Sociological Theory Study Guide
Module: Sociology (access to H.E.)
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
(unit 2)
Learning outcomes:
1. Understand the nature of sociological theory and the ways in which sociological theories can be evaluated
2. Discuss the origins of sociological theory and the work of three major 19th century theorists
3. Critically evaluate the work of the four major schools of thought that developed during the 20th century and understand the meaning of key concepts within each theory
Assessment criteria:
1.1 Explain some of the historical developments in sociological thought from the Enlightenment
2.1 Identify the distinguishing characteristics of sociological theories put forward by Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber
3.1 Analyse the functionalist, …show more content…
This represented Comte’s view of the development of human society up to that point.
His third stage – positivism – represented the triumph of science. He argued that an understanding of human society could and should be developed on a scientific basis. This knowledge was used to bring about changes beneficial to society. The main assumptions of positivism are as follows:
The methods of the natural sciences (biology/chemistry/physics) should and can be applied to the social world
Our knowledge of the world (epistemology) is data derived from careful observation and measurement. The basis of scientific knowledge are ‘facts’ collected by social scientists. The only valid knowledge is that which can be experienced and demonstrated (empiricism)
Facts (objectivity) must be distinguished from values and ‘opinions’ (subjectivity)
Research methods are based on the collection of data, the formulation of hypotheses (testable statements), and the testing of these for verification (evidence that supports the experimental hypothesis) or falsification (evidence that doesn’t) - a process termed hypothetico-deductive …show more content…
that class which is the ruling material force in society is at the same time its ruling intellectual force”
(Marx and Engels, 1845)
This suggests that the struggle to change society is not merely an economic one but must also involve ideological struggle, in order to persuade workers that the ideas in society are not correct.
Activity 4: In your own words, have a go at explaining all the following terms (all central to Marx’s theory):
Historical materialism - Historical materialism is a methodological approach to the study of society, economics, and history first articulated by Karl Marx’s as the materialist conception of history. It is a theory of socioeconomic development according to which changes in material conditions.
Means of production - the means of production refers to physical, non-human inputs used in production; that is, the "means of production" includes capital assets used to produce wealth, such as machinery, tools and factories, including both infrastructural and capital and natural
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
(unit 2)
Learning outcomes:
1. Understand the nature of sociological theory and the ways in which sociological theories can be evaluated
2. Discuss the origins of sociological theory and the work of three major 19th century theorists
3. Critically evaluate the work of the four major schools of thought that developed during the 20th century and understand the meaning of key concepts within each theory
Assessment criteria:
1.1 Explain some of the historical developments in sociological thought from the Enlightenment
2.1 Identify the distinguishing characteristics of sociological theories put forward by Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber
3.1 Analyse the functionalist, …show more content…
This represented Comte’s view of the development of human society up to that point.
His third stage – positivism – represented the triumph of science. He argued that an understanding of human society could and should be developed on a scientific basis. This knowledge was used to bring about changes beneficial to society. The main assumptions of positivism are as follows:
The methods of the natural sciences (biology/chemistry/physics) should and can be applied to the social world
Our knowledge of the world (epistemology) is data derived from careful observation and measurement. The basis of scientific knowledge are ‘facts’ collected by social scientists. The only valid knowledge is that which can be experienced and demonstrated (empiricism)
Facts (objectivity) must be distinguished from values and ‘opinions’ (subjectivity)
Research methods are based on the collection of data, the formulation of hypotheses (testable statements), and the testing of these for verification (evidence that supports the experimental hypothesis) or falsification (evidence that doesn’t) - a process termed hypothetico-deductive …show more content…
that class which is the ruling material force in society is at the same time its ruling intellectual force”
(Marx and Engels, 1845)
This suggests that the struggle to change society is not merely an economic one but must also involve ideological struggle, in order to persuade workers that the ideas in society are not correct.
Activity 4: In your own words, have a go at explaining all the following terms (all central to Marx’s theory):
Historical materialism - Historical materialism is a methodological approach to the study of society, economics, and history first articulated by Karl Marx’s as the materialist conception of history. It is a theory of socioeconomic development according to which changes in material conditions.
Means of production - the means of production refers to physical, non-human inputs used in production; that is, the "means of production" includes capital assets used to produce wealth, such as machinery, tools and factories, including both infrastructural and capital and natural