The Most Intriguing Early Sociologists
From the ones mentioned in the textbook, the most intriguing sociologists are Martineau and Mead. The former is fascinating for being the first female figure in sociology, and her contribution to the development of the scientific field was extremely valuable. Surprisingly, she was able to indicate some examples of hypocrisy in society’s structure regarding equality and labor, which persist even nowadays. Mead’s ideas about self-perception were ahead of his time, although they appear perfectly sensible in today’s realities. It is also interesting how despite not publishing anything on symbolic interactionism, he is still considered its founder.
Surprising And Interesting Facts About Early Sociologists
A surprising fact is how Du Bois and Wells managed to be prolific during a period when racial tension was very high, and the white majority probably dismissed their ideas. The former’s achievement of graduating with a doctorate is also admirable, providing his criticism of racism with credibility. Wells’ life story is tragic, but her intent to help the two communities to which she belonged (women and African-Americans) is surprising and inspiring in light of those circumstances. As for Addams, it is interesting how a woman was behind the concept of social work, which could imply that the more privileged male population in the past lacked concern for the disadvantaged.
Why Some Ealry Sociologists Tend to Be Left Out of Textbooks
While Du Bois is included in the textbook, the other two could be excluded because authors or editors consider their contributions to sociology less significant than those of male thinkers and scientists. While Wells and Addams were more oriented to social change, the transformations for which they were responsible deserve to be highlighted. Completely omitting Black and female sociologists (or both, as was the case of Wells) might make students belonging to those demographics feel not represented. They will also be unable to obtain the full picture of the gradual enfranchisement of African-Americans and women throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.