Discuss how the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment, the industrial revolution, and urbanization each played a role in the development of sociological thinking.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Should include some of the following details: The Enlightenment: 18th-century philosophers believed humankind could attain new heights by applying scientific understanding to human affairs. Ideals such as equality, liberty, and fundamental human rights. Belief that sociological understanding would create a more egalitarian, peaceful society in which individuals would be free to realize their full potential. Shared hope that a fairer and more just society would be achieved through the scientific understanding of society. The industrial revolution: traditional agricultural economies and the small-scale production of handicrafts in the home gave way to more efficient, profit-driven manufacturing based in factories. Rapid social change, growing inequality, sociologists sought to gain a social scientific perspective on what was happening and how it had come about. Urbanization: industrialization fostered the growth of cities, as people moved from rural fields to urban factories in search of work. Early industrial cities characterized by pollution and dirt, crime, and crowded housing tenements. In Europe, early sociologists lamented the passing of communal village life and its replacement by a savage and alienating urban existence.
KEY: Learning Objective: 1.3: Trace the historical development of sociological thought.
REF: Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: The Development of Sociological Thinking