Challenges and Promises of Sociology in the Twenty-first Century: A West Bengal Experience

Abstract: To explore the possible course of sociology in the twenty-first century is intriguing and challenging for analogy, particularly, sitting at the initial decade of the century. To claim absolute correctness for the result of such an exploration ahead of actual social happenings may seem to be smacking of positivism and accompanying determinism. Human creativity reflected in social and cultural activities of men and women is by nature indeterminate. At the same time, paradoxically enough, human mind wants to chart out its course of action and put a shape to the flow of activities engaged in and shared by human minds collectively since the alternative is dreadful uncertainty and insecurity. This fear of uncertainty has haunted the origin and development of sociology in the earlier centuries. Any discussion of the coming crises of sociology or its soaring aspirations for achieving a better understanding of human ability to get over the crisis, thus, needs a discourse beset with a frank confession of trepidation and humility by those who are committed to the honest pursuit of sociology