Who is regarded as the "Father of Sociology"?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Auguste Comte, a French philosopher, is credited as the "Father of Sociology.".
He coined the term "sociology" in 1839, deriving it from the Latin 'Societus' (society) and the Greek 'logos' (study or science).
Comte advocated for positivism, the idea that society should be studied using the same scientific methods as the natural sciences.
He proposed the Law of Three Stages, a theory of social evolution where societies progress from theological to metaphysical to scientific thinking.

Option A: Karl Marx is a principal founder of sociology, but he is primarily associated with conflict theory and the analysis of class struggle, not with coining the term or establishing the discipline itself.
Option B: Montesquieu was an Enlightenment political philosopher whose work on the separation of powers and comparative analysis of societies was influential. However, he lived before sociology was established as a formal discipline.
Option D: Talcott Parsons was a highly influential American sociologist in the 20th century, known for developing the structural-functionalist perspective. He is a major figure but came long after the founding of the discipline.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History and Founders of Sociology as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical topic, understanding sociology is crucial for nurses, particularly in community health.
Sociological concepts help nurses understand social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and cultural norms, which significantly impact patient outcomes.
It provides a framework for analyzing how family structures, community resources, and social policies affect health and illness.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the history of a specific academic discipline.
Identify the key phrase in the question: "Father of Sociology."
Recall the specific individual associated with the founding of sociology and the coining of the term.
Evaluate the options provided. Auguste Comte is historically credited with this title.
If unsure, use the process of elimination. Consider the main contributions of the other figures. Marx is linked to conflict theory, Montesquieu to political philosophy, and Parsons to 20th-century functionalism, none of whom are considered the primary founder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 29-31, 38-40

Practise the full PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.