Overview
This lecture covers core sociological concepts of society and social interaction, focusing on key theories (functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) and important terms related to social structure and behavior.
Defining Society
- Sociologists define society as people living in a definable community who share the same culture.
- A society has geographic boundaries and a shared culture among its members.
Functionalism and Social Integration
- Functionalism (Durkheim) views society as a system in which everyone has a role, creating a collective consciousness (shared beliefs and morals).
- Social integration measures how strongly a person is connected to society, promoting a productive and active life.
- Mechanical solidarity: social cohesion based on similarity and tradition (e.g., Amish communities).
- Organic solidarity: social cohesion based on specialization and interdependence in complex societies.
Anomie
- Anomie: when societal changes disrupt individuals’ normal life, leading to feelings of disconnection or purposelessness.
Conflict Theory (Marx)
- Marx argued the economy determines society’s structure (“base” controls the “superstructure” of institutions).
- Class struggle between those who own production (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat) shapes society.
- Alienation occurs when workers are isolated from their labor, the labor process, other people, and themselves.
- False consciousness: workers adopt beliefs that conflict with their own interests, benefitting the bourgeoisie.
- Class consciousness: awareness of one's class and its interests.
Symbolic Interactionism and Rationalization
- Symbolic interactionism (Weber): emphasizes meanings and social interactions.
- Rationalization: society prioritizes logic and efficiency over tradition, leading to the “iron cage” of institutional control.
Habitualization and Institutionalization
- Habitualization: activities repeated so often they become routine and automatic.
- Institutionalization: norms become embedded as standards within society.
The Thomas Theorem and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
- The Thomas Theorem: if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.
- Self-fulfilling prophecy: an idea becomes real if people act as if it is true.
Goffman's Presentation of Self
- Individuals perform roles in daily social interactions; society is the audience.
- “Front stage” is public role performance; “backstage” is private behavior.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Society — a group sharing territory and culture.
- Collective consciousness — shared beliefs and values.
- Mechanical solidarity — cohesion from similarity and tradition.
- Organic solidarity — cohesion from specialization and interdependence.
- Anomie — normlessness caused by social disruption.
- Base/Superstructure — economy shapes institutions.
- Alienation — isolation from work, self, or others.
- False consciousness — misaligned beliefs that harm one's own interests.
- Class consciousness — awareness of one's class situation.
- Rationalization — focus on logic and efficiency.
- Iron cage — being trapped by societal institutions.
- Habitualization — routine behaviors become taken for granted.
- Institutionalization — embedding norms into society.
- Thomas Theorem — beliefs shape real outcomes.
- Self-fulfilling prophecy — actions based on beliefs make them true.
- Presentation of self — performing roles for society.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review textbook Chapter 4 on society and social interaction.
- Reflect on personal experiences of social integration or habitualization.
- Prepare for discussion on how personal roles are performed in daily life.