Sociological Perspective Chapter One

Sociological Theory A theory is a statement of how and why specific facts are related. The goal of sociological theory is to explain social behavior in the real world.

Question What is a paradigm?

Answer A paradigm is… an example that serves as a pattern or model for something, based on a theory A viewpoint to have when looking at a situation

3 Theoretical Paradigms Sets of assumptions that guide thinking and research. Sociologists ask two basic questions: –What issues should we study? –How should we connect the facts? –They choose one of the theories

1. Structural-functional Paradigm Sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability. –EX: Social Classes –w/o one part, we couldn’t have the others…

Structural Functional What purpose or function does this serve? How do all parts work together? The function of a part is its contribution to the system, and its effects on other parts –Like the human body The needs of society are to be identified to then determine how the parts satisfy the needs

Examining the Structural Functional Paradigm …All parts of society work together

Parts = Structure Our lives are guided by social structures -relatively stable patterns of social behavior. Parts of society –EX: family, work, school –Each S/S serves a purpose

Structures have Functions social functions perform certain tasks for the operation of society. Like human body or a machine Basically, social functions are what the social structure does

Yes, we are still under Structural Functional

3 types of Functions 1)manifest functions: the recognized and intended results of any social pattern –Obviously what you want to be the result –Example: Sports- increase skills

Manifest/Intended Results

Types of Functions 2)latent functions: largely unrecognized and unintended results –Skills and qualities gained by accident or chance –Example: Sports- teamwork, responsibility

Latent/Unintended Results MannersTeamwork

Social Functions 3)social dysfunctions, undesirable consequences of a social pattern for society. Examples: –Disease –unemployment

Now Switch Viewpoints… Now lets take a look at the 2 nd paradigm or viewpoint… Social Conflict Paradigm

2. Social-conflict Paradigm Sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.

Social Conflict Focus on conflict as inevitable part of social life. Conflict is not necessarily a negative aspect of society since it produces social change Society comprised of dominant and inferior groups which compete for resources – –the have and the have nots Who benefits at whose expense is the question

Switch your point of view… Now look at society with a new set of eyes, or a new paradigm… Symbolic Interaction Paradigm

3. Symbolic Interaction Paradigm Sees society is the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.

Symbolic Interaction Focus is on how people themselves define reality, how they make sense of the world, how they experience and define what people are doing Focus on meanings assigned to actions and symbols, how meanings are learned and modified

The Paradigms help you view society in a new perspective… or a new picture

Seeing the “Picture” of Society The structural-functional & social-conflict paradigms share a macro-level orientation; focus on broad social structures that shape society as a whole. –See society in a “big picture” –Struct. Funct./Social Conflict

Seeing the “Picture” of Society In contrast, symbolic- interaction has a micro-level orientation; it focuses on patterns of social interaction in specific settings –Sees the “small picture” of society– Symbolic Interaction

Terms to know Social Marginality: feeling like an outsider –Ex: a kid who gets picked last in gym Global perspective: how does the world view the issue Stereotype: a generalization about a specific group

Review 3 paradigms Many structures of Society 3 functions 2 views of society