
















Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
An introduction to the foundations of sociology, focusing on the contributions of key European and American theorists. Topics include the origins of sociology, functionalist theories by Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, and Emile Durkheim, conflict theories by Karl Marx and Harriet Martineau, and symbolic interactionist theories by George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman. The document also discusses criticisms of these theories and Max Weber as a special exception.
Typology: Slides
1 / 24
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
3/17/
th
3/17/
His work primarily revolved around the functionalist theory. He felt that sociology should strive to discover social laws-these would be the foundation for society. Comte also distinguished between social statics and social dynamics. Social statics is the study of social stability and order. Social dynamics is the study of social change.
3/17/
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) explained social stability and society in relation to the human body He was a functionalist in this thoughts on society Coined the theory of Social Darwinism and he used Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution as his backbone Believed that social change led to progress as long as people didn’t interfere He didn’t believe in social programs to aide the poor His theory was very controversial
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) focused his work on creating “grand theories” to explain how social systems interconnect. He used the bicycle wheel as an analogy…made up of independent parts but all connected. If working properly, the wheel spins. If one spoke is broken, the wheel will eventually need repaired. Also looked at society based on social action…at rest, stay at rest, in motion, stay in motion until something stops it.
3/17/
Karl Marx (1818-1883) is considered the founder of the conflict theory He believed that social scientists should use their power to try to change the world and not just study it Was against the class system in the 19 th century industrial Saw the bourgeoisie overworking and exploiting the proletariat for their benefit Wanted a classless society
Marx looked at the haves and have-nots and wondered why so many have-nots didn’t challenge the status quo. His theory states that these people have a false consciousness , or they don’t really understand their place in society. Maybe they think things aren’t as bad as they really are?? He also believed that these workers would need to develop class consciousness , or an understanding of their social standing.
W.E.B DuBois (1868-1963) focused on racial discrimination in American society DuBois also blamed European colonization for problems in Africa…exploited and then left leaving nothing. He tried to fix the “Negro Problem” by looking at different African American groups. His work looked at how poverty among African Americans were because of prejudice and discrimination. Stated that society had a “double consciousness” and if African Americans would assimilate more, they would lead more “better-quality” lives.
Laura Jane Addams (1860-1935) is mostly known for her work in Chicago where she opened the Hull House in 1889 Her work revolved around the thought that poverty was due to “ignorance and social barriers” and not from “failings of the person”. She believed that society needed to focus on the imbalance of power among social classes She was against the idea of people not having a home, or job or medical attention due to poverty Addams was discriminated against during her life because other social scientists didn’t accept her as a sociologist because she didn’t teach at a university
George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) is considered the founder of S. I. Most of his work was published after his death by his students who wanted to share his ideas and beliefs Main component of his theory is that once people understand symbols, they create their SELF (or their identity) This self changes throughout your life as you experience new things and become more confident