The Individual & Society

The Individual & Society

Sociology is the study of the individual and society, and the interaction between both. Sociologists believe that there are many sociological factors that influence and form the individual. These factors, whether positive or negative, influence our place in society and our �life chances�. Sociology is divided by several theories that try to explain how society views the individual- the main two being Functionalism & Marxism.

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) is often considered the �father of Sociology’ and saw the individual as being defined by society i.e. society allocates the individual a role within its structure based on social inequalities.

Karl Marx (1818-1883) viewed society as an economic structure divided by �class’, the proletariat (working class) and the bourgeoisie (ruling class). The individual is socialized by the �instruments’ of the ruling class - these instruments, for example the education or legal system, are used to define the individual into any given class and continue to reinforce their place in society.

Max Weber (1864-1920) considered society as a structure, rather like Marx, but sought to consider the cognition of the individual within that given society. Weber considered the �life chances’ of an individual were dictated by social factors, i.e. housing, education etc. Social stratification was how Weber sought to classify people and understand the inequalities faced by the individual in society.

In understanding today’s society it is necessary to look at the structure of it to enable us to understand the opportunities, or lack of, afforded to the individual and therefore have a clearer vision of their place within society. These sociological factors are the facts of our lives that we are born into and may have a positive or negative affect on the individual’s life chances. These factors are also used an indication of our �class’.

The socio-economic factors that the individual is born into, such as income and education, can dramatically reduce the individual’s life chances. Poverty, unemployment, low