Lesson 1.3: The Social Sciences

• What are the main disciplines covered in Lesson 3 of the social sciences?

  Sociology, Anthropology, and Political Science
• What does sociology focus on?

  • Human interaction
  • Social structures
  • Societal change
• What is the aim of sociology?

  To understand the relationship between individuals and society
• Who are some key figures in sociology and their contributions?

  • Auguste Comte: Positivism
  • Harriet Martineau: Ethnography
  • Karl Marx: Materialism
  • Emile Durkheim: Functionalism
  • Max Weber: Rationalization
• Who is considered the founder of sociology?

  Auguste Comte
• What is the Law of Three Stages proposed by Comte?

  It states that societies evolve through theological, metaphysical, and positive stages
• What does positivism advocate for in sociology?

  Scientific methods in studying society
• What role did Harriet Martineau play in sociology?

  She pioneered ethnographic research and advocated for social reform
• How did Martineau connect economic factors to social conditions?

  By being influenced by political economy
• What is the materialist conception of history proposed by Karl Marx?

  It emphasizes economic factors as drivers of social change
• What did Marx focus on regarding social class?

  The struggle between the bourgeoisie and proletariat
• What did Marx advocate for to overcome inequality?

  A socialist society
• Who established sociology as an academic field?

  Emile Durkheim
• What are social facts according to Durkheim?

  Elements of society that have a reality independent of individuals
• How did Durkheim explain social structures and institutions?

  In terms of their functions for society
• What concept did Max Weber analyze in modern society?

  The increasing influence of rationality
• What did Weber study regarding bureaucracy?

  The impact of bureaucracy on individuals and society
• What is interpretive sociology according to Weber?

  It emphasizes understanding the subjective meanings people attach to social actions
• What is the focus of anthropology?

  • Initially focused on non-Western cultures
  • Evolved into the study of human societies and cultures
  • Seeks to understand diverse cultures and their development
• Who is known as the father of American anthropology?

  Franz Boas
• What principle did Boas advocate for in anthropology?

  Cultural relativism
• What does historical particularism emphasize?

  The unique development of each culture
• What stance did Boas take on racial hierarchy?

  He strongly opposed biological bases for racial hierarchy
• What fieldwork method did Bronislaw Malinowski develop?

  Participant observation
• What is the focus of ethnography according to Malinowski?

  Detailed descriptions and analysis of cultures
• How did Malinowski view cultural elements?

  As contributing to the functioning of a society
• What concept did Alfred Radcliffe-Brown introduce in anthropology?

  Structural functionalism
• How did Radcliffe-Brown view society?

  As a system of interconnected parts
• What did Radcliffe-Brown focus on in his studies?

  The underlying patterns of social relationships
• What does political science study?

  • Power, government, and politics
  • Collective decision-making within societies
  • Impact of decisions on individuals and groups
• What are the historical roots of political science?

  Ancient philosophy and modern political thought
• How has political science evolved over time?

  From state-centric to pluralist and behavioral approaches
• What are the core concepts in political science?

  • Democracy
  • Citizenship
  • Political ideology
• What is the contemporary focus of political science?

  • Diverse approaches including critical theory
  • Empirical analysis addressing pressing social issues
• How do anthropology, sociology, and political science compare?

  • All are foundational disciplines in social sciences
  • Each offers unique perspectives on human society and behavior
  • They differ in focus, methods, and core questions
• What methods do sociologists use to analyze social trends?

  • Quantitative methods
  • Qualitative methods
• What methods do political scientists employ to analyze political phenomena?

  • Empirical methods
  • Statistical analysis
  • Comparative studies