SOCL 2001 Chapter : Social Theory January 24 2012
Document Summary
Karl marx: came up with the idea of historical materialism, historical materialism, conflict drives social change throughout history, humans dominate environment, humans dominate other humans. Mile durkheim: considered founding practitioner of positivist sociology, division of labor helps to determine how social cohesion is (or is not) maintained. 3 biggest names in sociology to remember & founding fathers of sociology: marx, Identifies the roles phenomena play in keeping society working: relies on the idea that society is a living organism and institutions are like vital organs in the body of society, emphasizes the role of consensus in maintaining order. Everything doesn"t have to play the same role, but they all have to agree: conflict theory, emphasizes arguments and power differences. Identifies power relationships that create different phenomena in society: social inequality results from power struggles between groups, ex: you can only be rich if someone is at the bottom holding you up.
