Sociology as a Discipline

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the field of sociology began to establish itself as a distinct discipline. Early sociologists, inspired by the rapid social changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization, aimed to understand the new societal dynamics. Pioneers like Émile Durkheim and Max Weber focused on how societal structures influenced human behavior. Durkheim's work emphasized the importance of social facts, while Weber introduced the concept of verstehen, or interpretive understanding. Both thinkers laid the groundwork for subsequent sociological theories and methods.

As the discipline has evolved, later sociologists have expanded upon these foundational ideas, exploring themes such as social stratification, gender roles, and the impact of globalization. Today, sociology is characterized by a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.