Difference between revisions of "Sociology"
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===Conflict Theory=== | ===Conflict Theory=== | ||
| − | Conflict theory strives to explain social facts in terms of different groups competing for control of resources, or advantages. This process occurs on macro levels, such as class groups, and tries to explain stability and change in terms of the conflict between these macro level structures. Two central premises to this theory are that priveleged grouops are working to maintain their priveleges, while the disadvantaged are constantly trying to attain more. Karl Marx is regarded as the father of conflict theory, and the idea of human society. Communism is the modern day incarnation of Marx ideal human society. Central to the ideas of conflict theory are that by eliminating privelege, the overal welfare of the society can be increased. That is, a true equality amongst members of a society. Through class consciousness, Marx believed that the workers would eventually recongnize they were being exploited, and put an end to privelege. | + | Conflict theory strives to explain social facts in terms of different groups competing for control of resources, or advantages. This process occurs on macro levels, such as class groups, and tries to explain stability and change in terms of the conflict between these macro level structures. Two central premises to this theory are that priveleged grouops are working to maintain their priveleges, while the disadvantaged are constantly trying to attain more. Karl Marx is regarded as the father of conflict theory, and the idea of human society. Communism is the modern day incarnation of Marx ideal human society. Central to the ideas of conflict theory are that by eliminating privelege, the overal welfare of the society can be increased. That is, a true equality amongst members of a society. Through class consciousness, Marx believed that the workers would eventually recongnize they were being exploited, and put an end to privelege. <ref>Brym, R.J. (2002). Introducing sociology. In R.J. Brym (Ed.), New society:sociology for the 21st century (pp. 2-25). Toronto: Harcourt.</ref> |
'''Key Figures:''' Karl Marx, Frederich Engels, Max Weber | '''Key Figures:''' Karl Marx, Frederich Engels, Max Weber | ||
Revision as of 03:02, April 7, 2007
Sociology is a branch of Social Sciences concerned with the study of human behiaviour, specifically in social relations, using the scientific method of observation. Sociology, with psychology, is at the crux of the long standing Nature vs. Nurture debate. Sociology represents nurture and psychology represents nature.
History
The term sociology was coined by [Auguste Comte] in 1839. Comte is also the father of [positivism]. [1] Comte's theory of positivism limits knowledge to the observable, and is crucial in approaching sociology as a science. The study of society dates back to Greek philosophers, however it was not distinguished as its own field of study until Comte.
Key Theories
There are a number of formative theorists who laid the groundwork for sociology, who have had a great deal of influence in Sociology through the following key theories:
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory strives to explain social facts in terms of different groups competing for control of resources, or advantages. This process occurs on macro levels, such as class groups, and tries to explain stability and change in terms of the conflict between these macro level structures. Two central premises to this theory are that priveleged grouops are working to maintain their priveleges, while the disadvantaged are constantly trying to attain more. Karl Marx is regarded as the father of conflict theory, and the idea of human society. Communism is the modern day incarnation of Marx ideal human society. Central to the ideas of conflict theory are that by eliminating privelege, the overal welfare of the society can be increased. That is, a true equality amongst members of a society. Through class consciousness, Marx believed that the workers would eventually recongnize they were being exploited, and put an end to privelege. [2]
Key Figures: Karl Marx, Frederich Engels, Max Weber
- Notable works include
- Das Kapital by Karl Marx
- The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Frederich Engels
- The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber
Functionalism
Key Figures: Emile Durkheim
Symbolic Interactionism
Key Figures: George Herbert Mead
Feminist Theory
Key Figures: Harriet Martineau
Top Ten Most Influential Books
- Max Weber, Economy and Society
- C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination
- Robert Merton, Social Theory and Social Structure
- Max Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
- P.L. Berger and T. Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality
- Pierre Bourdieu, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgment of Taste
- Norbert Elias, The Civilizing Process
- Jürgen Habermas, The Theory of Communicative Action
- Talcott Parsons, The Structure of Social Action
- Erving Goffman, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life
Source: Books of the Century
Professional Organizations
- American Sociological Association
- Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Association
- International Sociological Association
References