Sociology of Knowledge

A classical field, founded by Durkheim, Mannheim, and later Berger and Luckmann, that studies the social origins and social contexts of knowledge. It asks: how do social structures, institutions, and power relations shape what is considered true, real, or valid? Unlike epistemology (which asks if knowledge is justified), the sociology of knowledge investigates how knowledge is produced, distributed, and legitimated by groups. It includes studies of scientific paradigms, religious worldviews, and everyday common sense. It is often accused of relativism, but its practitioners argue that showing social influences does not invalidate truth claims—it only shows that truth is never pure.

Sociology of Knowledge Example: “The sociology of knowledge revealed that the concept of ‘objectivity’ in journalism emerged in the 1920s not as a timeless ideal but as a professional strategy to appeal to elite advertisers and avoid controversy. Knowledge is socially constructed.”

Sociology of Knowledge by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal June 1, 2026