Social theories

Social Theories

1. Social Theories

2. Social Theories Theories in sociology provide us with different perspectives with which to view our social world. Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives: Functionalist perspective. Conflict perspective. Symbolic interactionist perspective.

3. Functionalism Emile Durkheim. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole. Every structure has a function that meets a need of the society and all structures work together to maintain the social equilibrium.

4. Functionalism: Types Of Function Two types of functions: Manifest functions are consequences that are intended and commonly recognized . Latent functions are consequences that are unintended and often hidden .

5. Functionalism: Problems Functionalism focuses completely on the institutions with little regard for the importance of the individual. Functionalism is also largely unable to explain social change and conflict.

6. Conflict Theory Karl Marx Conflict perspective views society as composed of different groups and interest competing for power and resources. Unlike functionalists who defend the status quo, avoid social change, and believe people cooperate to effect social order, conflict theorists challenge the status quo (the existing state of affairs), encourage social change and believe rich and powerful people force social order on the poor and the weak.

7. Conflict Theory: Problems Weak social stability. Doesn’t explain how a society is held together. Doesn’t support the status quo (the existing state of affairs).

8. Symbolic Interactionism George H. Mead , Herbert Blumer. According to the symbolic interactionist perspective, people attach meanings to symbols, and then they act according to their subjective interpretation of these symbols. Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by definitions and meanings that are created and maintained.

9. Symbolic Interactionism: Tenets Herbert Blumer proposed three tenets to explain symbolic interactionism. People act, based on the meaning they have given to something. Same thing can have different meanings for different people. Meaning given to something is not permanent, it can change due to everyday life.

10. Symbolic Interactionism: Problem Symbolic interactionism neglects the macro level of social interpretation - the big picture.

11. Sociological Paradigm Level Of Analysis Focus Structural Functionalism Macro The way each part of society functions together to contribute to the whole. Conflict Theory Macro The way inequalities contribute to social differences and perpetuate differences in power. Symbolic Interactionism Micro One-to-one interactionist and communications.