Overview
This lecture introduces the major theoretical paradigms in sociology—structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism—explaining their perspectives on society and discussing macro vs. micro approaches.
Understanding Society: Competing Models
- Society can be viewed as a well-functioning whole, a field of competing groups, or a collection of individuals interacting.
- Each model provides a unique perspective for understanding sociological questions.
The Role of Paradigms in Sociology
- A paradigm is a set of concepts and theories shaping how we interpret facts and study society.
- Paradigms provide the necessary assumptions to make sense of raw facts, which do not interpret themselves.
- Different paradigms are useful for answering different sociological questions.
Macro vs. Micro Approaches
- Macro-level analysis focuses on large-scale structures and broad social patterns.
- Micro-level analysis centers on individual interactions and the meaning attached to them.
- Macro and micro perspectives are interrelated and both are important in sociology.
Structural Functionalism
- Originated with Emile Durkheim, who likened society to an organism with interdependent parts.
- Views society as a system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order.
- Social structures perform manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions.
- Social dysfunctions are patterns that disrupt society's normal operation.
- Criticized for overlooking social change and justifying harmful aspects as "functional."
Conflict Theory
- Originated with Karl Marx, focusing on societal conflict and inequality over scarce resources.
- Emphasizes class conflict between those who own production ("bourgeoisie") and workers ("proletariat").
- Expanded to include race-conflict (W.E.B. DuBois) and gender-conflict perspectives.
- Sees societal change as constant and driven by these conflicts.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Developed by Max Weber, focusing on the meanings individuals assign to social interactions.
- Society is seen as the product of everyday interactions and shared meanings.
- Reality is constructed through agreed-upon interpretations of actions and symbols.
- Focuses on micro-level analysis and rejects the idea of a single objective truth.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paradigm — a framework of assumptions and theories for understanding a topic.
- Macro-level — analysis of large-scale societal structures or processes.
- Micro-level — analysis of individual or small group interactions.
- Structural Functionalism — paradigm viewing society as a stable, interrelated system.
- Manifest function — intended, recognized consequence of a social structure.
- Latent function — unintended, unrecognized consequence of a social structure.
- Social dysfunction — a pattern that disrupts the normal operation of society.
- Conflict Theory — paradigm viewing society as groups competing over resources.
- Symbolic Interactionism — paradigm emphasizing meaning and interaction in society.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare to study how sociological paradigms are applied in actual research for the next lecture.