Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Foundations of Sociology Theoretical Paradigms

The Role of Theoretical Perspectives Your perspective is influence by the beliefs and values you have. Your perspective will also influence what you see and what you don’t see. A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study (in this class it will be on society) These perspectives create a paradigm for sociologists to study the world. Sociology has 3 main theoretical perspectives:  1. Functionalism  2. Conflict Theory  3. Symbolic Interactionism 3 emerging perspectives –1. Feminist Theory –2. Exchange Theory –3. Environmental Theory

Functionalism Functionalism emphasized the contributions (or functions) of each part of society. Functionalists see the parts of society as a whole. A change in one part of the society will cause a change in another part of society….ripple effect. Functionalists believe that society will return to normal after an upheaval. See the world as a body…when all parts are working, everything is smooth.

Functionalism Most Functionalists see the world in the macro view. According to Robert Merton, there are 2 kinds of functions:  1. Manifest functions: these are supposed to happen and they are recognized.  Example?  2. Latent functions: these just happen along the way and may or may not be recognized.  Example?

Functionalism Not all elements of society are positive. Those elements that are not positive (but negative) are known as dysfunction. According to functionalism, people believe in the concept of consensus on values….this leads to cooperation in society.

Conflict Perspective The conflict perspective emphasizes conflict, competition, change and constraint in a society. This perspective is the total opposite of functionalism. Conflict theorists focus on the drama between different groups in society. Conflict theorists also see the world from a macro point-of-view They look to see how groups use conflicts to promote their own goals and views.

Conflict Perspective Conflict theorists see life as a contest and those with the most power get the largest share of the prize The prize is whatever society views as valuable. Maybe money, cars, houses, jewels, etc. This perspective believes that society changes due to the balance of power shifting from one group to another.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionists look more on how people INTERACT Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead developed the concept that groups only exist because the group members influence other group members’ behaviors. A symbol is something that is chosen to represent something else. Examples of symbols and their meanings?

Symbolic Interactionism A symbol is accepted as a meaning for something else Not every person views symbols the same way Symbolic Interactionism is the theoretical perspective that focuses on the interaction among people based on mutually understood symbols. Use the micro view because symbolic interactionists are more concerned with how individuals create society.

Symbolic Interactionism Herbert Blumer outlined 3 main assumptions for this perspective:  1. We learn the meanings of symbols based on watching others react to the symbol. Example: men removing their hats for the national anthem and looking at the flag

Symbolic Interactionism  2. Once we learn what symbols mean, we adjust our behavior to accommodate they symbol. Example: child vs. adult with the national anthem

Symbolic Interactionism  3. When we accept the symbol and others’ reactions, we tend to think how others would react if we didn’t act the same way. We start to think before we act. Example: Talking and not removing your hat during the national anthem…others will look down on you and might make comments to you for being disrespectful

Feminist Theory These theorists look at the world from a gender point of view 3 types of Feminist Theories  1. Gender Inequality Theories: focus on sexist patterns in society. Pay differences for the same job?  2. Gender Oppression Theories: belief that men ON PURPOSE try to prevent women from bettering their lives

Feminist Theory  3.Structural Oppression Theories: looks at economic systems (capitalism) and family systems (patriarchies) and their rules that teach women their “roles” in society…don’t rock the boat!

Exchange Theory Theory focuses on idea that people only act when there is a possibility of some type of reward. “What’s in it for me”? These attitudes will determine what types of social actions people participate in. Can think in both a macro and micro level, short-term and long-term effects.

Environmental Theory Newest theory of the 6…tries to blend social thought/actions with the environment and to see how those things can influence society. Think of the Green Movement in the US in the last 10+ years….slow at first, but more and more getting involved. This theory also looks at how ecological changes can affect society…carrying capacity??