SOCIO221 CH1 - Sociological Perspectives/Theories

in the form of concepts and assumptions about social life

the concept of conflict, social interaction, and function

social life

• Karl Marx's theory about the economic system
• Max Weber's theory about religion
• Emile Durkheim's theory about suicide

• Conflict
• Interactionist
• Functionalist

..helps to understand how power affects the distribution of scarce resources and how conflict can change society.

Karl Marx

Macro

the overt struggle between groups in a society or between countries

... helps to understand how social structures are created in the course of human interaction.

Micro

Max Weber

process by which people influence one another

pattern of repeated social interaction

the act of understanding intentional or unintentional human behavior

social structure as a web or network of social relationships

A symbol is something that stands for, represents, or takes the place of something else.

A crucifix, for example, symbolizes the beliefs of Roman Catholicism, whether it is made from wood, metal, or plastic; the Star of David likewise symbolizes Judaism.

... helps to understand how society is structured and how social structures work together as a system to perform the major functions of society.

Some social practices may be dysfunctional; that is, they may disrupt social equilibrium rather than contribute to it.

For example, encouraging large families, as some religious teachings do, would be dysfunctional in a society that is already overpopulated.

Middle

Emile Durkehelm

a purpose or consequence regarded as making an essential contribution to the working and maintenance of a social system

unity among people

connections that people have with one another

social structure as having parts that need equilibrium for stability

An approach based on the notion that all three of the major sociological perspectives are extremely powerful analytical tools and that a sociologist should combine insights and use concepts from each.

Refers to the ability of an individual or group to change the behavior of others.

"The probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance." - Max Weber

dominance or undue power or undue influence

social structure as an environment where groups fight for power

• Macrosociology
• Microsociology

a theoretical perspective that focuses on large groups and society as a whole

• Conflict Theoretical Perspective
• Functionalist Theoretical Perspective

a theoretical perspective that focuses on small groups and the intimate levels of everyday interactions between people

Interactionist Theoretical Perspective

A system of interrelated and interdependent parts.

People are shaped by society to perform important functions for society.

The social system tends to resist change as disruptive.

integration, interdependence, stability, equilibrium

Individuals in face-to-face interaction create social consensus.

People are symbol manipulators who create their social world through social interaction and consensus.

Change occurs when there is no shared consensus about expected behavior and a newly found consensus develops.

Arise when a condition is defined as stigmatizing or disruptive of normal social expectations.

interpretation, consensus, shared expectations, socially created reality

People are shaped by the position of their groups in society.

Arise when a group believes its interests are not being served and works to overcome perceived disadvantage.

Made up of groups struggling with one another over scarce resources.

interest, power, dominance, conflict, coercion