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 methods of inquiry
• Two levels of theory
• Macro-sociological theories
• Focus on large groups, whole societies
• Micro-sociological theories
• Focus on small groups, individuals
• Level of theory partially determines kind of
  research and possible explanation for observed
  phenomenon

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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 provide certain functional
  requirements in cooperation and consensus with
  other parts.
• Durkheim used an analogy of society to a
  biological organism stressed importance of
  equilibrium.

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Functionalism

• Some of the inter-related parts that compose
  society as a whole social institutions, beliefs,
  values, customs, norms, etc.
• Each part has a particular 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 positive consequence or outcome
• Dysfunction negative consequence or outcome
• Manifest planned or intended consequence
• Latent unplanned or unintended consequence

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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.
• Inequality generates conflict and, eventually,
  social change.

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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 it is learned
  through social interaction.
• Meanings are understood by individuals through
  interpretations, and the way these are formed
  depends on different situations and roles.

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Symbolic Interactionism

• What are symbols?
• Make it possible to name things in the
  environment.
• Make it possible to experience objects and events
  without their physical presence.
• Inherently general and abstract.
• Encourages generalization and categorization
  (includes stereotyping, i.e., sex offender)

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Symbolic Interactionism

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

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A Symbolic Interactionist TheoryErving
Goffmans Dramaturgy

• Humans are performers presenting images intended
  to influence other peoples definition of the
  situation.
• Social life is like an impromptu theatrical
  performance.
• The self is the product of dramatic interaction
  between the actor and the audience.
• Because the self is vulnerable to disruption
  during performance, individuals must engage in
  careful impression management techniques to
  protect themselves.

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A Symbolic Interactionist TheoryErving
Goffmans Dramaturgy

• Impression management
• Process where individuals engage in the
  purposeful manipulation of information about the
  self.
• Highlight the good, hide the bad.
• Impression management accomplished by controlling
  physical appearance, behavior, and social
  environment.
• Frontstage/backstage