Sociology

Essay # 54186

Sociology > Theory

Sociology

An overview of the background to sociology focusing on the period known as the 'Enlightenment'.

1,124 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2002 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how sociology is a science which aims to discover and explain the varying trends that create and effect our current social relations and suggest possible futures. It looks at how sociology has also been hugely influential since its inception and has helped to form the society we live in today. It attempts to explain what caused people to start to think and question why society is the way it is and how it is directly linked to the changes during the period of time known as the 'Enlightenment'.

From the Paper:

"The development of industry, coupled with democracy (all part due to the enlightenment) led to another new concept known as capitalism. All these factors led to a demise of the feudal system and people now traded goods and services in order to make a profit and to stockpile resources. Again seen as the way forward, many new jobs were created both as labourers and as "intellectual" employees. People earned more money and for many their lifestyle improved. Now, money was an important commodity as it helped determine status. This all led to the emergence of a new class system with a larger amount of classes, such as the new working class and the urban middle class. Again, this led to a greater feeling of freedom and a want of understanding and explanation of this new society and individuals wanted to understand why they are in the position they are in why do some live in luxury, and others live in squalor and how can this be made better (notably a part of Marx and Engel's concern)."