Sociological Approach to Human Rights Research
Sociological Approach to Human Rights Research

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the concept of ‘human rights’ in terms of sociology of law. The emphasis is laid on updating and expanding the interpretation of human rights in the context of the sociological approach. It is noted that the term ‘human rights’ is rather complex, it conveys different meanings, it can be interpreted both as a philosophical one and as a political one, and as a legal one, and as a sociological one. From the standpoint of sociological science, the understanding of the term ‘human rights’ covers several aspects that extend its meaning. Firstly, the main purpose of human rights is to safeguard the dignity of individuals, the conditions for the realization of their rights. Secondly, human rights, along with other sociological terms and categories, are integrated into sociological science, since they are directly and inextricably linked with different aspects of a society's life. It is concluded that human rights in their sociological interpretation are the phenomenon of reality which is integrated into society and has its pronounced social nature, internal and external subject relations and interdependence of various aspects; they belong to everyone without exception, and their provision serves as a pledge of socially active behavior. Such a synthesis of numerous aspects of the concept of ‘human rights’ from the standpoint of sociological science makes it possible to propose a construct of human rights, according to which they are an object of sociological study of reality, its integral part.

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