Sociological Theory

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Sociological Theory
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Perspectives in Sociology

• Sets of lenses
• Tell us where to look and what to look for
• Also tell us how to look
• Two levels of theory
• Macro-sociological theories
• Micro-sociological theories

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Perspectives in Sociology

• Macro-sociological theories
• Functionalism (AKA structural-functionalism)
• Conflict
• Micro-sociological theory
• Symbolic-interactionism

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Functionalism

• Core assumptions
• Societies have functional requirements that must
  be met in order for society to function.
• Parts of society work in cooperation and
  consensus with other parts.

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Functionalism

• Some of the parts that compose society social
  institutions, beliefs, values, customs, norms,
  etc.
• Each part has a purpose that cannot be understood
  in isolation from the whole.
• Parts that serve no function would eventually be
  eradicated by society.

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Functionalism

• Terminology
• Function
• Dysfunction
• Manifest
• Latent

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Functionalism

• Criticisms
• Too conservative
• Favors status quo
• Assumes the status quo is the best way
• Ignores role of power structure in determining
  how society works
• Ignores conflict and tension between groups

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Conflict Theory

• Core assumptions
• Society is composed of various groups fighting
  over resources (money, power, privilege).
• Resources are unevenly distributed.
• Groups in control of resources act to protect
  their interests against the resistance of others.

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Conflict Theory

• Criticisms
• Too radical
• Ignores cooperative aspects of social life

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Symbolic Interactionism

• Core assumptions
• Behavior a function of meaning, not objective
  reality.
• Humans are not born with meaning.
• Meanings are understood by individuals through
  interpretations, formed in varied situations and
  roles.

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Symbolic Interactionism

• What are symbols?
• Allow us to name things in the environment.
• Allow us to experience objects and events without
  their physical presence.
• General and abstract by their nature.

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Symbolic Interactionism

• Criticisms
• Ignores effects of social structure
• Greater amounts of bias and subjectivity
• Cannot explain social change adequately