Theory and Methods

What is sociology ?

• Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of the world around us
• Sociology emerged after the 'industrial revolution' in the 19th century
• Sociology evolved as a response to 'Modernity' - where agricultral societies gave way to industrial and urban societies

Modernity can be seen to be centred on three significant changes:

• The economic revolution of capitalism
• The political global development of nation states 
• The cultural shift - Rationality and Scientific thinking began to replace Religion and Traditions

Who are the 3 founding fathers of Sociology:

Karl Marx (1818-83) - Saw modernisation as an oppertunity for creating a society the could reflect the intrests of the people

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) - Had mixed views on change. He advocated reforms however was worried that too much rapid social could undermine the stability of society

Max Weber (1864-1920) - Was the most negative. He freared thast the emerging industrialisation was becoming increasingly beurocratic and stifiling. He reffered to beuraucratic structures as an 'Iron Cage' around society

What is the Functionalist Perspective ?

Herbert Spencer: 'Organic Analogy' Society is like the human body - It is made up of organs that are 'interrealated' and 'interdepndant'