SOC 312 American Society What is sociology? Sociological theory

Sociological Theory sociological theory is –a set of assumptions, assertions and propositions –organized in the form of an explanation or interpretation –of the nature, form, or content of social action action that takes others into account recall first lecture

About Common People About Institutional Order OptimistPessimist OptimistLiberalRadical PessimistConservativeReactionary Underlying Assumptions based on Tom Ruth, California Government class, Grossmont J.C., 1970

Models of Social Organization Functional: organization serves necessary/desireable function and adapts as necessary Conflict: organization serves most powerful and effectively organized interests (authorities or elites)

Functional Model Social Structure Necessary and Desirable Condition external threat - + -

Mills'Social System Social and Political System Ability to serve elite interests external threat - - +

Locating Theorists Parsons was a conservative, functionalist Mills was a liberal, conflict theorist

Summary social theory is explanation/interpretation rooted in –underlying assumptions –models Parsons and Mills represented competing theories of mid twentieth century –Parsons: conservative, functional –Mills: liberal, conflict