Karl Marx is considered the father of historical sociology due to his emphasis on the role of class struggle and economic factors in shaping historical change.

Historical sociology focuses on understanding how societies change over time, and how these changes are influenced by social, economic, and political factors.

Social evolution is not a key concept in historical sociology, as it is more closely associated with classical sociology and the idea of unilinear progress.

Karl Marx argued that class struggle, or the conflict between different social classes, is the primary driving force of historical change.

Max Weber developed the concept of the 'iron cage' of bureaucracy, which refers to the way in which bureaucratic organizations can become rigid and oppressive.

Emile Durkheim's historical sociology focused on understanding how social solidarity is maintained or disrupted in different societies.

The inevitability of progress is not a key theme in historical sociology, as it is more closely associated with classical sociology and the idea of unilinear progress.

Max Weber argued that economic power is the primary source of social stratification, as it allows individuals and groups to accumulate wealth and resources.

Pierre Bourdieu developed the concept of the 'habitus', which refers to the system of dispositions and practices that individuals acquire through their social experiences.

Norbert Elias's historical sociology focused on understanding how social figurations, or networks of social relationships, shape individual and collective behavior.

Social psychology is not a key concept in historical sociology, as it is more closely associated with individual-level analysis and the study of psychological processes.

Karl Marx argued that the primary function of the state is to protect the interests of the ruling class and maintain social order.

Charles Taylor developed the concept of the 'social imaginary', which refers to the shared beliefs, values, and norms that shape the way people understand and experience the world.

Michel Foucault's historical sociology focused on understanding how power and discourse shape social relations and institutions.

The inevitability of progress is not a key theme in historical sociology, as it is more closely associated with classical sociology and the idea of unilinear progress.