In chapter 1, ‘Understanding Sociology’ of Richard Schaefer’s text titled Sociology: A Brief Introduction , the author explores the ways in which sociology developed, and the manner in which it differs with other social sciences. He does this by examining theoretical perspectives introduced by pioneer thinkers such as Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and W.E.B. DuBois. In Chapter 1, Schaefer’s purpose is to demonstrate the way sociology enable human beings develop sociological imagination. The author has utilized technical sociological language, a clear indication that he is addressing a well informed audience with deep knowledge on sociology, and desire to use sociological imagination.
To interact with the readers, Schaefer demonstrates the connection between sociology and common sense. Even so, he notes that, without application of sociological theories, it becomes difficult for humans to explain forces, behaviors, ideas, events and materials. According to Schaefer, an effective theory is capable of enabling humans to comprehend the way one form of change brings change in the entire environment. He provides an example of Emile Durkheim’s theory that explained the correlation between suicide and social factors.
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Schaefer deducts that, for individuals to understand sociology, they need to know the way it was developed by early thinkers. For instance, Auguste Comte was a believer that, to improve the society, a theoretical science was needed. Max Weber observed that, one can only understand human behavior by learning the meaning they attach to their acts. On the other hand Karl Marx understanding of the society was the observation that it is divided into classes. In short, association and influence determines the power one has in the society. On his part, W. E. B. DuBois was of the idea that, sociologists are supposed to rely on scientific principles to understand some of the social problems blacks in the United States experienced. According to Schaefer, today’s sociology is grounded on the contributions made by the sociologists of yester-years. For instance, to propagate his idea regarding the society, Charles Horton Cooley insisted on the need to operate as groups in a bid to shape the ideals and beliefs of people. He developed his line of thinking based on Marx, Weber and Durkheim’s ideas.
Further, the author explores the three theoretical perspectives namely interactionist, conflict and functionalist. The functionalist perspective deems the society as an organism with parts that each aids in its survival. However, the society is bound to experience disruption from the dysfunctional parts. In its context, the conflict perspective is founded on the idea that, the society is made of groups that thrive on tension between groups aimed at fighting for resources. The perspective borrows heavily from the Marxist view that explains conflict from a class phenomenon. In its context, the interactionist perspective focuses on the various forms of social interaction in a bid to describe the society wholly.
In conclusion, to broker sociological imagination, individuals need to adopt one sociological perspective, although none is correct on itself. The idea is to understand the way sociological perspectives can be useful in solving issues experienced daily in the society.
