Sociology Chapter 2: Classical Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus regarding early classical philosophers in this content?

Social institutions

Enlightenment thinkers

Durkheim (correct)

Marx and Weber

Which aspect describes the view of society held by conservatives during the birth of sociology?

Society is an independent entity. (correct)

Society is an individual construct.

Society is defined by individual actions.

Society is based on personal beliefs.

During the Enlightenment, which concept was central to its philosophy?

Emotional reasoning over rational thought

Rational, scientific, universal civilization (correct)

Tradition as the basis for knowledge

Resistance to change as a societal norm

What did conservatives believe about social institutions?

They are beneficial for society. Signup and view all the answers

What reaction did the conservative viewpoint promote against Enlightenment ideas?

A conservative reaction leading to sociology's birth Signup and view all the answers

What does Emile Durkheim describe as a state of normlessness resulting in feelings of confusion?

Anomie Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalism, how is society best understood?

As a dynamic system of interrelated parts Signup and view all the answers

Which concept addresses the cohesion of social groups, particularly in early societies?

Mechanical solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes organic solidarity in society?

Interdependence based on individual differences Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does Durkheim emphasize in his study of the division of labor?

The integration and coordination of individuals Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the founder of modern sociology?

Emile Durkheim Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four categories of suicide identified by Durkheim?

Collusive suicide Signup and view all the answers

Which point highlights the relationship between sociology and natural sciences?

Methods of natural sciences can be applied in sociology Signup and view all the answers

What term describes general social features that exist independently of individual actions, as defined by Durkheim?

Social fact Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main characteristics of modern industrial society, according to Durkheim?

Low integration of individuals in social groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of organic solidarity according to Durkheim?

Emerges in advanced societies Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of integration identified by Durkheim?

Attachment to social groups and regulation by collective conscience Signup and view all the answers

What is one way in which individuals are made to feel part of a larger social collective, according to Durkheim?

By creating a shared set of beliefs and norms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early philosophers like Durkheim, Marx, and Weber shaped foundational sociological concepts, with Durkheim being the primary focus in this section.
Theories aim to explain relationships between facts and events, enabling predictions; each theory possesses unique strengths and weaknesses.

The Enlightenment (1650-1799)

Enlightenment thinkers promoted critical reasoning and practical knowledge, challenging traditional Christian teachings.
This period encouraged questioning of authority and facilitated the masses’ ability to oppose their oppressors.
Rational, scientific, and universal civilization were central themes, leading to societal transformation.
The birth of sociology arose as a conservative response to the transformative ideas of the Enlightenment.

Economic and Political Upheaval

Significant events during the period included the American Revolution (1775-1776) and French Revolution (1787-1799).
The Industrial Revolution marked the rise of capitalism, accompanied by extensive urbanization and secularization.

Birth of Sociology

Conservative views assert society exists as a separate entity that shapes individuals, rather than individuals creating society.
Key points include:
- Society consists of interrelated and interdependent parts.
- Change is perceived as a threat; the smallest unit of analysis is the family.
- Emphasis on social institutions and traditional hierarchies.

Functionalism

Perceives society as a dynamic system with interconnected parts, where social structures aid individual fulfillment.
Advocates that societal needs must cater to the majority.
Dominated sociological thought from the late 1920s to early 1960s.
Principal theorists include Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton.

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Recognized as the founder of modern sociology.
Introduced key concepts such as social facts, anomie, social solidarity (mechanical and organic), collective conscience, and social integration.
Emphasized three main themes in his work:
- Social facts shape individual actions.
- Social solidarity denotes group cohesion.
- Positivism advocates for a scientific approach to sociology.

Functionalist Theories

Durkheim's main assertion: human actions stem from collective societal norms rather than individualistic impulses.
"Anomie" represents normlessness due to absence of clear societal goals, contributing to confusion and elevated suicide rates.
Mechanical solidarity characterizes traditional societies, while organic solidarity emerges in modern, interconnected societies, highlighting individual contributions to the collective good.

The Division of Labor (1893)

Investigated the societal integration process and how individuals participate in a collective social structure.
Proposed two types of solidarity:
- Mechanical solidarity focuses on uniformity and shared experiences among individuals in small, traditional communities.
- Organic solidarity arises from interdependence in larger, more complex societies that embrace individual differences.

The Rules of Sociological Method

Establishes sociology as a unique discipline, distinct yet compatible with natural sciences.
Highlights the importance of applying scientific methods to social studies and differentiating sociology from psychology.

Suicide (1897)

Suicide types are linked to levels of social integration, defined by attachment to social groups and their goals.
Identified two key characteristics in modern society causing suicides:
- Lack of individual integration within social groups.
- Insufficient moral regulation by societal norms.
Categorized suicides as:
- Egoistic
- Altruistic
- Anomic
- Fatalistic

Critique and Applicability of Functionalism

Functionalism faces criticisms concerning its inability to address social change and conflict.
Questions arise about the current relevance of functionalist theory in modern sociology.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the contributions of classical social theorists, particularly Emile Durkheim, as well as an overview of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Review key concepts and critiques of these foundational theories that have shaped sociological thought. Test your understanding of their significance and impact on social science.