Robert K. Merton, one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century, made significant contributions to the field of sociology through his work on social structure, deviance, and the sociology of science. Among his many contributions, the theory of reference groups stands out as a pivotal concept in understanding how individuals evaluate themselves and … Read more
Talcott Parsons (1902–1979), one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century, is widely recognized for his contributions to structural functionalism and his efforts to develop a comprehensive theory of social action. Among his many theoretical contributions, the concept of pattern variables stands out as a significant tool for understanding how individuals and societies navigate social … Read more
Talcott Parsons (1902–1979) is one of the most influential figures in the field of sociology, particularly known for his development of structural functionalism, a theoretical framework that seeks to explain social structures and institutions in terms of their functions in maintaining social order and stability. Parsons’ work has been both celebrated and critiqued for its … Read more
Talcott Parsons (1902–1979) is one of the most influential figures in the field of sociology, particularly known for his contributions to structural functionalism. His work on the concept of the social system has had a profound impact on sociological theory, providing a framework for understanding the structure and functioning of societies. Parsons’ theory of the … Read more
A.R. Radcliffe-Brown (1881–1955) was a British social anthropologist who played a crucial role in the development of structural-functionalism in sociology and anthropology. His work emphasized the importance of social structure in understanding human societies. He drew inspiration from the works of Émile Durkheim and sought to establish anthropology as a rigorous scientific discipline. Radcliffe-Brown’s primary … Read more
Bronisław Malinowski (1884–1942) is widely regarded as one of the most influential anthropologists of the 20th century, and his contributions to the development of functionalism have had a profound impact on both anthropology and sociology. Functionalism, as a theoretical framework, seeks to understand social institutions, practices, and beliefs in terms of the functions they perform … Read more
Bronisław Malinowski, a pioneering figure in the field of anthropology, is often regarded as one of the most influential social scientists of the 20th century. His methodological innovations, particularly his emphasis on rigorous data collection, have had a profound impact not only on anthropology but also on sociology. Malinowski’s approach to data collection was rooted … Read more
Thorstein Veblen (1857–1929) was a pioneering American sociologist and economist known for his critical analysis of capitalism and social change. His work, particularly The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899), introduced concepts such as conspicuous consumption and the leisure class, which remain fundamental in understanding modern consumerism and social stratification. Veblen’s functional analysis provides a … Read more
Thorstein Veblen, a pioneering American sociologist and economist, introduced the concepts of “leisure class” and “conspicuous consumption” in his seminal work, The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899). His analysis critiques the socio-economic structure of capitalist societies, where wealth and status are demonstrated through non-productive activities and excessive consumption. Veblen’s theories remain relevant in understanding … Read more
Thorstein Veblen (1857–1929), an American economist and sociologist, is widely regarded as one of the most original thinkers in the social sciences. His work transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, blending economics, sociology, and anthropology to critique the socio-economic structures of his time. Among his many contributions, Veblen’s “Theory of Technological Evolutionism” stands out as a foundational … Read more