Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 225 words written
"Emergence of sociology was not merely a coincidence". Comment
Opening
Sociology emerged at the time of modernization of Europe in 18 th century when a series of rapid social, economic, political and cultural changes were taking place.
Commercial and scientific revolution between 14 th and 18 th centuries, along with cultural renaissance save a revival in art, medicine, literature, astronomy, philosophy, chemistry.
Enlightenment brought new thoughts
Body · points
(1) Faith in human progress. (2) Ability of science to offer solutions and improve human conditions (3) Rational thought, empiricism (4) Spirit of questioning (5) A belief that nature follows universal laws which can be studied
The ideas from these movements percolated to the masses and gave shape to : (A) Political modernity- French Rev. (1) Overthrow of monarchy, estates (2) Ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity (3) rule of law (4) political instability, reign of terror (B) Economic modernity - Industrial Revolution. : (1) Urbanization, nuclearization (2) Mass production, mechanization (3) Shift from agrarian to industrial economy. (4) Change in status of women (5) Change from feudal to capitalism (6) Emergence of middle class (7) Poverty, disease, exploitation (8) Science replacing religion as the omnipotent force.
Close · a summary
The central concepts of society, namely, religion, community, power, wealth, etc. were all taking on new bearings and implications. The contrast between present and past seemed stark.
In such a backdrop, sociology emerged as a discipline to provide solution to this social crisis