...RESPONSE PAPER “Contributions made by KARL MARX, MAX WEBER and EMILE DURKHEIM to the research methodology used in social sciences” INTRODUCTION The paper mainly concerns the contributions of MARX, WEBER and DURKHEIM to the methodology in social sciences. The various methodologies in social sciences establish a connection with the societal implications which have a large impact over the society and its normative effects. Referring to the contributions by the following sociologists, all have a different and influential impact on the factors of society. The methodology of various sociologists reflects their attitude towards the society and its various customs and traditions. The following mentioned are the various methodologies adopted by sociologists in the field of social sciences. Marxist sociology emerged around late 19th/early 20th century, influenced by the thought of Karl Marx. Marx is seen as one of the most influential thinkers in early sociology, alongside thinkers such as Max Weber and Émile Durkheim. KARL MARX The theory propounded by Karl Marx is Marxism; in a nutshell it is the theory and practice of working-class emancipation. Marxism is also a method of looking at the world. One of the most important foundations of Marx's method was dialectical thought. Marx relied a lot on historical materialism and dialecticism to propound his theories in social science. Marx relied heavily on these two methods...
Words: 1776 - Pages: 8
...Sitora Pulatova Galina Gorborukova Sociology of Deviance Final paper 18/12/2015 Suicide as a form of deviant behavior Introduction Deviant behavior is defined as any behavior or an act that goes against the established certain social norms in one specific society. As norms change in time, so does the description of deviant behavior. Deviant behavior as an element of social life is the subject of sociology and social psychology. The history of sociology of deviance is presented in a variety of monographs, textbooks and articles ( Ivanova E., 2014 ). However it is poor reflected in the history of Kyrgyz sociological studies of deviance as well as in the formation of Kyrgyz sociology of deviance. Sociology of deviant behavior and suicide behavior holds a strong position as a special theory of suicide within the structure of sociological knowledge (Problem of sociological research, pg. 1). Suicide can be seen as the ultimate deviant act. So it is important to know how it is measured in official statistics. According to the latest World Health Ranking data published in May 2014 Suicide Deaths in Kyrgyzstan reached 1.43% of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate ranks of Kyrgyzstan is 79th in the world (World Health Organization, 2015). This paper focuses on suicidal behaviour within the traditional society of Kyrgyzstan. According to established norms and values of traditional society the suicide attempt is extremely...
Words: 2504 - Pages: 11
...belief born out of simple ignorance of religious teachings. Some atheists go beyond a mere absence of belief in gods: they actively believe that particular gods, or all gods, do not exist. Just lacking belief in Gods is often referred to as the "weak atheist" position; whereas believing that Gods do not (or cannot) exist is known as "strong atheism." It a grand debate no doubt and forces me to think if atheism is the new religion? From the primitive times, people have had speculations on unusual natural phenomena or the supernatural or as a belief system that places man in relation to spiritual beings or divinity. No study of religion is complete without reading The Elementary Forms of Religious Life by the famous French sociologist Emile Durkheim where he has extensively presented a theory of religion, comparing the socio-cultural lives of the aboriginals and the modern...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...“movement” were Rene Descartes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant. They altered the way in which the social world was viewed and helped pave the way for other classical social theorists to explain the individual’s role in society. Karl Marx, Alexis de Tocqueville, Henri De Saint-Simon, and Emile Durkheim are only the names of a few classical social theorists who set out to explore the role of an individual within society. These men believed that Reason, along with the application of a scientific approach, would be able to positively change the world and break through to a new form of power and authority. Although the ideas and theories of these men give rise to far greater advancement in sociological theory, there is a failure in intuition, and thus, a failure of the classical sociological element. The first section of this paper includes an explanation of classical sociology along with an overview of the theories associated with some of the greatest sociologists of this time. The next section of this paper explores reasons and explanations for the failure of classical social theory and interpretations to why before-mentioned theories were compromised. The final section of this paper summarizes some of the conclusions drawn about the failure of this particular ideology. I. Classical Sociology/Theories Explained Classical sociology includes the idea that people can change the course of history through developmental progress. The object of study was society itself...
Words: 2468 - Pages: 10
...The theories on crime deterrence and punishment have changed throughout history. Beccaria, Lombroso and Durkheim are three theorists who have changed the way deterrence, punishment and crime generally is viewed within society. This research paper will first explore each of the theorists’ ideas separately. It will then examine the similarities and differences between each theory. Cesare Beccaria, born in 1738, focused on deterrence as the means of crime prevention. Beccaria fits into the Classical School of thinking, and wrote in a time when torture was used regularly to obtain information from people, and where capital punishment could be used for any type of offence. Punishment was based on a retributive means, where the punishment, or harm, given was equal to the harm caused by the perpetrator. In 1764, Beccaria published a book called “On crimes and Punishments”, where he theorised that this approach did not discourage determined criminals from committing crimes. He suggested, however, by taking away their liberty through incarceration that this would deter other would-be criminals not to commit similar crimes, and would also prevent the perpetrator to recommit the crime again. He based this theory on the utilitarian ideals: “the greatest happiness shared by the greatest number” (Beccaria 1764/1994, p. 227). In his book, Beccaria theorised the deterrence to a crime would increase in effectiveness the faster the punishment was delivered. He also argued that the punishment...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...ASHFORD SOC 101 Entire Course For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 1 Sociology Theories ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 2 The Role of Culture ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 1 Quiz ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 2 DQ 1 Socialization ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 2 DQ 2 Family Forms ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 2 Assignment Theorist of Choice ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 2 Quiz ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 3 DQ 1 Social Problems ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 3 DQ 2 Deviant Behavior ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 3 Assignment Final Paper Outline Religious Social Institution ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 3 Quiz ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 4 DQ 1 Current Social Issues ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 4 DQ 2 Social Institutions ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 4 Quiz ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 5 DQ 1 Social Movements ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 5 DQ 2 Social Change ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 5 Assignment Research Paper Religious Social Institution ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 5 Quiz ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 1 Sociology Theories For more course tutorials visit www.tutorialrank.com There are three primary sociological theories discussed in Chapter One of the text, Introduction to Sociology. Briefly summarize each theory and the major differences across the Functionalist, Conflict, and Symbolic Interaction perspectives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASHFORD SOC 101 Week 1 DQ 2 The Role of...
Words: 1971 - Pages: 8
...Department of Sociology Course Outlines for BA Sociology (Elective) Marks Paper A: General sociology Paper-B: Sociological Theory, Research and Social Problems Grand Total: 100 100 200 PAPER-A GENERAL SOCIOLOGY Note: All topics should be covered in the context of Pakistani Society. 1. a) b) c) d) 2. Introduction Definition of Sociology. Subject Matter. Relationship of Sociology with Other Social Sciences. Utility and Application of Sociology. Social Groups a) Types of Groups (Primary and Secondary Groups, in groups, Out-groups, formal Groups, Informal Groups. b) Distinction between social groups and social categories. c) Other related concepts (Reference Groups, Locality Groups, Society) Social Interaction a) Definition. b) Importance of social interaction. c) Process of Social Interaction (cooperation, competition, conflict, Assimilation, Accommodation and Acculturation). Social Norms a) Definition b) Types of social Norms (Folkways, Mores, (Amar-o-Nahi), Laws c) Other related concepts (Deviancy, Social Control, Social Sanctions, Taboos, Values and Beliefs) Status and Role a) Definition b) Types of Status and Role (Achieved and Ascribed) c) Related concepts (Role Conflict, Role Playing) Culture Definition Elements of culture(traits, patterns, complexes, ethos) Types of culture (Non-material and material, ideal and real Cultural Uniformity and Cultural Variability Other related concepts (sub-culture, cultural relativism, Ethnocentrism) 3. 4. 5. 6. a)...
Words: 707 - Pages: 3
...What is Sociology of Education? Posted on December 27, 2010 by Sitwe This essay will firstly define education and sociology then it will define what sociology of education is and come up with a suitable definition on sociology of education from various definitions. This suitable definition will be discussed further because it speaks much of what goes on in education system. Peter Snelson (1974) defines education as a condition of human Survival. It is the means where by one generation Transmits the wisdom, knowledge and experience Which prepares the next generation for life duties And pleasure. This definition on education helps us to act with more insight and more intelligence in molding the youth in an acceptable manner. We can give a sound academic mission to the youth by teaching them survival skills such as carpentry, pottery, basketry and other survival skills which can better their lives. Human beings not only acquire new skills but also form the society. To this effect parents and teachers should work hand in hand in order to help the youths themselves have knowledge and in coming up with relevant ways it’s a matter of assisting them. By teaching the young ones, knowledge is transmitted from one generation to the next. This simply enlightens us that education is a continuous process. The statement “sky is the limit” helps us to have a wide knowledge about all aspects of education. Education prepares individuals to do things it is their responsibility to do them. For instance...
Words: 4626 - Pages: 19
...Evaluation of Criminal Theory The study relating to the causes of, and reasons for, crime has long been an interest to criminologist and psychologist. Since the mid 1800�s different aspects of the scientific community have explored the question of why people commit crime. This paper will discuss several theories that have developed over the years, how those theories have grown and changed and which theories seem to be the most prevalent today. The theories that will be discussed revolve around the biological and psychological study of crime, the strain and cultural deviance studies of crime and the social control aspects of crime. All of these studies and theories will be compared and examined to understand the standing of criminology today. The first study of why people commit crime revolved around the belief that criminal behavior resulted from a persons� abnormal psychology. These theories suggest that criminal behavior is caused by some underlying physical or mental condition. These conditions separate the societies criminals from the non- criminals (Adler et. al, 2007 p.116). The first people to study this rationale where called Positivist Criminologist and believed that; Human behavior is determined by forces beyond individual control and that is it possible to measure those forces�{They} view criminal behavior as stemming from biological, psychological and social factors. (Adler et. al, 2007 p.60) In the late 1870�s, Cesare Lombroso...
Words: 3220 - Pages: 13
...and U.S. leaders’ reliance on appeals to religion form an encompassing picture of the religious Cold War. In political science literature, religion, if discussed at all, often becomes a black-box term entwined with ideas of belief, culture, and faith. Mike Grimshaw, a professor of sociology for the University of Canterbury, acknowledges the difficulty of defining religion and suggests that attempting to isolate it from culture “reduces religion to a sectarian identity and role” (2011). Religion at its core is a component of cultural identity which binds individuals possessing similar sets of beliefs to one another, contributing to the establishment of a sect, or more broadly, a rudimentary form of community. French sociologist David Émile Durkheim offers a definition of religion that focuses on this social, communal role, stating, “religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things...which unite into one single moral community...all those who adhere to them” (Haidt, 2012). Harnessing this uniting quality of religion enables religious leaders to connect with followers and secular leaders and the state to develop a ‘civil religion’ to ultimately appeal to massive groups of Americans (Kirby, 2017). Grimshaw’s classification of religion as an inseparable aspect of culture leads to the basis of the first role of religion during the Cold War: religious revival in America. America faced another “great awakening” during the 1950s and 60s; membership in churches...
Words: 1224 - Pages: 5
...Javon SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology Instructor: Jeanette Maxey November 11, 2012 Theorists of Choice W.E.B Du Bois Sociology is the study of group behavior through the use of scientific investigation and research (Vissing, 2011). This class has shown so many different views on sociology. It explains how different people see society and how they live and interact with them. My theorist of choice is W.E.B Du Bois, because he laid down the foundation for the study of black sociology and the work of scholars such as E. Franklin Frazier (Vissing, 2011). In this paper I will discuss why I feel that W.E.B Du Bois views align with my personal views. W.E.B Du Bois real name is William Edwards Burghardt and was born February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Du bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor. Du Bois grew up in a tolerant community and experienced little racism as a child. He was the first African American to earn a doctorate at Harvard University. Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim were widely recognized as the trinity of sociological theory. These three were trailblazing social theorists, who enhance the study of human behavior and its relationships to social institutions. There was one more scholar that they didn’t mention by the name W.E.B Du Bois. Du Bois was a political and literary giant of the 20th century. Du Bois also published over twenty books and thousands...
Words: 944 - Pages: 4
...Jan 2012 socio past paper Q1. Three reasons why members of minority ethnic groups may seem to be more religious than the majority of the population is as follows. Firstly, they may follow religions than are not declining in popularity like Sikhism and Islam whereas Christianity in certain countries is on the decline. Secondly, if they are immigrating to a new country, they may use religion as a cultural defence and so will become more religious. Finally their culture that they come from may use religion as an integral part of socialisation and so they will carry on practising it when the reach new places. Q2. Religious organisations have been around since the first civilizations, they have been integral to do the development of the human race and modern day society. In the current day, many researchers and sociologists believe that people have stopped becoming lifelong members of these organisations, in this essay I am going to assess this view and find out if it’s true. There is arguments on both sides regarding the extent to which secularisation (decline of religion) is present in the world today, some believe it is associated with the modern day societies. Modernists feel the same way seeing our societies as focusing more on developments into science and rational research. Because of this, many sociologists see religion as being “incompatible” with our societies. The sociologists Weber (1905), sees humanity as becoming disenchanted (preferring scientific explanations...
Words: 1280 - Pages: 6
...SOUTHERN RURAL SOCIOLOGY, 24(1), 2009, pp. 200–222. Copyright © by the Southern Rural Sociological Association DURKHEIM DID NOT SAY “NORMLESSNESS”: THE CONCEPT OF ANOMIC SUICIDE FOR INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY COURSES PHYLLIS PUFFER BIG SANDY COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE ABSTRACT The definitions of anomic suicide presented in introductory sociology textbooks from 1996 to 2007 were compared with the definition given by Durkheim in his own writings both in the original French and the English translation. It was found that only one textbook correctly gave Durkheim’s own definition while the other definitions showed little or no relationship to the original concept. The original concept was based on an analysis of the economy, more particularly the business cycle, and refers only to the structure of society and not to the mental state of the individual. An attempt is made to discover the source of such a widespread and well-accepted error. All of us are concerned about the introductory course in sociology, no matter the august reaches of academe we might have attained. Nearly all of us have taught it at least once, if only as teaching assistants during our graduate school days. Some of us always teach it. The rest depend on it as a basis for their advanced courses, for a supply of research assistants, and ultimately to build public appreciation and support for the field. If we think of the number of students who take introductory sociology in just one small...
Words: 8240 - Pages: 33
...Perrspectives on Religion When it comes to the social institution of religion, the three major sociological theories differ in a majority of ways. All three have their own way of how they perceive religion functions in society. The purpose of this paper is to show the impact each theory has had on religion as well as the people inside the institution itself. Religion has been around for many hundreds of years and has had a great influence on many things in societies over time and across the world, such as politics, economics, and has even led to many wars. But how would one come about with a definition of the word religion? There are many different definitions out there of religion that are basic and even some definitions that get more complex. One basic and easy way to describe religion is a person or group of peoples set beliefs and practices on the concept of spirituality. J. Milton Yinger takes one of the more complex approaches to defining religion. He calls it “a system of beliefs and practices by which a group of people struggle with the ultimate problems of human life – problems relating to human morality, suffering, and injustice; and the need to infuse human life with meaning, and intellectual coherence, and the crucial importance of upholding moral percepts and patterns of social life” (Bouma p.4). Although both definitions seem to be drastically different, they actually do compliment each other and when used together can give us a much better understanding of...
Words: 2042 - Pages: 9
...Introduction The social issue that this group has decided to cover is the topic of technological change and the struggles that people have adapting to it. Throughout this paper we will cover many different aspects of technological change. It is true that technology is rapidly changing, everyday there are advancements in different aspects of technology that not only make peoples life easier but also make it harder because we have to learn how to use it. This not only creates many different all new jobs, but it also costs people jobs because their past positions can be replaced with a more efficient one. Throughout the years there have been advancements of the internet through social networking sites such as Facebook that make it easier for families and friends that do not live close to each other to stay in touch. Other tools such as Skype offer the opportunity to video chat, this way businesses and families can see each other while they are away, or have meetings remotely. There are many social challenges that are faced in the topic of social networks. One such instance is the same challenge that was faced in the world of online chat. Through only being able to view what the person is typing and not facial expressions or body language, it can cause some confusion and people take things out of context. This paper will outline many other challenges that are faced with adapting to other parts of technology. Global Social Issue In a world where technology is perpetually changing some...
Words: 2143 - Pages: 9
