Sociology Chapter 2: Classical Theories

Classical Social Theories

• 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.