Introducing Western Sociologists

Why is the Enlightenment important for the development of sociology?

How was the Industrial Revolution responsible for giving rise to sociology?

What are the various components of a mode of production?

Why do classes come into conflict, according to Marx?

What are social facts? How do we recognise them?

What is the difference between 'mechanical' and 'organic' solidarity?

Show, with examples, how moral codes are indicators of social solidarity.

What are the basic features of bureaucracy?

What is special or different about the kind of objectivity needed in social science?

Can you identify any ideas or theories which have led to the formation of social movements in India in recent times?

Try to find out what Marx and Weber wrote about India.

Can you think of reasons why we should study the work of thinkers who died long ago? What could be some reasons to not study them?