Sociological Theory

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Sociological Theory
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Dominant Theoretical Perspectives

• Functionalism - macro
• Conflict - macro
• Symbolic Interactionism - micro

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Assumptions ofModern Sociological Theories
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Functionalism

• Spencer, Durkheim
• System of parts
• Examine structure function
• Merton
• Function dysfunction
• Manifest latent

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Assumptions ofModern Sociological Theories
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Conflict theory

• Marx
• Focus on class conflict
• Early capitalism
• Exploitation of workers
• Expanded to other than class conflict
• Dahrendorf
• Power authority in social structures
• Conflict in authority relations
• Authority enforces conformtiy
• Creates resistance

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Assumptions ofModern Sociological Theories
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Symbolic Interactionism

• American sociologists
• George Herbert Mead
• Charles Horton Cooley
• W.I. Thomas
• Symbols basis of interaction
• Communication
• Socialization
• How we define ourselves, others, situations
• What makes us humanmore than animals

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Assumptions ofModern Sociological Theories
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Group Discussion

• Apply a theory
• Functionalist
• Conflict theorist
• Symbolic interactionist
• How would a ______________ explain one of the
  ongoing crises in the Middle East?
• Iraq
• IsraelPalestine
• Group roles
• 1 Functionalist/Iraq 4 Conflict/I-P
• 2 Functionalist/I-P 5 Symb Int/Iraq
• 3 Conflict/Iraq 6 Symb Int/I-P
• Individual roles
• Facilitator Reporter Discussant(s)
• Recorder Timekeeper