Questions to Ponder What are the processes that hold society together? What are the processes that change society? Which one is sports a part of? Do you think society is evolving?

History of Sociology People have always talked and thought about society and its organization “Why is there an apparent order in society?” “Why is that order different in different societies?”

Pre-sociologists who tried to explain society Theologians: believed that God had a plan for the world and sacred scriptures could reveal that plan – Ex. Feudalism in Europe Philosophers: tried to understand human nature through observation and reflection in order to create a perfect society – Ex. Greek guy named Plato (Republic) Historians: looked at the past in order to understand the present

A New Way to Understand the World Social Sciences started to develop between 18 th and 19 th century ( ) World was changing quickly People needed new tools to understand it

What factors led to the development of Social Sciences? French Revolution: A new social order was needed Industrial Revolution: Industries were replacing agriculture City life started to replace country life The scientific method could be applied to understand human life and behavior

First Sociologists

History of Sociology Auguste Comte ( ) Cool Nickname: “Father of Sociology” Coined the term “sociology” in 1822 Believed in Positivism: idea that true knowledge is that which can be verified and assumes that the only valid knowledge is scientific. It believes that humans can figure things out because they have the capacity to research. Practiced “cerebral hygiene” – ignored others’ publications in order to keep his mind pure “There can be no study of society if it is separated into portions”

Comte and Positivism Positivism – view that information derived from logic and mathematics is the only accurate source of knowledge

Positivism in Sports How does science play a role in sports? Ray Allen’s Shot, Lebron James, Bolt – – –

Comte’s ideas He focused on social order and social change Social statics: processes that hold society together Social dynamics: processes that change society

Video on Comte’s Ideas portal.com/academy/lesson/comtes-3-stages- of-society-theory-of-positivism.html portal.com/academy/lesson/comtes-3-stages- of-society-theory-of-positivism.html

Comparing Social Statics and Social Dynamics Social statics Aspects of society that create order and hold society together Religion, Language, Division of Labor Studies rules and laws that hold society together Comte studied the interaction between them Social Dynamics The evolution of the mind through 3 stages Least advanced stage is theological stage (religion) Most advanced stage is positivism He saw change in society as progress He saw Western Europe as the most developed of regions (he lived there)

Social Statics

Social Dynamics 1 st Theological: supernatural or divine explanations to understand society and the world 2 nd Metaphysical: People do not explain everything through the divine. They mention forces of nature that are not yet well understood. It is a step towards true understanding 3 rd Scientific: (Most advanced) the world explained by scientific principles. Law of 3 Stages in development of society

Harriet Martineau ( ) Respected British author “Society in America” – democracy in the United States Talked about marriage, race relations, education, etc. Study of social systems was “a science of morals and manners” Set standards for objectivity in Sociology Translated Comte’ work for English speakers Believed scholars should look to solve the issues they studied Spoke out in favor of women’s rights, religious tolerance, and the end of slavery

Herbert Spencer ( ) Studied natural and social sciences Influenced by Charles Darwin He studied society just like he studied biology Refused to read work of other scholars

Spencer’s Ideas Society functions like a living organism, with a set of independent parts that work together to maintain the system Changes in societies were part of their evolution towards perfection Best aspect of society would survive over time Believed fittest societies would survive over time World would be a better place over time Spencer’s view on Society is known as Social Darwinism He was widely followed in England and France

Does football reinforce Social Darwinism in our culture?

Social Darwinism

Problems with Social Darwinism Misinterprets the idea of evolution and natural selection and holds that people who rise to the top in society are automatically "superior“ Society’s elite may take it as an explanation for their superiority

Day 2 – The End