Sociology

• Definition of sociology: the study of humans and their conditions, relationships, and behaviors within a society
• Brief History:

  • The French Revolution in the 18th century led to inquiries about shifting socioeconomic and political dynamics in Europe
  • The Enlightenment period in the 17th through 19th centuries furthered philosophical thoughts on society
  • Academic journals on sociology emerged at the end of the 19th century, with the American Journal of Sociology in 1895 being the first to publish
• • Karl Marx (1818-1883): Introduced dialectical materialism, emphasizing contradictions and solutions through material needs
• Thinkers:

  • Auguste Comte (1798-1857): Coined the term "sociology" and believed in its role in the development of society and direct human activity
  • Herbert Spencer (1820-1903): Applied biological concepts in sociology, believed society grows gradually and passes through stages of complexity, and identified institutions with different functions
  • Emile Durkheim (1858-1917): Studied "social facts" such as values, norms, and structures that can exercise social control
  • Max Weber (1864-1920): Studied social action and acts of individuals or agents
• Subdisciplines:

  • Penology: Studies how punishment is conducted on offending members of society
  • Sociology of Work: Inquires on how individuals, groups, communities, and societies relate to and interact with different industries
  • Clinical sociology: Uses sociological methods in understanding, intervening, and enhancing social life
• Research methods:

  • Case study: Focuses on a particular social phenomenon and its effects on a specific group of people or an individual
  • Survey: Collection of data using questionnaires and statistical analysis