Topic 1: Classics of Sociology Flashcards
Who are the five key figures in early Sociology?
- Auguste Comte (1798–1857) – Positivism
- Karl Marx (1818–1883) – Historical Materialism
- Émile Durkheim (1858–1917) – Social Facts
- Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) – Social Darwinism
- Max Weber (1864–1920) – Ideal Type
Who was Auguste Comte?
- French sociologist, philosopher, and writer.
- Coined the term “Sociology” and is considered its founder.
- Initially used “Social Physics”, but abandoned it as another scholar had already used the term.
- Influenced by** French social and political transformations.**
- Aimed to establish scientific laws to explain society, similar to physics or chemistry.
What is** Comte’s view on society and laws?**
Comte believed that society follows invariable laws, just like the natural sciences explain the physical world.
What is Positivism according to Comte?
Positivism is the idea that Sociology should apply scientific methods, just like natural sciences, by focusing on observable, empirical data.
What are the key principles of Comte’s Positivism?
Science should** only study observable phenomena.**
Laws can be developed through sensory observation.
Understanding social patterns allows prediction of future events.
Sociology should rely on observation, comparison, and experimentation
What was Comte’s goal for Sociology
To acquire reliable knowledge to predict and shape social life for stability and progress.
What are the main criticisms of Positivism?
Humans** cannot be studied like animals or objects.**
Social control is problematic—who decides how society should be shaped?
Many sociologists reject the** idea of controlling individuals and societies.**
What was Comte’s vision for society in his later years?
- Religion of Humanity” based on scientific principles.
- Social cohesion to reduce inequalities caused by industrialization.
- A reorganized society to maintain stability.
How can Comte’s ideas apply to sports?
- Universal Laws: Sport is a shared human practice across cultures.
- Social Transformation: Sociology can fight doping, violence, and corruption in sports.
- Scientific Methods: New technologies can analyze and improve sports performance.
Who was Herbert Spencer?
An English** sociologist, philosopher, and anthropologist** who applied evolutionary theory to society.
**What is Spencer’s Theory of Social Evolution?
* Structural differentiation – Simple societies evolve into more complex ones.
* Functional adaptation – Societies adjust to their environments.
What phrase did Spencer coin, and what does it mean?
“Survival of the fittest” – The strongest social structures survive and thrive, just like in biological evolution.
How did Spencer compare society to a biological organism?
Just like organs have specific functions, social institutions serve distinct roles to ensure societal stability.
What was Spencer’s view on government intervention?
- Supported laissez-faire (“let do”) policies.
- Believed the State should not support the weak, as it disrupts natural societal evolution.
How can Spencer’s ideas apply to sports?
- Evolution of sport institutions – Strongest sports organizations survive.
- Social function of sport – Sports promote health, social cohesion, and discipline.
- Sport policies – Less government regulation allows natural competition and growth.
Who was** Émile Durkheim?**
A French sociologist, educator, and philosopher, considered one of the** most influential figures in modern sociology.**
How did Durkheim differ from Comte?
- Rejected Comte’s vague and speculative ideas.
- Focused on empirical analysis to make sociology a true science.
What major social issues did Durkheim study?
* Individualism and its impact on society.
* **Suicide **and its sociological causes.
* Sources of authority and social order.
What are Durkheim’s key sociological concepts?
- Social Solidarity – The bonds that unite society.
- Anomie – A state of normlessness or lack of societal guidance.
- Social Facts – Patterns of behavior that exist outside the individual and influence them.
What is Social Solidarity according to Durkheim?
The force that holds society together, preventing disorder and chaos.
What are the** two types of Social Solidarity?**
- Mechanical Solidarity – Found in traditional societies, where people share common beliefs, occupations, and experiences.
- Organic Solidarity – Found in industrialized societies, where people are connected through economic interdependence.
What is** Anomie** in Durkheim’s theory?
A state of confusion and disorientation caused by sudden social change, weakening moral guidance and** societal norms.**
What are Social Facts according to Durkheim?
- Norms, values, structures, and institutions that exist** independently of individuals **but influence their behavior.
- Examples: Religion, education, language, economic status.
Why are Social Facts difficult to study?
- They are **invisible **and cannot be directly observed.
- Their effects are analyzed through** laws, customs, and societal behaviors.**
