Origin and Development of Sociology – Short Summary

Sociology emerged in the 19th century as a response to major social changes brought by the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Thinkers sought to understand how these transformations affected individuals and society.

Early Influences:

• Enlightenment: Emphasized reason, progress, and individual rights.

• Industrial Revolution: Triggered urbanization, inequality, and new work patterns.

Key Founders:

• Auguste Comte: Coined the term "sociology"; promoted scientific study of society.

• Karl Marx: Focused on class conflict and the role of capitalism.

• Émile Durkheim: Studied social order and introduced the concept of social facts.

• Max Weber: Emphasized culture, values, and subjective understanding in social actions.

Major Theoretical Perspectives:

• Functionalism: Views society as a system working for stability (Durkheim).

• Conflict Theory: Highlights inequality and social change (Marx).

• Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on individual interactions and meaning-making (Mead).

The Chicago School: Advanced urban sociology and qualitative methods.

Sociology in India:

• Began in the early 20th century, shaped by colonial context.

• G.S. Ghurye played a key role using Indological methods.

• Post-independence focus shifted to rural studies and collaboration with Western scholars.

Conclusion:
Sociology has evolved into a diverse and dynamic field, offering insights into changing societies and contemporary social issues.