
Fundamentals of Sociology – Students’ Companion
Authors: Eliasu Alhassan & Zakaria Shanunu
ISBN 978–9988–9667–2–0
DOI: 10.38159/npub.eb2026072
Published:5th August, 2026.
This book presents and explores the complexities of human social behaviour, relationships and institutions that shapes human lives: from understanding how societies are structured to examining the impact of culture and social institutions on individuals’ behaviour. The book delves into the core concepts, foundation theories and principles that help individuals and groups make sense of the social world. Whether we are curious about social inequality, interested in understanding group dynamics or grasping the forces that influence our daily life, the fundamentals of sociology can enrich our understanding of ourselves and the society in which we live.
The book aims to help BA undergraduate sociology students gain a solid understanding of current social issues through first-hand knowledge that will serve as a foundation. Social stratification, social class, social mobility, religion, kinship, marriage, and economics are among the classic topics covered in this book.
Sociology is the scientific study of human society, with an emphasis on human social behaviour, social interaction, social relationship and cultural elements related to daily living. In the late 1700s, the scientific study of society was given the name sociology, which is recognized as a component of both the social sciences and the humanities. It employs a variety of empirical research and critical analytical techniques to create a corpus of knowledge regarding social order and social change.
The questions in this book were developed after considerable analysis of the answers provided by current and former students, as well as lecturers on the subject. These individuals’ comments suggested that students required some basic knowledge.
Additionally, because sociology is such a broad field, not all of its facets are explored; instead, students are given a solid understanding of some of its concepts through fundamentals written in this book.
How to use the Book
Students should first read the book as a story to get a sense of what it offers. It will increase awareness to the point that the student is more cautious and curious, but also more deliberate and confident when making decisions. After reading the book’s synopsis, the reader can now spend more time reading each chapter to conclude the topics it covers.
Readers can also refer to the index section for information on specific topics. Students may need to consult other sources for more detailed information on some of the topics discussed in this book. We believe that the goal of this book is to educate people by bringing to their attention what they do not already know.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF SOCIOLOGY. 1
ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF SCHOLARS. 2
THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL STRUCTURE. 16
The Concept of Social Structure. 16
Sociological Study of the Social Structure. 19
Origin of the People of Ghana. 22
Factors to consider when choosing a spouse for marriage. 27
Changes in Marriage Structure (Stability of Modern Marriage). 29
3 characteristics in the family. 30
Functions of the Family as Classified by Nazimuddin (2015). 32
Changes in the Family Structure in Ghana. 32
Importance of Socialization. 34
KINSHIP, DESCENT AND LINEAGE GROUPS. 42
The Patrilineal System of Kinship. 43
Characteristics / Elements of Kinship. 43
Some other Kinship Systems. 44
Effect of Social Change on Kinship. 45
Religion in Traditional Societies. 51
The Structure of Traditional Religion. 52
Impact of Christianity on the social structure. 57
POPULATION GROWTH IN GHANA.. 60
Reasons why the Census under the Colonial Administration had some Problems 61
Causes of rural-urban migration in Ghana. 64
Importance of Rural Urban Migration. 66
The impact of rural-urban migration on our rural institutions. 68
Marriage, family, and the kinship institutions. 70
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION IN GHANA. 73
Political Organization in Ghana. 73
Centralized Political System.. 74
Non- Centralized Political System.. 75
Chieftaincy Institution in Ghana. 75
The process of law-making by the Parliament of Ghana. 77
CRIME AND CONTROL IN GHANAIAN SOCIETY. 81
Crime and Control in Ghanaian Society. 81
Why do Sociologist Study Crime?. 82
Measures by the Classical School of Criminology. 84
Bribery and Corruption in Ghana. 88
Causes of Bribery and Corruption in Ghana. 90
Effects of Bribery and Corruption. 90
Effects of Tribalism in Ghana. 92
Control of Tribalism in Ghana. 93
Eliasu Alhassan is an Associate Professor in Development Sociology and Education. He is currently with the Department of Sociology and Social work, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala campus, Ghana where he serves as a Dean for Faculty of Social Sciences. He is an author of more than twenty-six articles on Development Sociology and Education. Some of his recent published articles include ‘Assessment of the contribution of female head teachers to academic performance in Junior High Schools in Northern Ghana’ (2021), The ‘Influence of leadership Styles of head teachers and pupils learning outcomes in Junior High Schools in Northern Ghana’ (2021), The contribution of female chiefs in Dagbon (2022) and Attainment of education of foster children in Northern region (2022).
Shanunu Zakaria holds a PhD in Culture and Development studies. He is currently a Lecturer and Head of Department for the Department of Sociology and Social work, Faculty of Social Sciences, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala campus, Ghana. His research area focuses on Development Sociology and Social work, Culture, Endogenous studies, Gender, Sports and Physical Education, Rural development and social policy. He has published a number of articles in these areas.
Alhassan,Eliasu , and Zakaria Shanunu. Fundamentals of Sociology – Students’ Companion.(Accra: Noyam, 2026).