Origins of Sociology Flashcards
(17 cards)
Who is considered the Father of Sociology?
Auguste Comte
He coined the phrase ‘Father of Sociology’ and formulated the doctrine of Positivism.
What does Positivism emphasize?
Understanding society based on science
Positivism is a way of thinking that relies on empirical evidence and scientific methods.
List the three stages of Positivism.
- Theological stage
- Metaphysical stage
- Positive stage
Who was Harriet Martineau?
First Woman Sociologist
She was an essayist, novelist, journalist, and economic and historical writer.
What social issues did Harriet Martineau address?
- Enslavement
- Inequality
- Injustice faced by women
What is Karl Marx known for?
Being the Father of Communism
He rejected individualism and focused on economic roots of social structures.
What is ‘historical materialism’?
Marx’s theory that material conditions primarily drive historical development
It emphasizes the importance of economic factors in shaping society.
What did Emile Durkheim study?
Suicide rates and social integration
He examined how societal factors influence individual behavior.
What is the main focus of George Herbert Mead’s theory?
Development of self-images through social interactions
He highlighted the importance of social experience in forming self-awareness.
What are the three stages of role-taking according to Mead?
- Preparatory stage
- Play stage
- Game stage
What does the Structural-Functional Approach view society as?
A system of interrelated parts that work together
This approach seeks to maintain balance and meet biological and social needs.
What is a key criticism of the Structural-Functional Approach?
It doesn’t adequately explain social change
Critics argue it focuses too much on stability and ignores inequalities.
What is the focus of the Symbolic-Interaction Approach?
Relationships among individuals within a society
It emphasizes communication and the exchange of meanings.
What is a major critique of the Social-Conflict Approach?
It tends to focus on conflict to the exclusion of stability
Critics argue that many social structures are stable or progress gradually.
What key elements does the Social-Conflict Approach address?
- Inequality
- Conflict
- Social change
Who proposed the philosophy of Antipositivism?
Max Weber
He argued for qualitative sociology and recognized the role of subjective meanings.
What are the three major sociological theories?
- Structural Functionalism
- Conflict Perspective
- Symbolic Interactionism
