Introduction to the major foundational theorists and theories of sociology including Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber.
The Enlightenment: This refers to the 18th-century European intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism.
The Industrial Revolution: This was a period in history marked by the invention of machines and the growth of factories, which transformed the economy and social structure of society.
Positivism: This is a philosophical approach to knowledge that emphasizes observation, measurement, and the scientific method.
Comte, Auguste: This is a French philosopher who introduced the concept of positivism and is often referred to as the "Father of Sociology.".
Spencer, Herbert: This is a British philosopher who introduced the concept of "Social Darwinism," which applied the principles of natural selection to human societies.
Marx, Karl: This is a philosopher and economist who introduced the concept of "dialectical materialism" and is known for his critique of capitalism.
Durkheim, Emile: This is a French sociologist who emphasized the importance of social solidarity, collective conscience, and the division of labor in society.
Weber, Max: This is a German sociologist who introduced the concept of "ideal types," and identified the importance of culture, religion, and bureaucracy in society.
Simmel, Georg: This is a German sociologist who introduced the concept of "social distance" and is known for his work on social interactions and the forms of sociation.
Modernity: This is a term used to describe the societal changes associated with the transition from traditional to modern society.
The Division of Labor: This is a term used to describe the ways in which work is divided and specialized in society.
Alienation: This is a term used to describe the loss of control or meaning in one's work or social life.
Class: This is a term used to describe the economic and social status of individuals in society.
Capitalism: This is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit.
Anomie: This is a term used to describe a state of normlessness or social chaos resulting from the breakdown of social norms.
Bureaucracy: This is a term used to describe a system of hierarchical organization characterized by division of labor, rules and procedures, and impersonal relationships.
Verstehen: This is a term used to describe the process of understanding social phenomena by putting oneself in the shoes of those involved.
Rationalization: This is a term used to describe the process of replacing traditional values with rationality and efficiency.
Social Stratification: This is a term used to describe the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige.
Power: This is a term used to describe the ability of individuals or groups to exercise control over others.
Ideology: This is a term used to describe a set of beliefs or values that shape individuals' understanding of the world and their actions in it.
Social Action: This is a term used to describe goal-directed behavior that takes into account the actions and reactions of others.
Structural-Functionalism: This is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the interrelatedness and compatibility of different parts of society.
Conflict Theory: This is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of power and conflict in shaping social relations.
Symbolic Interactionism: This is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the role of symbols and language in shaping social interactions.
Structural-functionalism: This theory sees society as a system of interrelated parts which work together to maintain social order and stability.
Conflict theory: This theory sees society as a competition for resources and power. It argues that inequalities and conflicts arise due to different groups competing for the same resources.
Symbolic-interactionism: This theory focuses on the way individuals understand and interpret social interactions through symbols and meanings. It emphasizes the importance of communication in shaping social interaction.
Feminist theory: This theory examines gender inequalities and seeks to understand and challenge the pervasiveness of patriarchal power and inequality in society.
Postmodernism: This theory challenges grand narratives and the notion of objective truth. It argues that all knowledge is constructed and that there are multiple perspectives on reality.
Rational choice theory: This theory uses economic principles to explain social behavior. It argues that individuals make rational decisions based on cost-benefit analysis.
Cultural theory: This theory views culture as a fundamental element in shaping social behavior and interaction. It examines the role of culture in shaping identity, values, and beliefs.
Critical race theory: This theory examines the relationship between race, power, and social structures. It argues that racism is deeply embedded in social institutions.
Phenomenology: This theory emphasizes the importance of individual experience and how individuals make sense of the world around them. It examines how social interactions are shaped by individual perceptions and experiences.
Structuralism: This theory examines how social structures shape individual behavior and interaction. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing systems of relationships and institutions.