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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What we have learnt
- Sociology emerged as a response to the changes in society brought about by revolutions.
- The Enlightenment emphasized reason and secularism, laying the groundwork for sociological thought.
- Karl Marx focused on class struggle and economic factors, Emile Durkheim emphasized social solidarity and moral codes, while Max Weber highlighted subjective meanings in social actions.
Key Concepts
- -- Alienation
- A process in capitalist society where individuals become distanced from nature, others, their work, and their own essence.
- -- Social Fact
- Aspects of social reality that are collective patterns of behavior and beliefs, which exert pressure on individuals but are not created by them.
- -- Enlightenment
- A period during the 18th century characterized by the emphasis on reason, science, and the human being as the center of understanding.
- -- Mode of Production
- A system of material production that persists over a long time, characterized by specific means and relations of production.
- -- Mechanical Solidarity
- A form of social cohesion characteristic of small, traditional societies where individuals share similar values and norms.
- -- Organic Solidarity
- A form of social cohesion characteristic of large, modern societies where individuals are interdependent due to specialized roles.
- -- Bureaucracy
- A modern form of organization based on hierarchical authority, explicit rules, and responsibilities applied in the public domain.
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