Sociological Theorists Soc 1101

Aguste Comte Auguste Comte: Lived: Believed that the major goal of sociology was to understand society as it actually operates. Comte maintained that the study of society must be empirical (should be based on observations, experiments, or other data collections) Called the “Father of Sociology” Key Terms: Social Statics Social Dynamics

Harriet Martineau Lived: Emphasized the importance of systematic data collection through observation and interviews. Published the first sociology research methods textbook A feminist and strong opponent of slavery, many aspects of capitalism and dangerous and unsafe workplaces.

Emile Durkheim Lived Influential French sociologist, educator, and public official Studied the ties that bind society together Stated that: – Sociology must study social facts – Social solidarity and harmony is upheld by division of labor Social Solidarity– social cohesiveness or harmony.

Karl Marx Lived German philosopher Writer and social critic Maintained that economic issues produce divisiveness rather than social solidarity. Capitalism—an economic system in which the ownership of the means of production is in private hands. Struggle between owners and workers---the haves and the have nots

Max Weber Lived German scholar who studied wide variety of topics Like other peers, he studied the impact of industrialization on peoples’ lives Support for “value free studies” and objective research---separating one’s personal values, opinions, ideology, and beliefs from scientific research.

Jane Addams Lived Social and political activist, author and lecturer, community organizer, public intellectual Social worker in Chicago---created the first community center for the poor— Hull House Leader in women’s suffrage movement Emphasized applying knowledge to everyday problems.

W.E.B. Du Bois Lived: Prominent Black sociologist, writer, editor, social reformer, and passionate orator. Help found the NAACP Examined the oppressive effects of race and class.