Sociology Theorists Flashcards

Study Notes

Key Sociological Theorists

Auguste Comte: Recognized as the Father of Sociology; introduced Positivism; separated social statistics (study of stability) from social dynamics (study of change).
Emile Durkheim: Pioneer of functionalism; utilized scientific methods to explore society as interconnected parts, each having specific functions supporting the overall system.
Herbert Spencer: Advocated Social Darwinism; asserted that aiding the poor undermines societal evolution, which progresses from "barbarian" to "civilized" forms.
Karl Marx: German philosopher emphasizing class conflict through history; argued that the proletariat must unify to overthrow the bourgeoisie to end capitalism.
Max Weber: Introduced the concept of Verstehen, highlighting the importance of understanding social phenomena from the perspective of individuals; a foundational figure in interpretive sociology.
W.E.B. DuBois: First African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard; advocated for immediate political action against racial discrimination; co-founder of the NAACP in 1910.
Jane Addams: Founder of Hull House; emphasized empathetic, firsthand research through immersive experiences in communities; contributed significantly to the field of social work.
C. Wright Mills: Coined “Power Elite”; formulated the sociological imagination to connect individual experiences to larger societal forces.
Harriet Martineau: First woman sociologist; championed workers’ rights, including unionization; pushed for legislative reforms to protect laborers.
Lester Ward: Recognized as the Father of the American Sociological Association; contributed to the establishment and growth of sociology as a discipline in the U.S.

Key Historical Events

French Revolution: Represents an early example of social conflict, providing a rich context for sociological study.
Industrial Revolution: Marked the inception of systematic sociology as scholars began exploring the impacts of rapid social and economic changes.

Notable Works

Karl Marx: Authored the "Communist Manifesto," outlining his theories on class struggle and capitalism.
Emile Durkheim: Conducted the landmark study “Suicide: A Study in Sociology,” analyzing social factors influencing individual behavior.
Max Weber: Frequently employed the concept of Ideal Type, a methodological tool highlighting the pure characteristics of social phenomena.

Description

Test your knowledge of key sociological theorists with these flashcards. Learn about influential figures like Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, and Herbert Spencer, along with their contributions to sociology. Enhance your understanding of their theories and methodologies.