Download Origin of Sociology

Soc 101: Introduction to Sociology
Spring 2013
Course Instructor: Md. Zakir Hossain
TEXT REQUIRED
Richard T. Schaefer (2006), Sociology, McGraw-Hill.
REFERENCE
Anthony Giddens (2006), Sociology, Polity Press
Evaluation/Marks distribution
Class Attendance + Class Performance
5+5
Two Class Tests (2x5)
10
Assignment & Presentation
10
Mid-term Exam
30
Semester Final Exam
40
Total
100
How did sociology begin?
• Sociology as an academic science was born in
Europe in the19th century.
• The development of sociology has to be
understood in the contexts of the major changes
that have created the modern world.
• Three great revolutions that gave rise to the
emergence of Sociology as an independent
science are:
- Industrial Revolution
- French Political Revolution of 1789
- Revolution in science & technology
Impact of Industrial Revolution
• Europe was changing from
agriculture to factory production
• Masses of people moved to the
cities in search of work
• In cities people met crowding,
slum, poverty, unemployment,
diseases, crime, etc.
• The contemporary social thinkers
tried to explain the social
problems scientifically.
Impact of French Revolution
• The French Revolution of 1789 created social
disorder not only in France but also in entire
Europe.
• The old social order that was based on kinship,
land, Church & monarchy became very shaky.
• The social thinkers (e.g. Auguste Comte, Emile
Durkheim) tried to find ways to re-establish
social order.
• They believed that the science of society is
possible to explain social problems.
Impact of Scientific Revolution
• In 19th century, natural sciences made
tremendous progress.
• The progress made by the natural
scientists inspired social thinkers to follow
their example.
• If the scientific method can be successfully
applied to the physical world, then why
can’t it be applied to the social world?
Early Sociologists and their contribution
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
• Considered to be the founder of
sociology. His famous work was
Positive Philosophy.
• Coined the term sociology for the
first time at about 1839 & provided
an organized foundation for the
field.
• Believed that the major goal of
sociology was to understand
society scientifically.
• Suggested the use of Positivism—
applying the scientific approach to
the social world.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
•
What hold society together?
•
To answer this question Durkheim compared
premodern and modern societies.
•
Mechanical Solidarity existed in primitive societies.
People in premodern community were alike and
functioned as “simple machine”.
•
Collectivism dominated over individualism. All the
people shared the same beliefs and values.
•
Durkheim used term “Collective Consciousness” to
reflect the shared ideas, values, and goals.
Emile Durkheim (contd.)
Organic Solidarity
• Its primary characteristic is the development of a
division of labor. The basis of organic solidarity is
interdependence. Each depends on the skills and
knowledge of others.
• Durkheim suggests that preindustrial societies are
characterized by mechanical solidarity while in
modern industrial societies solidarity is organic.
Any Question?
Thank You