Definitions
based on or characterized by the methods and principles of science
Scientific
•Society follows laws just like the natural world; it evolves in stages—Theological, Metaphysical, and Scientific.
Auguste Comte
Interpretive Sociology
Max Weber
the distinctive, stable arrangement of institutions whereby human beings in a society interact and live together
•Social Structure
Society exists where interactions exist—not as a separate entity.
Georg Simmel
Functionalism
Durkheim
the alteration of mechanisms within the social structure, characterized by changes in cultural symbols, rules of behaviour, social organizations, or value systems.
•Social Change
•Believed that economic conflict drives historical change.
Karl Marx
Social Darwinism
Herbert Spancer
an ideal of uniformity in treatment or status by those in a position to affect either. Acknowledgment of the right to equality often must be coerced from the advantaged by the disadvantaged.
•Equality
Sociology should understand the meanings individuals attach to their actions
Max Weber
Conflict Theory
Karl Marx
a condition of being unequal, or of being given an unequal share of treatment, status, or opportunity.
•Social Inequlity
Societies evolve from simple to complex forms, much like organisms.
Herbert Spencer
The Father of Sociology
Auguste Comte