I got a theory! (Well actually 3, but you get the point)

Theories or Paradigms Models or frameworks for questions that generate and guide research

Functionalism –Founded in Durkheim writings –Views society as a system of highly interrelated structures or parts that function or operate harmoniously. –“What does each part contribute to the whole, what’s its function?” –Society is like a living organism and therefore is usually in balance. –How does change occur then?

Conflict Theory –Rooted in work of Karl Marx –Sees society as constantly changing in response to social inequality and social conflict. –Conflict is normal, lack of conflict is the abnormality –Societal order results from the wealthy upper class using institutions to coerce the poor masses into submission. –Conflict is inevitable due to competition over goals.

Created by competition over social needs/ goals.

Interactionist perspective –Focuses on how individuals make sense of the social world in which they participate. –All institutions do not operate independently; they are created, maintained and changed by different people interacting with them.

3 Examples of Interactionist theory

Symbolic Interactionism –concerned with the meaning that people place on their own and others behavior –meaning beyond the concrete act –nurse at mental hospital- key = social dominance professor writing on board = social dominance

Ethnomethodology –The study of the sets of rules or guidelines that individuals use to initiate behavior, respond to behavior, & modify behavior in social settings. Society’s unwritten rules. Why?

Dramaturgy –In order to create an impression, people play roles. People judge that performance, looking for any true insights into their character. –Job interview, date, meet the parents.