Introduction to Social Theory and the Study of Social Problems Corresponds to Chapter 1 of Course Textbook

Discussion Outline-The Study of Social Problems I. Sociological theory II. Defining and understanding the nature of social problems III. The Social Problems Perspective and Critical Constructionism

Origins of Sociological Thought and Theory 18th century Change: Social and intellectual Forces Political revolutions Industrial Revolution and rise of capitalism Urbanization The enlightenment Social theorists set forth to explain the dramatic changes which were taking place

Auguste Comte The “father of sociology” Argued for the empirical study of society

The Primary Theoretical Perspectives Ask and answer the “big” questions Provide a lens through which to view and understand aspects of the social world and social problems -Functionalist, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionist, Feminist

Functionalism Society is a complex social system of interdependent parts that work together to ensure a society’s survival. Based off work of Durkheim If something exists, it has a function for society in providing cohesion and stability Crime?

Conflict Theory Conflict theory examines the ways in which groups disagree, struggle over power, and compete for scarce resources. Based off of work of Karl Marx Conflict, tension, and competition between groups results from widespread economic inequality What groups? What resources? I.e.: Gang rivalries, social classes, families, etc

Conflict Theory-Karl Marx Industrialization leads to two classes: the bourgeoisie, or the owners of the means of production; and the proletariat, or the workers who earn wages. The bourgeoisie use their power to control the institutions of society to their advantage. What other institutions might those at the very top of the class structure be able to control? What did Karl Marx see as the solution to social Problems inherent in a capitalist system? What groups in society are generally those that want change? Why is change difficult to achieve?

Feminist Theories Feminist theories explain the social, economic, and political position of women in society. Focus is on gender issues. Maintain that women suffer injustice because of their sex/gender. Seeks to free women from traditionally oppressive expectations and constraints.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism looks at individuals’ everyday behavior and communication through symbols and shared meanings. It is a micro-level perspective. Interactionists see society as socially constructed through everyday interaction

The Sociological Perspectives Functionalism How does structure help society work? How does structure help maintain stability and order? Conflict How are resources distributed? Who is benefitting from structure of society? Who is losing? Feminist How does life reflect gender? How is power being distributed on the basis of gender/sex? Interactionism How do we construct meaning through symbols? How are people constructing reality and creating reality? How are people interpreting and experiencing their environments

The Study of Social Problems Definitions of what is a social problem vary both within a society and across societies and historical time periods. Examples? Within a society? Hint: values and beliefs Across Societies? Hint: Cultural differences Historical periods? Hint: Changing norms

Objective Elements of Social Problems -Awareness of social conditions through life experiences and through reports in the media informed by evidence and data

Subjective Elements of Social Problems The belief that a particular social condition is harmful to society or to a segment of society and that it should and can be changed. Certain objective conditions are not considered social problems unless a segment of society believes these conditions diminish the quality of human life.

Defining Social Problems A social problem is a phenomenon regarded as bad or undesirable by a significant number of people or a number of significant people who mobilize to remedy it Definition allows social scientists to suspend moral beliefs and value judgments Maintain objectivity

Social movement organizations A group significant in size or composition that mobilizes to remedy a social problem The sociologist can objectively say that this groups sees a phenomenon as bad or harmful

The Social Problems Perspective Establishing a degree of objectivity over the value-laden phrase: social problem. Things become defined as social problems not because of the relative harm done by the phenomenon but because of features external to the problem The social structure The social movement organization 2 important questions I.e.: Child Abuse

Who defines what social problems are important to address in society?

Critical Constructionism Emphasizes the role of elite interests in the process of problem construction **The way that problems are constructed, conceived, and presented to the public reflects the interests of the societies elite more than those of the mainstream and often at the expense of those with the least power What is power? Do the elite conspire to subjugate the rest of society?

Critical Constructionism Looks at what social problems get a great deal of media attention and how those constructions are influenced by elite interests Popular constructions sway public and social policy Social policy refers to formal strategies that affect how society operates. C.C gives strives to give voice to the powerless

Non-Sociological Philosophies Human Nature Arguments Free will (non-sociological) vs. determinism (sociological) A Judeo-Christian ethic-Heaven or hell Capitalist ideals and a free market-Rich or poor Individualism and meritocracy

Cross Cultural and Global Perspectives Ethnocentrism limits our ability to understand not just other countries, but our own as well A cross-cultural perspective (comparative) A global Perspective

Corporate America U.S. is one of the most capitalist societies in the world The free market Are corporate interests and societal interests the same?

Media The media’s role in shaping reality Media Conglomeration

What is the media’s primary goal What is the media’s primary goal? How is a democracy supposed to operate?