Sociology Theorists Flashcards

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.