The scope and function of Sociology, just like other disciplines in social sciences, can be seen both in
the field of knowledge as well as in the field of profession. The scope and function of the young but rapidly growing discipline of Sociology has been presented in the following diagram:
 
Scope of Social Sciences can be subdivided into following fields

• Field of Knowledge 
• Field of Profession

or

• Teaching > University/College
• Research > Scholars
• Administration > CSS/ PCS/ Private Business

Scope in the Field of Knowledge: The primary concern of a sociologist is to build up the most
reliable body of knowledge about the human relationship. The persons who utilize this knowledge cannot becalled sociologists in the true sense of the term. Sociological knowledge is for the sake of knowledge and for direct solution of practical problems; it does not teach us morality or wisdom. Knowledge in itself is an end and not a means to certain ends. A sociologist gathers information about the people living in rural and urban areas, crime and delinquency, population problems race and ethnic relations, health and sanitary conditions,structure and functioning of social, institutions etc. Thus a sociologist, on the basis of analysis, description,understanding and explanation of the "subject matter," predicts the human behavior under certain conditions.

The next question which comes to our mind is " 
Knowledge for what"?
Is sociological knowledge simply the light-bearer or the fruit-bearer? As described earlier, sociological knowledge isan end in itself. But the border-line between means and .ends is not very clear. We cannot differentiate between the means and ends in sociological knowledge very clearly on standardized patterns. Thus the subject matter of sociological knowledge is difficult to separate from the practical solutions of problems. The people interested in sociological knowledge can get benefit from it in the desired manner. The students are also provided with the information on the structure and functioning of human groups within and outside their own society. Such information on various cultures, societies and personalities helps them to widen the horizon of their knowledge. This type of understanding helps in increasing tolerance and develops a democratic attitude among the students of Sociology. They would be in a better position to understand and solve the problems of their day to day social lives. The sociological knowledge broadens one's general outlook towards social issues, i.e., resulting in a better adjustment of an individual in one's socio-cultural, socio-political and socio-religious environment.