Effect of Reanch Revolution

In 1789 the French Revolution began and when it was finally over ,Europe and the world were transformed.Sociology as a perspective focus on society a concept developed by Enlightenment and given importance by the French Revolution.

In 1789 the French Revolution began and when it was finally over ,Europe and the world were transformed.This upheaval was a turning point in the history of thinking about society;it was also responsible for the development of sociology after 1814.The French Revolution is seen as an intellectual heritage that is the foundation of modern social thought.Sociology was the residual product of the process. The French Revolution was a result of several intellectual,social and economic forces in European society that had begun many years earlier.It was seen as blow to the feudal society that had dominated Europe in the middle ages.It was also the end to absolute monarchy in France.It represented the triumph of the middle class and defeat of tradition ,power of the church and religious thought.The ideals of the Revolution -liberty,equality and fraternity inspired all and through out 19th century ,European societies experienced many revolts.Sociology inherited not only the ideas of the Enlightenment and the ideals of the Revolution it inspired the concern for stability and committment to law and social order.

Two traditions have become integral part of sociology and both were inspired by the issues surrounding the French Revolution.The first tradition is a conservation one.This is shared by a number of sociologists who emphasised in their works concepts such as order,solidarity and tradition and who describe society as a system of parts or an agreement among people.The other tradition is a liberal one where the focus is on inequlity and conflict,power and social change.Society is described as a struggle between the powerful and powerless.Both traditions developed as an out come and reaction to French Revolution.One tradition feared disorder and revolution and the other saw the importance of drastic change for solving social problems in the society.Sociology as a perspective focus on society a concept developed by Enlightenment and given importance by the French Revolution.