Karl Marx and Sociology

Founders of Sociology

• The intellectuals who were considered the new priestly caste of the 'Religion of Humanity' were the sociologists.

Marx's Beliefs

• Marx's belief that history is primarily driven by conflict between different social classes is known as the class struggle.

Émile Durkheim's Views

• Émile Durkheim believed that individuals were shaped exclusively by society.
• In 1895, Émile Durkheim founded the first university sociology department.

Auguste Comte's Contributions

• Auguste Comte used the term 'Sociology' to describe the study of social structures and institutions.
• In Auguste Comte's view, Sociology aimed to achieve a scientific understanding of society.
• Auguste Comte introduced the concept of 'Positivism' to signify a belief system that emphasizes progress, equality, and the betterment of humanity.
• The thinker who greatly influenced Auguste Comte in the development of sociology was Claude Henri de Saint-Simon.
• Auguste Comte believed that observation and experimentation were the main approaches in providing a scientific explanation of society.
• He believed that systematic observation and collection of data could advance human understanding of how societies function and change.
• In Auguste Comte's terminology, the concept of 'Social Statics' refers to institutions that allow society to function smoothly and harmoniously.
• Auguste Comte's concept of 'Social Dynamics' relates to social institutions by studying the processes of change and development in society.