Modernist Theory

What is Modernist Theory? The sociological theories that emerged in the 19 th and 20 th centuries following the great scientific, technological and social progress which followed the Industrial Revolution. The main ones are FUNCTIONALISM, MARXISM AND INTERACTIONISM (AKA SOCIAL ACTION THEORY)

Strands in Modernist Theory There are two main strands; STRUCTURAL THEORIES – macro-theories such as functionalism and Marxism – complete theories of society which see ‘society’ first and the individual second SOCIAL ACTION THEORIES - micro-theories which start at the individual first and ‘build up’ a theory of society such as labelling, symbolic interactionism etc.

Social Action Theory Starts from the premise that if you really want to understand people and society you start with the individuals themselves and work up – seeks to establish meanings through studying interactions. Looks for ‘verstehen’ and therefore favours qualitative methods

Symbolic Interactionism A special sort of social action theory associated with the University of Chicago and academics such as Mead and Blumer. SI emphasises than individuals are active rather than passive receptors of culture, socialisation or capitalism. People CHOOSE their actions and their reactions. A person’s identity and self concept is created by their interactions with others

3 main elements of SI The symbol – the self – the interaction

The Symbol People and objects are classified into symbols and given a name ‘tree’ ‘car’ terrorist’ ‘hero’ ‘villain’ ‘gay’ ‘deviant’ etc. The names given to symbols are not neutral – they imply a variety of meanings and therefore responses from different people

The Self People can respond to symbols and others only when they have a clear sense of self i.e. who they are and where they fit in the scheme of things – this is learnt in childhood through play

The Interaction Is where symbols and different ‘selfs’ come together in interactions It is through interaction that meaning is created. People aware of themselves and others and negotiate meanings which are temporary and subject to renegotiation and change

Criticisms It is a psychological theory rather than a sociological one Doesn’t explore the social factors behind the CONTEXT of an interaction Fails to explore or acknowledge the power differences between individuals

Contribution to Understanding of Society Labelling in education – as an explanation of underachievement (Revision Guide page 56) Labelling in health – as an explanation of insanity (Revision Guide page 73 Szasz, Goffman, Laing) RD Laing’s evaluation of the nuclear family – radical psychiatry 2/ps.htm 2/ps.htm