Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 217 words written
"Emergence of sociology was not merely a coincidence". Comment
Opening
According to Harris, 'sociology, as a discipline, emerged in a direct reaction to modernity'.
The above statement clearly elucidates that emergence of sociology was not merely a coincidence. There were a number of factors at play, during what is known as 'modernity', that led to its emergence. Following are the broad reasons-
Body · points
a) FRENCH REVOLUTION → The decline of feudal order, fall in the power weilded by Church, sudden spurt in ideas like liberty and equality created such an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty that there arose a need to explain these sudden changes. This impulse was fulfilled by sociologists like 'Comte' in France.
b) INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION → The soot and grime of industries, degenerate slums in urban peripheries, diseases and pollution had altered the entire structure. Thus, arose the need.
(c) RISE OF DEMOCRACY → Democracy's success was still in question. Conventionalists were mourning the decline of stable social order.
(d) INTELLECTUAL IDEAS → The idea of 'social contract' by Rousseau and 'separation of power' by Montesquieu accompanied by Darwin's evolution of species paved the way for scientific study of society as well.
Close · a summary
Thus, sociology's initial impulse was based on answering such complex questions posed in the society and more so, to predict what would unfold.
Thus, Renaissance & Modernity together provided impetus for its emergence.