Sociology - Early Theorists

Durkheim inherited the theory of Comte on studying social facts as things but Durkheim had more analysis on this theory.

Émile Durkheim was a famous sociologist who was born in 1858 and died in 1917. He is known for his contributions to the field of sociology, particularly his work on social integration and the study of suicide. Durkheim believed that social factors played a significant role in shaping individual behavior and that society could be studied scientifically. His ideas have had a lasting impact on the field of sociology and continue to be influential today.

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that draws on the theories of Max Weber and George Herbert Mead. It focuses on the symbolic meanings that individuals attach to objects, events, and behaviors in their social interactions. This perspective emphasizes the importance of symbols, language, and communication in shaping social reality and the construction of self. Symbolic interactionism suggests that individuals interpret and give meaning to their experiences based on shared symbols and social interactions, which ultimately influence their behavior and social relationships.

Weber's theory was "sympathetic understanding"

The correct answer includes the research designs of ethnography, survey, and experiment. Ethnography involves studying and understanding the culture and behaviors of a specific group through observation and interaction. Surveys gather data from a large number of participants through questionnaires or interviews to gain insights into their opinions or experiences. Experiments involve manipulating variables and measuring their effects on a group to establish cause-and-effect relationships. These three research designs offer different approaches to gathering data and understanding phenomena in social sciences.

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that focuses on how different parts of society work together to maintain social order. Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton are both later theorists who contributed to the development of functionalism. Parsons expanded on the ideas of earlier functionalists and developed a comprehensive theory of social systems. Merton, on the other hand, introduced the concept of manifest and latent functions, which helped to further explain the functions of social institutions. Therefore, both Parsons and Merton are important figures in the development of functionalism.

Max Weber: bureaucracy and sympathetic understanding [he focused on micro sociology]
George Herbert Mead focused on symbolic interactionism and the theory "life is a drama"

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that focuses on the specific functions and roles of different aspects of society. It is rooted in the works of Comte and Durkheim. Auguste Comte, often considered the founder of sociology, emphasized the importance of observing and understanding the functions and structures of society. Emile Durkheim further developed functionalism by studying the functions of social institutions and how they contribute to social order and cohesion. Therefore, the correct answer includes Comte and Durkheim as they are key figures in the development of functionalism.

George Mead developed three types of symbolic interactionism: externalization, objectification, and internalization. Externalization refers to the process of individuals expressing their thoughts and feelings through their actions and behaviors. Objectification involves individuals attributing meaning and significance to objects or symbols in their environment. Internalization refers to the process of individuals incorporating societal norms, values, and beliefs into their own thoughts and behaviors. These three processes are key components of symbolic interactionism, which emphasizes the role of symbols and interactions in shaping individual behavior and social reality.

Émile Durkheim and Max Weber were both theorists who believed that ideas and values have the power to shape and change society. Durkheim emphasized the importance of social facts and collective consciousness in influencing social behavior and societal development. Weber, on the other hand, focused on the role of ideas, values, and beliefs in shaping social action and the emergence of different social systems. Both theorists recognized the significance of ideas and values in driving social change and transformation.

Conflict theory, which is rooted in Marx's ideas, emphasizes the role of ideology and power based on material resources in society. Critical sociologists, who draw on conflict theory, examine various aspects of social inequality and stratification, including the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different social groups. They also analyze the intersections of gender, feminism, ethnicity, and race, exploring how these factors contribute to social hierarchies and power dynamics. In summary, critical sociologists study inequality and stratification, as well as feminist and gender issues, and the impact of ethnicity and race on social dynamics.