Engels as Sociologist

Abstract

The system of ideas developed by Engels and Marx belongs to the category of grand sociological theory in the manner of Hegel and Comte, Gumplowicz and Weber, but differs from them in essential elements, which are briefly summarized. Like other grand theories, it is rich in provocative ideas, and relative methodological flexibility can be orbserved in the attempts that Engels made to study discrete social institutions, such as the family and the military, or the sociology of ideas. But while Engels can be credited with a wealth of thought- provoking statements and questions in these and other areas, his work on them remained too fragmentary to have a major impact on the development of sociology in the Western world.