sociology

1. Founders

2. Auguste Comte andAuguste Comte and PositivismPositivism
1798-1857
 Recognized as father of sociology
 Coined the Term “Sociology”
 Believed social behavior had to be
studied scientifically.
Positivism: using scientific
observation in the study of social
behavior.
 Applying the Scientific Method to
Social World
 “Armchair Philosophy”
 (drawing conclusions from informal
observations of social life)

3.  Compared society to the body-
like a body, society is composed
of many parts working together
to promote its well-being and
survival.
 Coined Phrase “Survival of the
Fittest”
 Opposed social reform and
believed in the lower and higher
forms of society.
 Interfering is harmful to society.
Herbert Spencer—Social DarwinismHerbert Spencer—Social Darwinism
1820-1903

4. Believed that the Engine of
Human History is Class
Conflict
 A clash between the
bourgeoisie and the
proletariat.
Resulting in classless society.
Karl Marx and Class ConflictKarl Marx and Class Conflict
1818-1883

5.  Believed that society exist
because of a broad agreement
among members of society.
 As a result members of society
are dependent on one another.
 Studied how social forces affect
behavior
 Identified “Social Integration”—
Degree to Which People are Tied
to Social Group
 Studied suicide rates believed
they very depending on group
characteristics.
Durkheim and Social IntegrationDurkheim and Social Integration
1858-1917

6.  Religion is Central Force in
Social Change
 Protestant Ethic and Spirit of
Capitalism
Research - Weber believed
the following:
 Sociology Should be Value-Free
(personal beliefs should not
affect research)
 Sociology Should be Objective
(neutral, not bias)
 Should put yourself in the shoes
of others.
Max Weber and the Protestant EthicMax Weber and the Protestant Ethic
1864-1920

7. Sexism in Early SociologySexism in Early Sociology
 Attitudes of the Time
 1800s Sex Roles Rigidly Defined
 Few People Educated Beyond
Basics
 Harriet Martineau
 Published Society in America
Before Durkheim and Weber
Were Born
 Her work was Ignored
Harriet MartineauHarriet Martineau

8.  Jane Addams and Social Reform
 Worked for the 8 hour work day and
laws against child labor.
 W. E. B. Du Bois and Race Relations
 Used science and sociology to
disprove racist assumptions about
African Americans.
 Was largely ignored, until recently.

Sociology in North AmericaSociology in North America