1. Foundations of Sociological Theory
Final exam review / Spring 2014

2. 3 major perspectives in sociological theory
Level of analysis
Focus
Conflict theory
macro / collective
Competition for scarce resources; How the elite control the poor and weak
Functionalism
Relationship between the parts of society; How aspects of society are functional (adaptive)
Symbolic interactionism
micro / individual
Use of symbols; Face-to-face interactions

3. Where our theorists fit
Perspective
Theorist
Conflict theory
Gilman, DuBois, Fanon, Veblen
Functionalism
Merton
Symbolic interactionism
Simmel, Goffman, Gilman, DuBois, Veblen

4. Respective theoretical orientations - I
Nonrational A C T I O N
Durkheim
Individual
Collective
ORDER
Weber
Marx
Rational

5. Respective theoretical orientations - II
Nonrational A C T I O N
Durkheim
Simmel
DuBois
Individual
Collective
ORDER
Weber
Gilman
Marx
Rational

6. Veblen
Leisure class
Conspicuous consumption
Conspicuous leisure

7. Gilman Gender inequality Women’s economic dependence
Differential socialization (internalized attitudes)
Patriarchal institutions
Shared symbolic codes and gender norms

8. Gilman’s multidimensional explanation of gender inequality
Nonrational A C T I O N
Differential socialization
(internalized attitudes)
Shared symbolic codes
and gender norms
Sex ‘principles’ (biology)
Individual
Collective
ORDER
Patriarchal institutions
Rational

9. Simmel
Duality (form/content, etc.)
Blasé attitude
Fashion
Sociability

10. Simmel’s Duality Regarding Subjective/Objective Culture
Individual
Collective
Nonrational
Subjective culture: ongoing interactions that individuals engage in as they move through their daily lives seeking to satisfy their needs, and realize their desires
Rational
Objective culture: reification; external objects confront individuals as oppressive systems that compel conformity

11. DuBois Color line Double consciousness Capitalist class system
White supremacy

12. Du Bois’s multidimensional approach to race & class
Nonrational
Double consciousness
‘Colortocracy’ A C T I O N
Color line
(internalized attitude)
Color line
(symbolic status hierarchy)
Prejudice
Individual
Collective
ORDER
Color line
(racialized social institutions)
Discrimination
Capitalist class system
Rational

13. Merton Conformity Innovation Modes of adaptation Ritualism Rebellion
Retreatism

14. Goffman Discredited/discreditable Disidentifier Passing Stigma
Stigma symbol
Virtual social identity

15. Fanon
colonialism
decolonization