History of Sociology (People in Unit 1)

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

British, developed a system of philosophy based on the theory of evolution, believed in the primacy of personal freedom and reasoned thinking. Sought to develop a system whereby all human endeavors could be explained rationally and scientifically. Roots his ideas in social Darwinism.

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Believed in functionalism and the scientific method; saw society as a set of independent parts that maintain a system but each separate part has a function. Concerned with the problem of social order.

W. E. B. Du Bois

believed that African Americans should strive for full rights immediatly;founded the NAACP

Auguste Comte (1798-1857)

father of sociology. Believed that society changes through definite processes called social dynamics

Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)

A social activist who traveled the United States and wrote about social changes. Translated Comte's work into English.

She established the Sociological focus on issues like family, race, relations, and relegion

Karl Marx (1818-1883)

19th century philosopher, political economist, sociologist, humanist, political theorist, and revolutionary. Often recognized as the father of communism. Analysis of history led to his belief that communism would replace capitalism as it replaced feudalism. Believed in a classless society.

Max Weber (1864-1920)

Verstehen; interested in groups within society as opposed to society as a whole, focused on the effect of society on the individual.

A function (Durkheim)

is the consequence that an element of society produces for the maintenance of its social system.

ideal type (Weber)

is a description comprised of the essential characteristics of a feature of society

Jane Addams

Established Hull House in Chicago. She offered welfare, educational, and recreational services to the poor. Wrote about wage levels, sweat shops, child labor, the immigrant experience and living conditions of the poor.