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Nov 28, 2025

3 pages

Introduction to Sociology: Key Concepts and Origins

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Jocelyn Perez

@jocelynperez28

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, collective behavior,... Show more

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.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

Foundations of Sociology

Sociology examines human behavior through scientific methods, focusing on society and collective life at various levels of analysis. A society consists of people in a defined area who interact and share a common culture.

The origins of sociology in the 1800s coincided with major economic shifts between three modes of production: agrarian rural,agriculturalbasedrural, agricultural-based, industrial (wage labor, urban factories), and post-industrial serviceeconomy,ideasbasedservice economy, ideas-based. These transitions disrupted traditional social structures and family life.

August Comte, often credited as sociology's founder, called for "social physics" – applying scientific cause-and-effect reasoning to social problems. His positivism approach promoted the scientific study of social patterns through works like "The Course in Positive Philosophy" (1830-1842).

Did you know? Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) was one of sociology's pioneering figures, analyzing American society with special attention to women's rights and education. She even made Adam Smith's complex economic theories accessible to ordinary people!

.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

Early Sociological Thinkers

Karl Marx (1818-1883) approached social change through the lens of conflict, arguing that societies evolve through struggles between social classes. Unlike positivists, Marx identified class tensions between the proletariat (working class) and bourgeoisie (ownership class) in his famous "Communist Manifesto" (1848).

Marx and Friedrich Engels introduced the concept of alienation – the feeling of being isolated from one's work, products, and fellow workers. They analyzed different economic systems: capitalism (private ownership), socialism (government ownership), and communism (collective ownership).

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) focused on studying objective social facts to determine society's health. His work examined social solidarity – the ties binding people together – which he categorized as mechanical (based on similarities) or organic (based on interdependence through specialization). His groundbreaking works include "Suicide" (1897) and "Division of Labour in Society" (1893).

Connect the dots: Durkheim's studies on suicide helped establish that even seemingly personal acts are influenced by social factors like religion and marital status – proving sociology's relevance to understanding individual behavior!

.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

W.E.B. Du Bois and Modern Sociology

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) revolutionized sociology by developing rigorous empirical research methods. Unlike earlier approaches that lacked scientific validity, Du Bois's techniques could be proven and replicated.

His groundbreaking studies on race effectively challenged pseudo-scientific theories that had supported racism's biological basis. By applying strict scientific methodology, Du Bois provided evidence that undermined prevalent racist ideologies of his time.

Beyond his academic contributions, Du Bois became a towering figure in the African American civil rights movement. He led the Niagara movement, took a firm stance against racism, and helped establish the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

Think critically: How did Du Bois's combination of scientific rigor and social activism demonstrate sociology's potential to not just study society but to transform it?



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Sociology

87

Nov 28, 2025

3 pages

Introduction to Sociology: Key Concepts and Origins

user profile picture

Jocelyn Perez

@jocelynperez28

Sociology is the scientific study of human society, collective behavior, and social interactions. Born from post-Enlightenment Europe, this discipline emerged during the 1800s as societies transitioned through different modes of production, bringing dramatic social changes that called for systematic analysis.

.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Foundations of Sociology

Sociology examines human behavior through scientific methods, focusing on society and collective life at various levels of analysis. A society consists of people in a defined area who interact and share a common culture.

The origins of sociology in the 1800s coincided with major economic shifts between three modes of production: agrarian rural,agriculturalbasedrural, agricultural-based, industrial (wage labor, urban factories), and post-industrial serviceeconomy,ideasbasedservice economy, ideas-based. These transitions disrupted traditional social structures and family life.

August Comte, often credited as sociology's founder, called for "social physics" – applying scientific cause-and-effect reasoning to social problems. His positivism approach promoted the scientific study of social patterns through works like "The Course in Positive Philosophy" (1830-1842).

Did you know? Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) was one of sociology's pioneering figures, analyzing American society with special attention to women's rights and education. She even made Adam Smith's complex economic theories accessible to ordinary people!

.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Early Sociological Thinkers

Karl Marx (1818-1883) approached social change through the lens of conflict, arguing that societies evolve through struggles between social classes. Unlike positivists, Marx identified class tensions between the proletariat (working class) and bourgeoisie (ownership class) in his famous "Communist Manifesto" (1848).

Marx and Friedrich Engels introduced the concept of alienation – the feeling of being isolated from one's work, products, and fellow workers. They analyzed different economic systems: capitalism (private ownership), socialism (government ownership), and communism (collective ownership).

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) focused on studying objective social facts to determine society's health. His work examined social solidarity – the ties binding people together – which he categorized as mechanical (based on similarities) or organic (based on interdependence through specialization). His groundbreaking works include "Suicide" (1897) and "Division of Labour in Society" (1893).

Connect the dots: Durkheim's studies on suicide helped establish that even seemingly personal acts are influenced by social factors like religion and marital status – proving sociology's relevance to understanding individual behavior!

.
SOC 101-
What is sociology?
Sociology is human behavior, Scientific study of society + collective life, and
Unit (level) of analysis.
SOCI

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

W.E.B. Du Bois and Modern Sociology

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) revolutionized sociology by developing rigorous empirical research methods. Unlike earlier approaches that lacked scientific validity, Du Bois's techniques could be proven and replicated.

His groundbreaking studies on race effectively challenged pseudo-scientific theories that had supported racism's biological basis. By applying strict scientific methodology, Du Bois provided evidence that undermined prevalent racist ideologies of his time.

Beyond his academic contributions, Du Bois became a towering figure in the African American civil rights movement. He led the Niagara movement, took a firm stance against racism, and helped establish the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

Think critically: How did Du Bois's combination of scientific rigor and social activism demonstrate sociology's potential to not just study society but to transform it?

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user