Classical Theorists Over the Decades, Essay

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It cannot apply exactly to any individual."(Durkheim 1982, pg. 82) This is illustrating how social science is a way of objectively analyzing society. It is different from other disciplines by showing how it is seeking to look at different collective facts. This is in order to understand why everyone will behave and react in a particular fashion. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008)

Furthermore, it must respect all scientific principles and be as objective in possible when analyzing various facts. A good example of this can be seen with Durkheim saying, "The principal effort of the sociologist must therefore be directed towards objectively discovering the different properties of that environment." (Durkheim 1982, pg. 136) This is illustrating how social scientists must be neutral in their analysis of various social factors. The way that this exemplifies a theoretical approach is to demonstrate how society can be analyzed and studied. When this happens, a greater understanding can take place of various motivations and causes of different events. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008)

Compare and evaluate the two theories, identifying the similarities, strengths and weaknesses of their theories of society.

The two theories are similar to each other in seeking understand the root causes of various social consequences. The biggest strengths of Marx's ideas are that it is identifying a fundamental problem with capitalism. While the greatest weakness, is not identifying how to effectively solve these challenges other than open revolt. Moreover, his ideas are not considering the impact of human greed on pushing someone to act a certain way. (Eldes 2009) (Wood 1987)

Durkheim's ideas are similar to Marx by seeking to understand the causes of particular events and ideas upon society.

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Its biggest drawbacks are that some situations cannot be objectively analyzed (as there are other root causes). That will have an impact on human behavior and emotions. This means that select insights could be flawed based upon failing to take these views into account. (Gane 2010) (Applerouth 2008)

As a result, the two different theories are highlighting contrasting approaches that are similar in understanding society. Marx is basing his ideas, on observations and emotionalism to highlight social injustices. While Durkheim, is looking at specific challenges through a more scientific approach. The results are that these contrasting views will lead to various insights about the root causes of different events and the lasting impact they are having on everyone. At the same time, they are failing to understand specific emotional factors. That are driving human behavior and influencing society at large.

This is showing how analyzing social events requires having a more open minded philosophy with flexibility. When this happens, select elements of these beliefs can be used in providing a background for understanding different events. Yet, there must not be an overemphasis on what they mean and how they are impacting stakeholders.

Instead, other schools of thought and personal experiences should be embraced to understand societal factors. Once this occurs, is the point that individuals can have better explanations about specific causes and the lasting impacts they are having on everyone. This is when these ideas can influence the way someone is reacting and how they are dealing with specific challenges which are affecting them. Over the long-term, this will provide a more effective approach of understanding the motivating factors behind various social.....

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