Sociology studies the resulting balance between social reproduction and social transformation. Social reproduction occurs because there is continuity in what people do. Comte and Marx established some of the basic issues of sociology, such as the nature of sociology and the impact of the development of modern societies on the social world, issues later elaborated on by Durkheim and Weber. According to its founders, sociology is a science in the sense that it involves systematic methods of investigation and the evaluation of theories in the light of evidence and logical argument. But it cannot be modelled directly on the natural sciences, because studying human behaviour is in fundamental ways different from studying the world of nature .
Sociology is a subject with important practical implications for our lives.
It can contribute to social criticism and practical social reform in several ways. First, the improved understanding of a given set of social circumstances often gives us all a better chance of controlling them and of understanding associated problems. Second, sociology provides the means of increasing our cultural sensitivities, allowing policies to be based on an awareness of divergent cultural values. Sociological research provides practical help in assessing the results of policy initiatives.