The Principles of sociology Are sentences or sentences that seek to explain what tends to occur in natural processes, from sociology and under certain given circumstances.
The concept of sociology Was first used by Auguste Comte in 1824. Today sociology is known as the science that studies the relationships, culture and organization of individuals in the construction of the institutions that make up society.
Auguste Comte, one of the fathers of sociology
Some authors consider that in sociology there are two types of principles:
1-General truths about society that allow us to discover other less obvious social truths.
2-Fundamental truths that explain in detail how nature leads social changes.
General principles in sociology
Although the principles of sociology are commonly spoken of, it is difficult to find specifically designated principles. Few authors have ventured to formulate principles or laws of sociology.
The earliest authors who dealt with sociology issues were those who spoke the most about sociology. Among them they stand out: Edward Ross, Herbert Spencer and Henry Giddings.
Ross, unlike the others, mentioned 4 principles although he did not define them in depth. These principles were: The principle of anticipation, the principle of simulation, the principle of individualization and the principle of Balance.
Other recognized personages of the first epochs of the sociology are Karl Marx X and Max Weber. They also laid the groundwork for their sociological theories which were taken as principles for the subsequent development of them.
The most modern sociologists assumed some basic concepts but little dealt with the definitions of principles of their ancestors. Instead, each one defined principles according to their sociological theories.
The different principles defined by different authors have allowed sociology to develop in several branches.
Among the most important sociological schools that resulted from these developments are the school of functionalism, positivism, Marxism, among others.
In spite of the different currents, in 1941 John Cuber proposed 18 points that looked for to act as basic principles of the sociology. Among them they emphasized sentences like:
"When groups of people live in a long association, they develop and reinforce patterns of behavior and ideological systems."
"The concepts of"right"and"wrong"are intracultural definitions and do not have an intercultural application."
Criticisms of the principles of sociology
Many authors agree on fundamental foundations and concepts of sociology similar to those defined by John Cuber.
However many others, including the most modern authors, do not accept that they speak of laws or principles.
The main argument of those who question the existence of the principles in sociology, is that in the theoretical works there is a consistent development of the same by different authors.
Critics of sociological principles say that although these may exist, they are still not well established.
They propose to stop defining principles until they have better defined bases.
Those who defend principles in sociology assert that as in any science, there are already defined truths in sociology that are used virtually in all works, although some do not recognize them as principles.
References
- Cuber J. Are there"Principles"of Sociology? American Sociological Review. 1941; 6 (3): 370-372.
- Espinosa E. L. SOCIOLOGY OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. Spanish Journal of Sociological Research. 2001; 96 (96): 21-49.
- Howard J. Zoeller A. The role of the introductory sociology course in students' perceptions of achivement. Teaching Sociology. 2007; 35 (3): 209-222.
- Howerth I. What are the Principles of Sociology? American Journal of Sociology. 1926; 31 (4): 474-484.
- Marshall J. Principles of Sociology as a Teaching Device. Social Forces. 1948; 26 (4): 433-436.
- Rodriguez J. Academic sociology. Spanish Journal of Sociological Research. 1993; 64 (64): 175-200.
- Ward L. F. Principles of Sociology. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. 1896; 8: 1-31.