FREE Where does Sociology come from Essay (original) (raw)

Where does Sociology come from and how does it differ from the other Social Sciences in .

Sociology, like other disciplines, uses particular methods in explaining society. This discipline tries to make sense of issues relating to society and people on a whole by rationalizing theories put forward as an explanation. Sociology is the term used to explain the study of society. Some well known early founders to this discipline, such as August Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, have all contributed their understanding and theory to what sociology could be. In this essay, the intention is to look a little closer at those early contributors and to discuss how and where sociology may have come and how it may relate to other social sciences in explaining human behaviour. Mostly all Sociologists argue that sociology is used to explain human behaviour and other aspects relating to the human perspective on a whole. Most contributors to sociology, view sociology as a way of using the imagination in gaining knowledge and understanding into what is deemed as truth. (Giddens A, 1989).
The meaning of the word "Sociology" is the "Science of Society" and the definition of the word "Sociology", according to the Oxford dictionary; is the study of development, structure and functioning of the human society. Sociology can also be seen from a philosophical angle in reasoning and structuring arguments in looking for truth and understanding of what is real. The term "sociology" was first used by August Comte (1798-1857), a French philosopher who was credited as being the "founding father" of sociology. It is believed that it was through Comte's own ideas that the word "sociology" came into use with meaning. He saw sociology as a science and his main theory was known as "Positive philosophy" (Albrow M, 1997).
Karl Marx (1818-1883) has also been credited as being one of the early "founding fathers" of Sociology.

1. Theories of Sociology

Critical theories are developed due to the fact that we do not have to sit around and accept the way society is. ... At this point, the society has taken on a more philosophical belief system where natural forces control the world. ... Societies will go from simple to complex, from less diverse to more diverse. ... Toward the end of his life, Spencer did come to understand that evolution is not unilinear and that the possibility that societies evolve differently or even regress does exist. ... Ultimately, although Marx does not believe in capitalism, he stated that it quite necessary to evo...

2. Sociological imagination

So looking at this definition of the sociological imagination does this mean that African Americans are doomed forever with began linked to their ancestor's for began slaves or began called sub humans staying with the black people. ... Another way is educating people; teach the skills they do to do the jobs. ... As you see this is what I"m talking about like the quotes that I took from Marable say it is all that black people don't have the advantages as White people so who does this go back to the sociological imagination so this mean that African Americans will always stay on the bo...

3. A2 Sociology- Why do girls do better academically than boys?

"Why do girls do better academically than boys?" ... In referring to the Sociology Review magazine article 'Gender differences in education', by Eirene Mitsos and Ken Browne (1998), I have discovered that there are certain sociological reasons for why there are quite alarming gender differences in academic achievement. ... In order to gain a fair understanding of why girls do better academically than boys, you also have to look at the question 'why boys underachieve ', as well as' why do girls do so well?' ... Teachers expectations of boys are also often lo...

4. Knowledge of sociology and psychology of education is import

The sociology of education, according to Reid could be defined as, "It approaches education at a level of abstraction which is essentially concerned with the social institutions of education, from peer groups through classes and schools to the system of education, with institutional composition, structures, procedures, ideologies and functioning (workings and outcomes) and with inter-relationships between education and other institutions." (1986, p.23) Thus, from the definitions, it is apparent that sociology of education is more concerned with "people" and "society" rat...

5. Sociological Imagination and Dilemmas of Youth

Through sociological imagination one can distinguish between trouble that occur within an individual's own circle. ... There is a clear divide when it comes to the opinions of abortion and if it is ethical or not, and if it should be legal or not. This could influence the individuals decision whether to do it or not. ... Sociological Imaginations helps us to view one's society as an outsider rather than only from the perspective of personal experiences and cultural biases. ... Conclusion The Sociological Imagination does not encourage the idea that sometimes people do not have choic...

6. Teaching And Sociology: A Vital Connection

Different people come from different backgrounds, and because of this it is impossible to treat everyone the same. ... For example, if I worked in school that contained mostly students from the lower end of the socioeconomic scale, I would need to understand where they were coming from, figuratively and literally. ... The children have special needs because of where they come from. ... Often the kids come from broken homes or abusive homes, and love the chance to be around kind and caring people. ... The help with homework as well as the social skills they learn at the club come from the a...

7. Statistics in Sociology

Statistics are very important when studying sociology. ... Statistics give people an idea in their head that includes specifics, like where and how much, instead of just relative terms. ... However, another important issue when it comes to statistics is questioning where those numbers came from. Skeptics can always ask how do you know or how did you get that information. ...

8. Sociological Implications and Modern Diaspora

It is critical to do so, for socioeconomic conditions are interlinked with environmental factors, determining the composition, dynamics, and consequences of "environmental refugee" movements. ... Sociological perspectives need to be added to the dialogue that is beginning to form around this vital issue. ... In 1985, Essam El-Hinnawi of the United Nations Environmental Programme was the first to come up with a working definition of "environmental refugees," stating that "all displaced people can be described as environmental refugees, having been forced to leave their original habitat (or hav...

9. Sociology Study Guide

Sociology: the study of human behavior in society 2. ... Social action: coined by Weber as a behavior to which people give meaning such as placing a bumper sticker on your car showing pride in the troops. 11. sociological imagination: the ability to see the societal patterns that influence individual and group life 12. troubles vs issues: troubles: privately felt problems that come from events or feelings in one individual's life 13. ... Robert Merton: 1910-2003 functionalism where social practice has consequences not immediately apparent (manifest and latent functions) 5. ... George Her...

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