Sociology Essay #2 (Essay Sample)

Nduati Cathreen
Professor David Juma
Accounting Principles
2 April 2014
Sociology
The core founders of sociology include August Comte in 1838 that defines sociology as being the scientific study of the society. Herbert Spencer also defined sociology by comparing it to the living organisms having mutual parts. Others are Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber who also argued that sociology also involves the interpretation of the events CITATION Mod08 \l 1033 (Modern Sociological Theory). In general sociology refers to the scientific study that deals with the social behavior, development and organization. The main stages that led to the development of sociology include Problem Solving, Theory Development as well as Societal Analysis and Crisis Anticipation.
There are factors that led to the development of sociology, for instance, political revolution that overtook the monarchial systems and this was mainly concerned with the freedom and independence of the individuals in the society. This led to bureaucratic democracy type of leadership which as a result helps people to solve their social problems among themselves and therefore this behavior discipline led to the evolution of sociology. Secondly, the industrial revolution shifted the society from the agricultural based to industrial based society. This increased the employment rate hence bringing people of different culture together. As a result there were problems arising in the work environment due to the congestion and therefore the rise of sociology to help study ways which can be used in managing and controlling these emanating behaviors in the society. Sociology thus become an important way in which the society can freely achieved there desired results. CITATION Max22 \l 1033 (Weber)
The main modern theories of sociology are:
* Structural-functionalism.
This function focuses mainly on social needs based on the social institutions. It also explains the social stability based on social solidarity. Sociologists categorize structural-functionalism into two functions:
í Manifest: This function is mainly intentional.
í Latent (Merton 1968): Latent function on the other hand is unintentional and also unobvious.
* Conflict perspective
It emphasizes on the conflicts and also negative nature of the society. It tries to promote social change while discouraging status quo. It gives no room for the rich to maintain their status quo. It observes society as being composed of individuals of different interest and thus competing for the limited resources available and thus creating a very dynamic changing society.
* Symbolic perspective
It focuses mainly on symbols and the interaction among individuals.
It helps people to interact ...