MACRO SOCIOLOGY

Macro Sociology: those theoretical approaches to the study of human behaviour that explain phenomena from the vantage point of the whole society. The individual is of little consequence in determining his/her behaviour and is considered essentially responsive to external stimuli. Individual meanings bear no significance. MACRO SOCIOLOGY

The two major theoretical perspectives in Macro Sociology: 1.Functionalism 1.Conflict Theory MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1.Functionalism: Auguste Comte ( ) Credited with giving the discipline the name, Sociology Main ideas: Human behaviour can be studied as a scientific discipline with the same systematic methods of investigation Society is ordered – Social Statics Society changes – Social Dynamics Society has evolved and so too the explanations of behaviour: Theological Metaphysical Positive (scientific) MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1.Functionalism: Herbert Spencer ( ) Drew heavily on Darwin’s Origin of the Species and focused on society as a social organism, the various components of society which are interrelatedand the evolutionary process and survival of the fittest. Societal evolution based on changes in size, structural complexity and functional differentiation (ie specialised institutions with specific functions in society – the family and the economy) MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1.Functionalism: Emile Durkheim ( ) Considered perhaps the most influential on Functionalism. Focused on: Society is an ordered, stable whole with parts that are interconnected and interrelated. The individual is a product of society through the work of the social facts The Collective Conscience which reflects the beliefs and values of the majority of the members of society, facilitates social stability Social change occurs. Society moved from Primitive to Industrial Social solidarity exists in society. Primitive society is characterised by mechanical solidarity while industrial society is characterised by organic solidarity Anomie – the failure of society to impact the individual re its values and norms. Sociology is a scientific discipline and the rules of the scientific method can and must be applied to the study of human behaviour. MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1.Functionalism: Talcott Parsons ( ) – a modern sociologist. Addressed the challenges to Functionalism from Marxist sociology and the Interpretative theories. Emphasised the functional interrelationships of social institutions – the family, education, religion etc. Society is ordered and held together by value consensus – the development of Durkheim’s collective conscience Functional prepequisits: Adaptation’ Goal Attainment Integration Pattern Maintenance or Latency Pattern Variables A and B explain his concept of social change MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1.Functionalism: Robert Merton ( ) Not all parts of society are at all times functional. They are at times dysfunctional and at others, non functional. Manifest Functions – those expected, intended and open consequences Latent Functions – unexpected and hidden consequences of social acts MACRO SOCIOLOGY

Functionalism’s essential elements:  Society is a whole social organism made up of interconnected and interrelated parts which function for the good of the whole  Society is an ordered, stable whole  The individual is a product of society  Human behaviour can only be explained by reference to external stimuli  The scientific method is applicable to the study of human behaviour  Society changes as a result of growth and complexity of its structure MACRO SOCIOLOGY