1. Origins and Theories

2. Social Changes 1. New Industrial Economy 2. The Rise of Cities 3. Political Change

3. Sociology was “created” in 1838 by Auguste Comte. “By knowing the laws of phenomena we can make predictions about them, and change the world to our advantage.”

4. Sociology is the youngest academic discipline. Ideal society v. analysis of society

5. Stages of Sociological Development 1. Theological stage 2. Metaphysical stage 3. Scientific Stage

6. Comte and Positivism * Apply scientific method to the social world * What holds society together? * Discover social principles and apply them to social reform.

7. Herbert Spencer and Social Darwinism * Second founder of sociology * Disagreed with Comte – sociology should not guide social reform. We should let societies evolve as they will.

8. Karl Marx and Class Conflict * Thought people should try to change society.

9. Emile Durkheim and Social Integration * Wanted sociology recognized as a separate academic discipline. * Social integration: the degree to which people are tied to their social group.

10. EARLY SOCIOLOGY AND WOMEN * Rigid gender roles * Pathway to social reform