SOCIOLOGY Unit 1

Compiled by M. Guthrie

Definition
Sociology is the study of human behaviour
in society ( Anderson & Taylor 2004 )
Sociology is the study of human society and
interactions. (Thio 1994)
The systematic study of human society,
dedicated to the understanding of social
interaction as people form groups,
communities and societies Bargard, Burgess
& Kirby et al 2004)

How can Sociology help us?

Sociology gives us an awareness of
cultural differences that allows us to
see the social world from many
perspectives.
Sociology research assists in
assessing policy initiatives
Possessing a knowledge of sociology
increases our understanding of
ourselves living in a society.

The Sociologist
The main goal of a sociologist is
understanding situations and to look
for repeating patterns of society
We observe society using scientific
methods that are prescribed by
theories
We examine the group not the
individual
Sociologists examines social events
and occurrences using the following

THE KEY TO ALL SOCIOLOGICAL

ANALYSIS

C- class
R- Race/Ethnicity
A- Age
G- Gender

Father of Sociology Auguste Comte

1787-1857

Credited for formulating the term sociology

Socius (Latin- Society)
Logos (Greek- Knowledge)
Sociology was referred to him as social physics
A need to explain change in the society as a result
of the French Revolution and the Industrial
Revolution.
Before French Revolution: Monarchical Rule,
Supreme Power given to the church and a social
system that proved to lead unequal distribution of
wealth.

Transportation (Industrial)

 The Industrial Revolution led to heavy

mechanization of traditional work.
Transportation was improved as
steam locomotives was developed,
new agricultural tools urbanization,
improvement in the printing press
and the introduction of the factory
system.
This meant RAPID SOCIAL CHANGE

 He believe sociology should apply

the same scientific methods to the
study of society the Biology, Physics
and Chemistry used to study the
physical world. Using this approach
to study society is referred to as
Positivism.
To Comte sociology was considered
the queen of the Sciences.

 Comte believe that society has

passed through three stages
1. Theological- Thoughts were guided
by religious ideas and society is an
expression of Gods will.
2. Metaphysical- Accounted through
the Renaissance Period as society is
seen as natural and not
supernatural.

3. Positive- Encouragement of the

application of Scientific Knowledge
to analyse society.
Social Anthropology
Psychology
Economics
Political Science
Social Work

 Early Caribbean sociological thought

came mainly in the form of literacy,
political and economic writings with
historical underpinnings
Legacy of slavery
Colonialism
Development- Migration Issues

 Caribbean sociology were influenced by the

mainstream theories:
Pioneers of Caribbean Sociology are:
1. M.G. Smith- Plural Society Thesis
2. Patricia Mohammed- Caribbean Eastt Indian
Women
3. Rhoda Reddock- Gender Issues
4. George Beckford- development in the Caribbean
5. Lloyd Braithwaite- Social stratification and
Cultural Pluralism

Auguste Comte

 Auguste Comte father of sociology

Concerned with political disorder,
spiritual disunity, corruption,
sociology could solve these problems
by finding out what holds society
together and makes it change
Envisioned sociology as new priests
Applied methods of traditional
science to study society

Herbert Spencer 1820-1907

Compared society to human organism
(as a structure that functioned
interdependently to maintain existence)
Believe that social change is the result
of evolutionary laws. Social Darwinism
( conflict is inevitable and productive)
His role for sociologists was to discover
laws of human evolution to prevent
interference with those laws

Hubert Spencer

 Influence by Comte
Invented Social Fact- some aspect of reality that
cannot be reduced to biological, psychological,
chemical or physical attributes or properties and
which controls human behaviour
Mechanical Solidarity (automatic) everyone acts in
the same way: laws are repressive and designed to
punish
Organic Solidarity (modern society) people stay
together because they need each others services,
laws are restrictive and designed to restore
contractual nature of human relation.

 Questioned Industrial Development as the

capitalist (bourgeoisie) exploited labours
(proletariat)
The proletariat became alienated from
themselves due to their exploitation. Thus
this alienation prevented them from
reaching their potential
Class Conscious members of proletariat
would revolt hence classes were identified
as central forces in history.