Early Sociologist

Auguste Comte Focuses on social order and social change Social statistics ( processes) hold society together Society changes through social dynamics Believed that they could be uncovered through scientific research

Herbert Spencer( Functionalist) Adopted a biological model of society In this model everything worked together to maintain a smooth society Social Darwinism “ Survival of the fittest” Considered social change and unrest to be a natural occurrences in society Believed that the best of society would survive over time. No steps should be taken to correct social ills

Karl Marx ( Conflict ) Believed that the structure of society is influenced by how it’s economy is organized Two classes “ “ capitalist and workers” Capitalist own the means of production Workers sell their labor This imbalance in power lead to conflict between the capitalist and the worker

Emile Durkheim ( Functionalist ) Concerned with the problem of social order Saw society as a set of interrelated parts Viewed society in terms of functions Functions are a consequence that society produces for the maintenance of it’s social system He was very interested in the role of religion in maintaining social order

Max Weber ( Interactionist ) Weber was interested in studying groups Focused more on the effect of society on the individual Uncover the feelings and thoughts of individuals Versthen” put your self in their situation and try to see things through their eyes Ideal Type