Functionalism relies very much on the scientific method. By relying on the scientific method, the study of sociology can be observed in the same way one would view the physical world. (McClelland) Most of the ideas of functionalism came from Emile Durkheim. He was a French sociologist that wrote the basis for functionalist theory. Durkheim was one of the first sociologists to use the scientific method and statistical techniques in sociological research.
This was of great interest to the functionalist sociologist Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) who organized their earlier work and integrated it into a theoretical framework in the late 1800s. His groundbreaking book “Suicide: A Study in Sociology” was published in 1897 and by choosing to study suicide he sought to reinforce the process of sociology becoming established as an academic discipline in 19th century France. 3 (Sociology, Themes and Perspectives, pg 874) He wanted to show how his particular approach, as a functionalist, to investigating suicides was distinct from other disciplines, such as psychology and biology. He also wanted to test the claims of scientific knowledge, in the research of suicide, made by positivists before him. Functionalism is the perspective of sociology, which originates from positivism.
New intellectuals believed that human beings could solve their social problems. Their were 4 key theorists that laid the foundation for contemporary sociological thought. Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology. He wanted to establish sociology as a science, free of religious arguments. He was convinced that using scientific principles, sociologists could solve problems such as poverty, crime and war.
Like Durkheim (a Functionalist), Marx believed it was possible to understand society scientifically and scientific knowledge would lead to a better society. However (unlike Durkheim), he believed capitalism would increase human misery before giving way to a classless, communist society, in which humans would be free to fulfil their potential. He believed that history would go through a series of base changes – primitive communism, ancient society, feudalism, capitalism and then communism. The organisation of production in a society shapes the nature of society – refers to this as the base/superstructure. According to Marx – in a capitalist society, the economic relationship of exploitation requires ideologies in the superstructure to cover up inequality – they are not innocent/neutral because they justify inequality and serve the interest of powerful groups.
Sociology examines how our behavior individually and in groups is influenced by social processes and what that means. In fact once you start seeing things with a sociological perspective – things will never be the same. It’s knowing how and why we do what we do that engages us with the world around us and makes us more effective agents for social change. However, sociologist C. Wright Mills describes sociology as “the intersection of biography and history?” A lot of you may wonder what he mean: well from my studying and perspectives; The reason why he say sociology is the interception of biography and history is because, Biography: happens to individuals and History: happens to society. For example, every
According to chapter 1 in the Essentials of Sociology textbook, the main idea of symbolic interactionism is that symbols are the way we can understand how we view the world and interact with one another. “George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) is one of the founders of symbolic interactionism” (Henslin, 2013, p. 57). Mead believed that society depends on symbols. It is said that symbols define our relationships. For example, without symbols we would not have moms or dads, aunts or uncles, teachers, bosses, or even siblings.
Aquinas considered that by using our reason to reflect on our human nature we could discover our specific end purpose. Aquinas used the ideas of Aristotle and the Stoics as an underpinning for Natural Law saying- human beings have an essential rational nature given by God in order for us to live and flourish. Aristotle said even without knowledge of god, reason can discover the laws that lead to human flourishing. The Stoics said Natural Laws are universal and unchangeable and should be used to judge of particular societies. We use this is help us choose the right moral action is situations.
Sociology as an Individual Pastime Peninsula College Abstract This paper introduces the student’s interpretation of the first chapter in Invitation to Sociology: A Humanistic Perspective by Peter L. Berger. Berger explains that conventional wisdom and the sociological studies are different than other academic practices. Sociologists believe our civilization is a large, collection of complex human relationships and their attendant systems of interaction. Berger says that sociology defines the objective meaning of human interaction within our homes, organizations, and communities. Sociologists concern themselves with issues that most people might find boring, but the goal of sociology is to focus on the ultimate importance of what men
Sociology lets us define and explain human behavioralism such as Beliefs. Specific ideas that people in society hold to be true is the root existence of Beliefs. Beliefs are particular matters which people hold to be true or false. Values pertain to beliefs, Values are culturally defined standards that people use to decide what is desirable, good, and beautiful which serves as a broad guideline for social living. People sharing a culture are looking at the same Values to make choices about how to live.
Sociology 101 The “After” Paper Through out this semester I learned many new theories and views that dealt with sociology. This was the first sociology course I have taken at Brookdale and found it to be very interesting. I have taken many psychology courses, but this was the first sociology. Just like psychology, sociology has many different views and theories. Many famous theorists have studied and experimented with sociology.