Sociology || Introduction to sociology

Founders of sociology  Human beings have long been curious about the sources of their own behaviour, but for thousands of years attempts to understand people relied on ways of thinking passed down from generation to generation. Before the rise of modern sciences, 'folkways' - traditional knowledge and practice passed down though generation - held sway in most communities, and these persisted well into the twentieth century. One example people's understanding of their health or illness. Older people, with a good knowledge of a community's folkways, provided advice on how to prevent illness and cure disease. Reflecting on his american childhood in lawrence county, Kentucky, cratis Williams gives us a flavour of the Appalachian culture of the time (williams 2003: 397-8) A plaque of lead suspended on a string around a child's neck warded off colds and kept witches away while the child was sleeping. Children plagued by nightmares could wear these lead charms t...