Location and orientation: Introducing Indian sociology1

Abstract

In introducing this special issue, a justification is offered for this South African journal providing valuable space to showcase Indian sociology. This is part of a broader process of creating possibilities for challenging the sociological theory that emanates from just a few wealthy countries yet dominates the way we understand the world. Indio is particularly important because of the size and influence of the country and the scale and substance of its sociology. Some introductory comments on Indian sociology are presented and the contents of the issue summarised. It is argued that whilst we are located in South Africa we should have on orientation towards the development of a new global sociology, and that the development of co-operation between Indian and South African sociologists, and this special issue in particular, are steps in the right direction.