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4. INTRODUCING WESTERN SOCIOLOGISTS

The emergence of sociology in 19th century Western Europe is linked to revolutionary changes brought about by the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. This chapter discusses the foundational ideas of three prominent sociologists, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber, whose theories on society remain influential despite being subject to criticism and modification. Their work illustrates the relationship between societal changes and individual behavior within the context of evolving social structures.

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Sections

  • 4

    Introducing Western Sociologists

    This section introduces the foundational sociologists—Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber—who emerged from the context of significant societal transformations during the 19th century.

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  • 4.1

    The Context Of Sociology

    Sociology emerged from significant historical transformations in 19th century Western Europe, influenced by the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1.1

    The Enlightenment

    The Enlightenment fostered new philosophical ideas in 17th and 18th century Western Europe, emphasizing reason and humanism as central to understanding society.

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  • 4.1.2

    The French Revolution

    The French Revolution marked a pivotal shift toward political sovereignty and the notion of individual rights, challenging traditional social hierarchies.

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  • 4.1.3

    The Industrial Revolution

    The Industrial Revolution marked a pivotal shift in industry and society by introducing technology and new systems of labor that transformed both economic and social structures.

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  • 4.2

    Karl Marx (1818-1883)

    This section discusses the life and key ideas of Karl Marx, highlighting his critique of capitalism and the significance of class struggle in shaping society.

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  • 4.3

    Class Struggle

    Marx's concept of class struggle identifies how social classes interact and conflict due to their roles in the economic production process.

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  • 4.4

    Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

    Emile Durkheim, a pivotal figure in sociology, focused on social facts, moral codes, and the division of labor, and is recognized for laying the foundations of modern sociology with an empirical approach.

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  • 4.3.1

    Division Of Labour In Society

    Durkheim's 'Division of Labour in Society' explores how social solidarity evolves from mechanical to organic forms, shaping modern interactions and institutions.

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  • 4.4

    Max Weber (1864-1920)

    Max Weber was a pivotal figure in sociology known for his interpretive approach and examination of social action, rationalization, and authority.

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  • 4.4.1

    Max Weber And Interpretive Sociology

    Max Weber emphasized the significance of interpretive understanding in sociology, distinguishing it from the methods of natural sciences.

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  • 4.4.2

    Bureaucracy

    This section delves into Weber's concept of bureaucracy as a modern form of authority characterized by hierarchy, regulation, and officially defined roles.

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  • 4.5

    Exercises

    This section presents a variety of exercises designed to deepen understanding of the key concepts in sociology, particularly related to historical influences such as the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution.

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References

NCERT Study Material

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Sociology emerged as a resp...
  • The Enlightenment emphasize...
  • Karl Marx focused on class ...

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