Founders of Sociology: Durkheim, Weber, and Marx (Classical Theory)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and ideas from the lecture notes on Durkheim, Weber, Marx, and the development of classical sociology.

Classical sociological theory

The early framework of sociology developed around Durkheim, Weber, and Marx to analyze modernity, social order, solidarity, religion, and class relations.

Founders of sociology

Scholars often regarded as the founding figures: Durkheim, Weber, Marx, with earlier thinkers like Comte, Montesquieu, Rousseau discussed as precursors; Comte coined the term sociology.

Durkheim

French sociologist who developed key concepts such as social facts, division of labor, mechanical and organic solidarity, sacred and profane, and civil religion.

Social facts

External, coercive social forces (laws, norms, languages) that predate individuals and constrain behavior across society.

Division of labor

The specialization of work in a society that increases interdependence among its members and differentiates roles.

Mechanical solidarity

Social cohesion based on likeness and shared beliefs in premodern societies, with a strong collective conscience and limited division of labor.

Organic solidarity

Social cohesion based on interdependence in modern societies, arising from a highly specialized division of labor.

Collective consciousness

Shared beliefs, values, and norms that bind members of a society together.

Sacred

Elements in social life that are set apart and prohibited, carrying collective reverence and requiring special protection.

Profane

Everyday, ordinary aspects of life that are not endowed with sacred significance.

Totems

Sacred objects or symbols in some societies that represent the power and unity of a group; used by Durkheim to illustrate collective religion.

Civil religion

Religion manifested in secular state symbols and rituals (e.g., national anthem, flag) that unite a nation and instill collective loyalty.

Repressive law

Punitive legal codes typical of premodern societies, aimed at vengeance and punishment to restore social order.

Restitutive law

Modern legal codes focused on restoration and reintegration, emphasizing social harmony over outright punishment.

Weber

German sociologist known for analyzing bureaucracy, authority types, and the rationalization of modern life; distinct from Durkheim and Marx.

Bureaucracy

Rational-legal system of administration with hierarchy, formal rules, impersonal relationships, merit-based advancement, and written records.

Charismatic authority

Legitimate power based on the personal qualities and exceptional leadership of an individual.

Marx

German philosopher/economist who argued capitalism concentrates power in the bourgeoisie, exploited the proletariat, and saw religion as tied to economic and political power dynamics.

Bourgeoisie

Capitalist class that owns the means of production and exerts ruling economic and political influence under capitalism.

Proletariat

Working class that sells labor under capitalism and is central to Marx’s theory of class struggle.

Religion as economic and political problem (Marx)

Marx’s view that religion reflects and reinforces the economic base and political order, potentially serving as both critique and justification of the status quo.