Sociology, flourished its ideas in the Industrial Revolution.

Answer 1

Sociology was born from the massive social changes and upheavals occurring during the Industrial Revolution.

Urbanization was the main factor with many civilians switching from an agrarian based society to migrant to big cities to work in factories, railway lines, schools, and much more. These social changes presented more societal problems such as overcrowding, crime, and widespread poverty.

Family dynamics shifted as well with fathers being designated as the “breadwinners” who tracked outside the home to make money while the women were designed the “homemakers” who worked inside the domestic sphere. Children went from being economic contributors (such as helping out on the farm) to economic dependents that required education and training from both their parents and outside sources (school.)

Philosopher and mathematician, Auguste Comte coined the term “sociology” and began the advocate for the study of people’s social behaviors and society.

The stark difference between the wealthy and the poor became increasingly apparent. Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim analyzed and studied class struggles and the division of labor amongst the populace. Max Weber explored the “iron cage” of modern life while Elton Mayo led the Hawthorne Studies which emphasized the importance of relationships and morale. Georg Simmel explored how urbanization affected money economics in social interactions and Harriet Martineau wrote estimates on how social structures impacted the lives of women.

In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution directly birthed and caused sociology to enter into the academic world.