Who made Sociology what it is today?
SCO: Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of concepts, major researchers, and methods used in the social sciences.
Name Historical Main Ideas (Theory) Key Terms (Related to Work) Background Auguste French -invented the term “social statics”-the study of customs, Compte Philosopher “sociology” to describe the institutions and laws of a society and scientific study of society. how they interact with one another. (1798-1857) -societies change over time “social dynamics”-stages through which which cause difficulties for societies must pass as they experience people who try to adapt. change.
“equilibrium”-state of balance societies naturally tend to reach.
“positivism”-the application of the scientific method in order to arrive at truth. Emile French -founder of modern sociology Reasons for Suicide: Durkheim Philosopher -built on Compte’s idea that a) egoistic- individual shared none (1859-1917) the scientific method of society’s goals or values application makes a more b) altruistic- person deliberately perfect society entered into an impossible situation, sacrificing him/herself -also interested in change to protect others with respect to the Industrial c) anomic-unable to cope with Revolution. society
-the members of society keep -founder of “functionalism” or the society together because they belief that society works in a logical felt that they were part of a manner and protects the interests larger whole and wanted to of all or most of its members. keep it harmonious.
-Reform of criminals was more effective that punishment Karl German -uneven distribution of wealth “class conflict”- rich and poor struggle Marx Scholar was the normal condition in for power and wealth. society (1818-1883) “capitalists” – wealthy, owned the means of production
“proletariat” – poor, sell labour
“conflict school/theory” – societies developed as people struggle for power and money. Max German -modified Marx’s conflict ”bureaucracies” – government systems Weber Sociologist approach which provide essential social services. They create improvements in society (1864-1920) -there are many facets of and relieve problems power, not just economics -middle class plays an important role -society can be reformed and too in the struggle for power improved without going through a revolution. Talcott American -focused on links between -society is comprised of a cultural, Parsons Sociologist sociology, psychology and personality, social and behavioural anthropology. system which people fit in to in order (1902-1979) to make it work. -society meets the needs of its members through the forces of order. George German -Society as a web of Social Interactions vary depending on Simmel Sociologist patterned interactions among the size of the social group. people. (1858-1918) Dyad – Social group with two members.
Triad – Social group with three members. Herbert British Social -Evolutionary perspective on Theory of General Evolution – society, Spencer Theorist social order and social change.like a biological organism, has various interdependent parts (such as the (1820-1903) family, the economy and the government) that work to ensure the stability and survival of the entire society.
“Survival of the Fittest”
Social Darwinism – the belief that those species of animals (including human beings) best adapted to their environment survive and prosper, whereas those poorly adapted die out.