Sociology, Sociology as a discipline, has been shaped and influenced by the contributions of various theorists and scholars. Four prominent figures in the field of sociology are August Comte, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx are considered as the founder of the sociology. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions that have helped shape the field and provide valuable insights into society and human behavior. In this blog, I’m going to provide an overview of these founder of the sociology.
August Comte: father and founder of the sociology
August Comte is known as the father of sociology. He coined the term ‘sociology’ and laid the foundation for the discipline. Comte believed that society operates according to certain laws, similar to the laws of nature. He developed the concept of social statics and social dynamics, which refer to the study of the structure and stability of society and the study of social change, respectively.
As a positivist
Comte’s most notable work is his book ‘The Course in Positive Philosophy,’ in which he outlined the principles and methods of sociology. He emphasized the importance of studying society scientifically and advocated for the use of empirical evidence and observation. Comte’s contributions laid the groundwork for future sociologists and established sociology as a distinct academic discipline.
Max Weber: Theory of social action
Max Weber was a German sociologist who is known for his work on the theory of social action. He believed that individuals’ actions are influenced by their subjective meanings and interpretations of the world. Weber emphasized the importance of understanding the social and cultural factors that shape human behavior.
Social stratification and Ideal Types
Weber’s most significant contribution to sociology is his theory of social stratification. He argued that society is divided into different social classes based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. Weber also introduced the concept of the ‘ideal type,’ which is a theoretical construct used to understand and analyze social phenomena.
Emile Durkheim
Emile Durkheim was a French sociologist who focused on the study of social facts and the role of social institutions in society. He believed that social facts, such as norms, values, and social structures, have an independent existence and influence individuals’ behavior.
Division of Labor in Society
Durkheim’s most notable work is his book ‘The Division of Labor in Society,’ in which he analyzed the different types of social solidarity and their impact on society. He distinguished between mechanical solidarity, which is based on similarity and shared values, and organic solidarity, which is based on interdependence and specialization.
Karl Marx
Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, and sociologist who is known for his theories on capitalism and class struggle. Marx believed that society is fundamentally divided into two classes: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie.
Marx’s most influential work is ‘The Communist Manifesto,’ which he co-authored with Friedrich Engels. In this manifesto, Marx outlined his theory of historical materialism and predicted the eventual overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat.
Last words on Founder of the sociology,
The contributions of August Comte, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx have significantly influenced the field of sociology. Comte laid the foundation for the discipline and emphasized the scientific study of society. Weber introduced the concept of social action and analyzed social stratification. Durkheim focused on social facts and the role of social institutions. Marx analyzed class struggle and the dynamics of capitalism. Together, their contributions have provided valuable insights into society and human behavior.Sociological Perspectives in sociology/Micro Sociologist George Simmel/Is Sociology a Science or Discipline?