Founders

Auguste Comte and Auguste 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)

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

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

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

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

Sexism in Early Sexism in Early SociologySociology

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

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