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EARLY SOCIOLOGICAL THINKERS. HOW DID IT BEGIN?. In the mid nineteenth century, the world saw massive growth in industrialization and in turn urbanization . In turn, there were changes in working and living conditions.
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HOW DID IT BEGIN? • In the mid nineteenth century, the world saw massive growth in industrialization and in turn urbanization. In turn, there were changes in working and living conditions. • These changes led to the development of new social problems: inadequate housing, crowding, unsanitary conditions, poverty, pollution and crime. • With the development of the scientific method, social thinkers thought they might discover the laws of human behavior and apply these laws to solve these social problems.
AUGUSTE COMPTE (1798-1857) • Coined the term sociology from the latin socius (being with others) and the greek logos (study of). • “Social Statics” theory- the overall structure of society remains stable over time. • “Social Dynamics”- the idea that elements within society change to allow for social development.
HARRIET MARTINEAU (1802-1876) • Translated Compte’s work. • Analyzed the consequences of industrialism and capitalism. • Payed special attention to social distinctions based on race, class, and gender.
HERBERT SPENCER (1820-1903) • Influenced by Charles Darwin and the idea of “survival of the fittest”. • His theory became known as “Social Darwinism”. - Felt the “fittest” members of society would succeed and so he opposed social reform.
EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917) • Disagreed with Spencer. • He stressed the science of sociology, using research to test his theories. • Believed behavior cannot be understood in individual terms but only in a large social context.
Karl Marx (economist/philosopher) • Believed that class conflict was necessary for the betterment of society. • Bourgeoisie- own the means of production. • Proletariat- sell their labour to earn a livelihood. • Alienation- a feeling of powerlessness and estrangement from other people and from oneself.