Origins of Sociology Founders Auguste Comte and Positivism

Origins of Sociology Founders

Auguste Comte and Positivism v Recognized as father of sociology v Coined the Term “Sociology” v Believed social behavior had to be studied scientifically. v Positivism: using scientific observation in the study of social behavior. v Applying the Scientific Method to Social World v “Armchair Philosophy” v (drawing conclusions from informal observations of social life) 1798 -1857

Herbert Spencer—Social Darwinism v Compared society to the bodylike a body, society is composed of many parts working together to promote its well-being and survival. v Coined Phrase “Survival of the Fittest” v Opposed social reform and believed in the lower and higher forms of society. v Interfering is harmful to society. 1820 -1903

Karl Marx and Class Conflict v. Believed that the Engine of Human History is Class Conflict v A clash between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. v. Resulting in classless society. 1818 -1883

Durkheim and Social Integration v Believed that society exist because of a broad agreement among members of society. v As a result members of society are dependent on one another. v Studied how social forces affect behavior v Identified “Social Integration”— Degree to Which People are Tied to Social Group v Studied suicide rates believed they very depending on group characteristics. 1858 -1917

Max Weber and the Protestant Ethic v Religion is Central Force in Social Change v Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism v. Research - Weber believed the following: v Sociology Should be Value-Free (personal beliefs should not affect research) v Sociology Should be Objective (neutral, not bias) 1864 -1920 v Should put yourself in the shoes of others.

Harriet Martineau Sexism in Early Sociology v Attitudes of the Time v 1800 s Sex Roles Rigidly Defined v Few People Educated Beyond Basics v Harriet Martineau v Published Society in America Before Durkheim and Weber Were Born v Her work was Ignored

Sociology in North America v Jane Addams and Social Reform v Worked for the 8 hour work day and laws against child labor. v W. E. B. Du Bois and Race Relations v Used science and sociology to disprove racist assumptions about African Americans. v Was largely ignored, until recently. v