Social Sciences and Sociology

This chapter explores the historical context of social sciences and sociology as they emerged and developed over the years in post-independent Africa. Both the social sciences and sociology assumed a significant place in academic programmes in higher learning institutions on the continent. Research on a wide range of sociological topics became necessary to understand the diverse African societies and the future development of Africa. This chapter goes into the historical roots of the discipline by examining the emergence and development of social sciences in general, the initial focus areas of academic programmes and the contributions to sociological research in specific areas. The nature of sociological research and the conditions under which it was conducted in Africa is also discussed in the chapter.