Max Weber, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Essay Example

Three of the most contributory sociologists in history are Max Weber, Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim. Their study and research of society and social behavior have advanced the field of social science in various ways and are outlined below.

Max Weber

Karl Emil Maximilian Weber, aka Max Weber, is known as a principal social theorist of the twentieth century who was instrumental in the development of modern social science. One of his most significant contributions is his rationalization thesis which deals with the bureaucracy of rationalization and focuses on four types of rationality: 1) practical rationality – people’s day-to-day actions as a calculated means to an end, 2) theoretical rationality – deductive reasoning to give meaning to a seemingly disordered world, 3) substantive rationality – values that guide people in life, and 4) formal rationality – universal rules as a rationally calculated means to an end.

Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer coined the popular phrase, “survival of the fittest” and is known for applying evolutionary theory to the study of sociology. His concept of social evolution included the notion that society and culture is part of nature. In his works, Spencer talks about the evolution of man’s physical, emotional and intellectual self and relates this to the progression of man’s sociability. Herbert Spencer was also instrumental in developing the functionalist perspective theory of sociology.

Emile Durkheim

David Emile Durkheim, aka Emile Durkheim, is known as a founder of structural functionalism and social reality. He studied ideals such as social facts and structures, cultural norms and cultural values. He maintained that these ideals were external manifestations of individuals. Durkheim’s work largely dealt with how societies could stay together despite the progress of modern societal trends and changing social institutions during a time when religion and ethics were becoming more diverse in society. He was concerned with social integration.