The major contributions of the following theorists to the field of sociology: Augueste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber.

Augueste Comte is referred as the founder of sociology. The term, "sociology", meaning the study of society was given to this new science by the man. He suggested applying the scientific method, known as positivism, to society. Herbert Spencer is referred as the second founder of sociology. Unlike Comte, he thinks that sociology should not influence social reform. He thinks that the evolution of society should be left to improve on its own. He called …

…the essence social factor in suicide. He suggests that people with weaker social ties have a higher possiblity to commit suicide. Max Weber is a comtemporary of Durkheim. He believes that religion is a key factor in the rise of capitalism. Comparing Roman Catholic and Protestant countries, he concluded that capitalism was more likely to flourish in Protestant countries because the Protestants believed that financial success was the sign that God was on their side.