Sociological Theory Not as boring as it sounds!

Origins of Sociology Sociology as a discipline is the product of two dramatic social changes: 1. The Enlightenment 2. The Industrial Revolution

The Enlightenment (18 th c.) “Age of Reason” Emergence of the ideal of political liberty – Societies that were more democratic began to replace monarchies Political revolutions – French and American revolutions (1789 & 1776) Rise of science and rational thought – Ascendance of science, diminishing importance of “the church”

Industrial Revolution (19 th c.) Shift from agrarian to industrial Urbanization—“push and pull” economy Extremes of wealth and poverty I’m going to briefly expound upon the Industrial Revolution, as I think it is important for understanding the milieux out of which Sociology was born.

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Become one with the cogs!

Shift from the Agrarian World Agricultural Revolution – New farming methods invented, e.g. crop rotation. Enclosure movement had large land owners buying and then fencing public land. – Smaller farmers pushed off of land to work as wage laborers for various land owners or to move to the growing cities. More food produced = population increase – In 1700 there were about 100 million people in Europe, by 1800 the population had grown to 190 million.

Textile Industry Takes Off!!! Domestic system (cottage industry) had dominated the early 1700s; merchants dropped off raw materials at people ’ s homes, picked up finished products later. Series of inventions modernize textile manufacturing, including: – 1760 – Spinning Jenny (James Hargreaves) – Allowed for multiple threads to be woven together. – 1793 – Cotton Gin (Eli Whitney) – Machine that separated cotton seeds from the cotton.

Textile Industry Takes Off!!! These advancements resulted in the movement of work from the home to the factory.

Britain Industrializes First Many natural resources available in Britain, including large amounts of coal and iron. Geographical advantages include a large river system for water power and many natural harbors for easy trade. A strong, stable government allowed a strong, stable economy to develop which resulted in extra money to invest.

Britain Industrializes First COLONIAL EMPIRE! – colonies provided much needed raw materials and markets.

The Revolution Spreads To continental Europe, USA, and Japan between 1850 and 1914.

SLAVERY!!!

Changes Brought by the Industrial Revolution Inventions change the way we live and work, e.g. steam engine in Transportation and communication systems are greatly enhanced, e.g. trains, telegraph. Cities begin to dominate the western world. Creates a new social order with the rise of an influential middle class. Poor working conditions for lower classes eventually lead to new social and political movements. Desire for markets and resources entice Europeans to take over foreign lands (imperialism).

Key Figures in Sociological Theory Now let us move on to:

Research Project! YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Emile Durkheim Karl Marx Max Weber

Key Figures in Sociological Theory Biography Key problems focused on Key concepts developed Key works written and/or Key actions taken More?

“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” --Miles Davis

Key Figures in Sociological Theory Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber – Biography – Key problems focused on – Key concepts developed – Key works written and/or key actions taken – More?