Classical Sociological Thought BA 3 rd Year, Sem. V , Course I (Theory) Programme /Class Degree Year B.A III Semester V Subject Sociology Course code A070501T Course

 Emergence of Sociology

Sociology emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the late 19th century. It was influenced by a number of intellectual sources, including the Enlightenment, philosophy of history, political history, social and political reform movements, and the revolutions of the time, such as the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.

Early Sociologists

Some of the early sociologists who were influential in the development of the discipline include:

• Auguste Comte: Comte is considered to be the father of sociology. He developed a theory of positivism, which argued that all knowledge should be based on scientific observation and experimentation. He also developed a hierarchy of the sciences, with sociology at the top.
• Herbert Spencer: Spencer was a social evolutionist who argued that societies evolve in a similar way to biological organisms. He also believed in the principle of social Darwinism, which argued that the strongest and fittest societies would survive and prosper.
• Emile Durkheim: Durkheim is considered to be one of the founders of modern sociology. He argued that sociology should study social facts, which are objective and observable patterns of behavior. He also developed the concepts of mechanical and organic solidarity, and he studied the phenomenon of suicide.
• Vilfredo Pareto: Pareto was an Italian economist and sociologist who is best known for his theory of elites. He argued that all societies are ruled by a small elite class, and that this is inevitable. He also developed the concepts of logical and non-logical action, residues, and derivatives.
• Karl Marx: Marx was a German philosopher and economist who is best known for his theory of dialectical historical materialism. He argued that history is driven by the struggle between the ruling class and the working class. He also developed the concept of alienation, which refers to the way that workers are dehumanized by capitalism.
• Max Weber: Weber is considered to be one of the founders of modern sociology. He argued that sociology should study social action, which is meaningful behavior that is oriented towards others. He also developed the concepts of power and authority, and he studied the relationship between religion and capitalism.
• George Herbert Mead: Mead was an American sociologist and philosopher who is best known for his theory of symbolic interactionism. He argued that people interact with each other through the use of symbols, such as language and gestures. He also developed the concepts of the self and the me.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the early sociologists who were influential in the development of the discipline. Sociology has continued to grow and evolve since then, and it is now one of the largest and most diverse academic disciplines. Talcott Parsons: Action and Behaviour; Social System, Pattern Variables Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist who is considered to be one of the founders of structural functionalism. He developed a theory of social action, which argued that all human behavior is meaningful and oriented towards others. He also developed the concept of the social system, which is a set of interconnected parts that work together to maintain social order. Parsons identified four pattern variables that are essential to social order: Affectivity vs neutrality: This pattern variable refers to whether or not an action is based on emotions or on objective criteria. Specificity vs diffuseness: This pattern variable refers to whether or not an action is focused on a particular role or on a more general relationship. Universalism vs particularism: This pattern variable refers to whether or not an action is based on universal principles or on personal relationships. Achievement vs ascription: This pattern variable refers to whether or not an action is based on merit or on social status. R.K.Merton: Middle Range Theory, Manifest and Latent Function Robert K. Merton was an American sociologist who is best known for his work on middle-range theory and manifest and latent functions. Middle-range theory is a type of theory that is limited in scope and that focuses on a specific aspect of social life. Merton argued that middle-range theory is more useful than grand theories, which attempt to explain all of social life in a single framework. Manifest functions are the intended consequences of an action. Latent functions are the unintended consequences of an action. Merton argued that all social phenomena have both manifest and latent functions. Conclusion Parsons and Merton were two of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. Their work has had a profound impact on the development of the discipline. Here are some examples of how Parsons' and Merton's concepts can be applied to real-world situations: Parsons' concept of the social system can be used to understand how different parts of society, such as the economy, the family, and the government, work together to maintain social order. Parsons' pattern variables can be used to analyze the different types of relationships that people have with each other. For example, the relationship between a doctor and a patient is typically more specific and universal than the relationship between a husband and a wife. Merton's concept of middle-range theory can be used to develop theories about specific aspects of social life, such as crime, education, and religion. Merton's concept of manifest and latent functions can be used to analyze the consequences of social phenomena. For example, the manifest function of a school is to educate students. However, schools also have latent functions, such as providing childcare and socialization opportunities.