Indeed, the foundational theories of early sociologists like Marx, Durkheim and Weber remain relevant in modern times with applications in Indian society. Karl Marx - Marx's class struggle - rich vs. poor where workers (proletariat) fight against exploitation by the wealthy (bourgeoisie) seen in moRead more
Indeed, the foundational theories of early sociologists like Marx, Durkheim and Weber remain relevant in modern times with applications in Indian society.
Karl Marx –
- Marx’s class struggle – rich vs. poor where workers (proletariat) fight against exploitation by the wealthy (bourgeoisie) seen in modern wage gaps, outsourcing and gig economies.
- Marx’s alienation – feeling disconnected from work, self and society due to exploitation seen in modern gig workers, automation and repetitive jobs lacking meaning.
- Marx’s commodification of labor – treating workers as products to buy and sell seen in modern temporary jobs, zero hour contracts and gig economies.
Emile Durkheim –
- Durkheim’s social solidarity – shared values, norms and rituals unite society seen in modern India’s communal celebrations (e.g. Diwali, Holi) promoting collective identity.
- Durkheim’s division of labor – specialized roles increase efficiency but can lead to isolation. Modern examples of assembly line workers, IT professionals and medical specialists illustrating interdependence.
- Durkheim’s anomie – social disorder and normlessness due to rapid change seen in modern examples of urbanization, social media chaos and economic instability leading to feelings of disorientation.
Max Weber –
- Weber’s bureaucratic rationalization – efficient, rule based organizations prioritize logic over human values. Modern examples of Amazon’s automated warehouses, government red tape and corporate hierarchies.
- Weber’s Protestant ethic – hard work, thrift and discipline as moral virtues, still evident in modern capitalist societies e.g. Silicon Valley’s work culture.
- Weber’s traditional authority – power derived from custom, heritage and social status. Modern examples of monarchies (British Royal Family), tribal leaders and family owned businesses (e.g. Walmart’s Walton family).
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The functional aspect of religion, as discussed by Emile Durkheim, Alfred Radcliffe Brown and Bronislaw Malinowski highlights its role in maintaining social order, cohesion and individual well being. Durkheim's Theory - Shared values and norms unite individuals collectively. Religion provides sacreRead more
The functional aspect of religion, as discussed by Emile Durkheim, Alfred Radcliffe Brown and Bronislaw Malinowski highlights its role in maintaining social order, cohesion and individual well being.
Durkheim’s Theory –
Radcliffe Brown’s Theory –
Malinowski’s Theory –
Durkheim, Radcliffe Brown and Malinowski’s theories share common themes i.e. religion’s role in social cohesion, ritual symbolism and emotional comfort. Critiques include overemphasis on social function, neglecting individual agency and religious diversity. Limitations include ethnocentrism and oversimplification of complex religious phenomena, highlighting need for nuanced and contextual understandings.
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