” without data or proof. Sociology insists on objectivity. |
| 3. Contradictory | “Opposites attract” vs. “Birds of a feather flock together” – both can’t be true. |
| 4. Static and Unquestioned | Common sense resists change; sociology thrives on questioning and change. |
| 5. Promotes Stereotypes | E.g., “All criminals are poor” – sociologically untrue and dangerous. |
| 6. Culturally Specific | What is common in one culture may be absurd in another. E.g., arranged marriage, burping after meals, touching elders’ feet. |
Sociological Thinking vs. Common Sense
| Aspect | Common Sense | Sociology |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Tradition, belief | Systematic study |
| Verification | No need | Essential |
| Bias | High | Tries to eliminate |
| Examples | “Men are more rational” | Gender is a social construct |
| Scope | Personal | Structural, institutional |
Theoretical Insight
- Emile Durkheim argued that social facts should be treated as “things”—external, measurable, and objective—countering the subjectivity of common sense.
- Max Weber emphasized the need to understand Verstehen (interpretative understanding) but always supported rational inquiry over assumptions.
- C. Wright Mills introduced the Sociological Imagination, encouraging individuals to connect personal troubles with public issues—not just rely on everyday explanations.
Case Examples
- Suicide: Common sense suggests it’s due to personal sadness. Durkheim showed it’s linked to levels of social integration and regulation.
- Poverty: Often seen as individual failure. Sociology sees it as a result of capitalist exploitation, lack of access, and structural inequality.
- Domestic Violence: Common sense blames the victim (“why didn’t she leave?”). Sociology uncovers the role of patriarchy, power imbalance, social stigma, economic dependency.
Conclusion
Common sense may provide the starting point for sociological research, but it must be critically examined, tested, and validated using scientific methodology. Sociology transforms untested beliefs into evidence-based knowledge, which contributes to informed policy, social awareness, and progressive change.
Sociology is not about denying everyday reality but exploring its deeper, hidden truths.