1. Chapter 2 Thinking Sociologically Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

2. Giants of Classical Sociological Theory Karl Marx (1818-1883; German) Theorists have built on his work and others have created theories opposing his work. Macro-theorist who focused on the structure of capitalist society Defined capitalism as an economic system based on the capitalists (the owners of the means of production) exploiting the proletariat (the workers) Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

3. Giants of Classical Sociological Theory Max Weber (1864-1920; German) Best known for his work The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Protestantism, especially Calvinism, led to the rise of capitalism in the West and not in other areas of the world. Was also interested on the process of rationalization in many sectors of society Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

4. Giants of Classical Sociological Theory Emile Durkheim (1858-1917; French) Macro-theorist whose major concern was social facts, such as social structures and cultural norms and values, that impose themselves on people Called the shared beliefs of a society the collective conscience Wrote the book Suicide in which he stated that the cause of suicide was not to be found within individuals, but rather in social factors Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

5. Other Important Early Theorists Georg Simmel (1858-1918; German) Interested in the forms taken by social interaction and the types of people who engage on interaction W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963; American) Pioneering researcher who was crucial to the later focus of sociology on race Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929; American) Main concern was the way the upper classes show off their wealth (what he called “Conspicuous Consumption”) Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

6. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Structural/Functional Theories Structural-Functionalism Examines both social structures and their functions The dominant view is that if certain structures exist they provide a function. Manifest functions are positive consequences that are purposely brought about. Latent functions are unintended positive consequences. Dysfunctions negatively affect the ability of a given system to survive. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

7. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Structural/Functional Theories Structuralism Focuses on structures but is not concerned with their functions Interested in the social impact of hidden or underlying structures (for example, gender relations) Debunking is the idea that visible social structures are mere facades. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

8. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Conflict Theory Focus is on what is negative about society Society is held together by coercion. Conflict theorists see dissension and tension and struggle everywhere. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

9. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Critical Theory Focuses on the culture of a society, particularly the culture industry and mass culture Two elements of the culture industry are of concern: Falseness (true culture should emanate from the people) Repressiveness (mass culture pacifies and stupefies the masses) Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

10. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Feminist Theory Is critical of the social situation facing women Offers ideas on how women’s situations can be bettered The majority of feminist scholars argue that gender differences are socially constructed (not biologically determined). Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

11. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Feminist Theory Women face extraordinary problems related to gender inequality, so extraordinary solutions are necessary. Some feminist theorists suggest social structure and institutions need to be changed to be more inclusive of women. Other feminist theorists argue that those very institutions need to be deconstructed and rebuilt. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

12. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Queer Theory Based on the idea that there are no fixed and stable identities that determine who we are Advocates believe that modern Western culture cannot be understood without critiquing modern definitions of homosexuality and heterosexuality. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

13. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Queer Theory The focus is not on homosexuality itself but the dynamics between heterosexuals and homosexuals. In the early phases of development Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

14. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Critical Theories of Race and Racism Race matters globally and racism adversely affects people of color. Argue that color blindness ignores the unique experiences of racial minorities and that color blindness is the new racism Intersectionality is the idea that racism cannot be considered in isolation. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

15. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Postmodern Theory Postmodernity is the state of society beyond the modern era. Postmodernity states that the world is nonrational or even irrational. Postmodernity is characterized by eclecticism. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

16. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Conflict/Critical Theories Postmodern Theory Postmodernism is the emergence of new and different cultural forms in music, movies, art, architecture, etc. Postmodern theory is a theoretical orientation that is a reaction against modern theory. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

17. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Inter/actionist Theories Symbolic Interactionism Concerned with the interaction of two or more people through the use of symbols Symbols allow the communication of meaning among a group of people. Interested in how various aspects of identity are created and sustained through social interaction Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

18. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Inter/actionist Theories Ethnomethodology The focus is on what people do, rather than what they think. Regard people’s lives and social words as practical accomplishments that are extraordinary Many ethnomethodologists study conversations. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

19. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Inter/actionist Theories Exchange Theory Interested in behavior and the rewards and costs associated with it Interested in social behavior that involves tangible and intangible exchanges Through these interactions people are seen as rational profit seekers. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

20. Contemporary Sociological Theory: Inter/actionist Theories Rational Choice Theory The basic principle is that people act intentionally in order to achieve basic goals. People choose how to achieve goals on the basis of utility. Understands that people do not always act rationally, but these are deviations from the norm Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.