MR. CALVERT NORTH HIGH SCHOOL Sociology: Sociology Then and Now

Essential Questions and Vocabulary 1. How did the field of Sociology Develop? 2. In what ways do the three main theoretical perspectives in sociology differ? Social Darwinism, Function, Verstehen, Ideal Type, Functionalist Perspective, Dysfunctional, Manifest function, latent function, conflict perspective, interactionist perspective.

Sociological History Sociology did not develop until the 1800s Rapid social and political changes in Europe as a result of the Industrial Revolution (factory replaced home as manufacturing center) Growth of cities, new urban populations produced a multitude of social problems (adapting to life in city) Over time, it became more difficult to ignore the effect of society on the individual (individual liberty and rights led to revolutions)

Sociological History Sweeping political, social, and economic changes led scholars to question traditional explanations of life. They attempted to prove their beliefs using a variety of methods (observation, controlled experiments, collection and analysis of data)

The Early Years Auguste Comte (Fr.) -considered founder of sociology as distinct subject; studied basic issues of social order and social change after Fr. Revolution; his ideas regarding society have been refuted. Herbert Spencer (Eng.)-influenced by Darwin’s biological model of society; social change and unrest are natural occurrences in evolution toward stability and perfection; steps to correct social ills should not be taken; coined phrase “survival of the fittest”; Social Darwinism has fallen out of favor.

The Early Years Karl Marx (Ger.)-believed the structure of society is influenced by how its economy is organized (capitalists and workers); his emphasis on conflict (workers overthrow capitalists and create classless society) led to conflict theory. Émile Durkheim (Fr.)-concerned with problem of social order; held functionalist view of society (function of religion –shared beliefs and values hold society together); study what is directly observable; 1897 study, Suicide is 1sttrue sociological study.

The Early Years Max Weber (Ger.)-focused on groups within society, not the whole; effect of society on individual; go beyond observable to learn feelings and thoughts of individuals; with Verstehen(fehr-SHTAT-en) one puts oneself in the place of others to see through their eyes; developed concept of ideal type (essential characteristics of a feature of society such as schools)

Current Perspectives Functionalists–society held together through consensus.Automobile has a manifest function – intended and recognized consequence (transportation) and a latent function– unintended and unrecognized function (gain social standing through display of wealth) Conflict Theorists –sex, age, race, family, work, resource conflicts lead to social change. Interactionist Perspective –study role of symbols in society (objects, gestures, words, events) Symbolic interaction –how people use symbols when interacting

Assignment Early SociologistsTopics of InterestTheoretical Approach Comte Spencer Durkheim Marx Weber 1.Complete the following questions online at: 6.html 6.html 2.Then complete this chart about Early Sociologists, including their research, and their approach(Functionalists/conflict/interactionists).