Introduction

Question 1

Why are theorists divided on what theory is / should be?

Answer 1

Some think you should study an individual / culture / to interpret / to explain / practical application / etc

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Question 2

What does sociology as a “big tent discipline” mean?

Answer 2

It relies on a wide range of research methodologies and a broad spectrum of theoretical approaches

Question 3

What are “roots” in sociological theory?

Answer 3

1840 to 1920

Sociology distinguishes itself from philosophy and other social sciences

Carved out it’s on place in the university system

Writers at this time gave sociology it’s initial identity

Question 4

According to Connell, why is classical theory classical?

Answer 4

sociology arose to make sense of modern institutions and industrial society

Question 5

What does Collins note about early sociologists and their point of view?

Answer 5

Early thinkers granted legitimacy to the colonialism of the period

They were more preoccupied with changes happening in their society, and not on what was happening elsewhere

Collins notes Connell doesn’t answer his question, and instead explains how classical theory isn’t canon

Question 6

How does one become a “classic writer”?

Answer 6

Influential and well positioned sociologists influence WHO becomes a classic

Are their texts still read today?

Do their writings still inform how current sociologists frame their thoughts?

Question 7

The four thinkers considered to have shaped sociology?

Answer 7

1. Marx
2. Durkheim
3. Weber
4. Simmel

Question 8

Why do we still read authors who died before 1920s?

Answer 8

Even with short comings, or how different our world is from theirs, they continue to inform the discipline

Question 9

According to Alexander, what becomes a classic?

Answer 9

Earlier works given a privileged status

Can learn as much through them as contemporary writers

Establishes a criteria for the field

and the “true meaning of the texts” have implications for the discipline

Question 10

When did the big four become classics?

Answer 10

Durkheim and Weber = Quickly after their deaths

Marx was more in the spotlight for Marxian-inspired revolutions (but by the 60’s sociologists were eyeing his work)

Simmel : only late 60’s and early 70s (promotional efforts of a small group of scholars)

Question 10

Why were there so many neglected figures during the 19th and 20th centuries?

Answer 10

Racism and Sexism kept ppl from valuing a lot of minorities work

• Some efforts have been made to address this

Question 11

Two important women that have been neglected?

Answer 11

Harriet Martineau

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (looked at postpartum psychosis)

Question 12

Important guy neglected due to his race?

(YK the answer)

Answer 12

WEB Du Bois

Question 13

How should we view sociological “cannon”?

Answer 13

As everchanging

It’s a common platform to teach sociology, but doesn’t mean it cannot be edited

Question 14

Sociology is a big tent discipline with many branches

What was one attempt to form a one paradigm science?

Answer 14

Parsons:

Stress the commonalities of Durkheim and Weber in this “theory of action”

Wanted to unite Sociology, Anthropology and Psychology

= Functionalism

Question 15

Which two main theories never decreased in popularity to parsons functionalism.

What were they?

Answer 15

Conflict theories

Symbolic interactionism