Foundational Sociological Theories: Durkheim, Weber, and Marx (class 1)

Sociology

The study of social behavior, society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture.

Social Solidarity

The ties that bind individuals together in a society, which can be mechanical or organic.

Mechanical Solidarity

Social unity based on shared values, beliefs, and similarities among individuals in a pre-modern society.

Organic Solidarity

Social cohesion based on the interdependence of specialized roles in modern, complex societies.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability.

Interpretive Sociology

A sociological approach that focuses on understanding the meanings that individuals ascribe to their actions.

Verstehen

A German term meaning 'understanding'; used by Weber to emphasize interpretive understanding of social action.

Alienation

A process where individuals become detached from their own personal identities and the products of their labor, often seen in capitalist societies.

Conflict Theory

A sociological framework that views society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources.

Social Constructionism

The theory that aspects of our social reality are created and maintained through social practices and interactions.

Collective Conscience

The set of shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes that operate as a unifying force within society.

Individual Conscience

An individual's personal beliefs and experiences which may differ from the collective conscience.

Praxis

In Marx's terminology, it refers to the practical application of theory, specifically actions that can bring about change.

Sociological Imagination

The ability to connect personal experiences with larger social phenomena and historical context.

The Division of Labor in Society

Durkheim's work that explores how the division of labor affects social solidarity.

Collective Effervescence

The intensity of communal experiences that create a sense of belonging and connection among individuals.

Hierarchy

A system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.

Interpretive Understanding

The process of grasping the meanings that individuals attach to their actions within their social contexts.

Rituals

Established procedures and practices that reinforce social bonds and collective conscience in a community.

Optimism vs. Pessimism in Sociology

The contrasting viewpoints regarding the potential for understanding and changing society; Durkheim/Weber are more optimistic while Marx is pessimistic.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often seen in contrast to social structure.