Dr. Sibin Mathew Medayil

Socio-legal studies
Socio-legal studies, situated at the intersection of sociology and law, constitute an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the dynamic relationship between society and the legal system. This branch of inquiry explores the ways in which social factors and
legal institutions influence each other, shaping the development and functioning of law within a broader societal context. The primary focus of socio-legal studies is to examine how legal norms, practices, and institutions are embedded in social structures and influenced by
cultural, economic, political, and historical factors. This field often investigates how legal rules and processes impact individuals and groups, as well as how social dynamics contribute to the evolution and transformation of the legal system. This interdisciplinary
perspective helps unravel the intricate ways in which legal systems both reflect and shape social realities, contributing valuable insights to both the fields of sociology and law. Socio-legal studies emphasize a holistic approach, recognizing that law is not isolated from social forces but is instead deeply interconnected with various aspects of human behaviour, societal norms, and power relations. This field encourages a critical examination of legal phenomena, questioning the assumptions that underlie legal doctrines and exploring the
social implications of legal decisions and policies.