Introduction on Religion and Society in Asian Regions Religion has always played a pivotal role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscapes of Asian societies. As the largest and most populous continent, Asia is home to a diverse array of religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism, and Christianity, among others. These … Read more
Introduction on Urban Sociology in Asia Urban sociology examines the social structures, processes, and transformations within cities. Asia, as the most populous and rapidly urbanizing continent, presents a unique case study for urban sociologists. The region’s urbanization is marked by diversity—ranging from the hyper-modern cities of Japan and South Korea to the sprawling megacities of … Read more
Introduction World-Systems Theory (WST), developed by sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein in the 1970s, offers a macro-sociological framework for understanding global inequalities and the historical development of the capitalist world economy. Unlike theories that examine development within single nations, WST analyzes the world as an interconnected system structured by power hierarchies, economic dependencies, and geopolitical dominance. Asia’s … Read more
Introduction Postcolonial sociology is a critical approach that examines the enduring legacies of colonialism, imperialism, and Eurocentrism in social theory and practice. While mainstream sociology has largely been shaped by Western intellectual traditions, postcolonial sociology seeks to decenter these narratives by incorporating perspectives from formerly colonized societies, particularly in Asia. Asia, with its diverse histories … Read more
Introduction Colonialism has been one of the most transformative forces in shaping modern Asian societies. From the 16th to the 20th century, European powers—including the British, French, Dutch, Spanish, and later the Americans and Japanese—extended their dominance over vast regions of Asia. Colonialism had a significant sociological impact, reshaping social structures, political institutions, cultural identities, … Read more
Introduction The comparative method is a fundamental approach in sociology that enables researchers to analyze social phenomena across different regions, cultures, and societies. In regional sociology, this method is particularly valuable for understanding variations in social structures, institutions, and processes across geographical and cultural boundaries. By comparing different regions, sociologists can identify patterns, test theories, … Read more
Introduction on Sociological Theories The study of regions has been a significant area of interest in sociology, as regions are not merely geographical entities but also social, cultural, economic, and political constructs. Sociological theories provide frameworks to analyze how regions are formed, how they function, and how they influence social behavior, identity, and power structures. … Read more
Introduction Sociology, as a discipline, examines human societies, their structures, interactions, and transformations. Depending on the scope of analysis, sociology can be categorized into regional, national, and global sociology. Each of these levels offers unique perspectives on social phenomena, influenced by geographical, cultural, political, and economic factors. Understanding the differences between these three levels is crucial … Read more
Introduction In an era of globalization, where digital connectivity, transnational migration, and economic interdependence dominate social discourse, the significance of regional sociology might appear diminished. However, far from being obsolete, regional sociology—the study of social structures, cultural dynamics, and power relations within specific geographical contexts—remains crucial for understanding the complexities of a globalized world. While … Read more
Introduction Regional sociology is a specialized branch of sociology that examines the social structures, cultural dynamics, and developmental patterns within specific geographical regions. Unlike general sociology, which often focuses on universal social theories, regional sociology emphasizes the interplay between space, society, and culture. It seeks to understand how geographical boundaries influence social behavior, economic activities, … Read more