Overview
This lecture introduces the key theoretical paradigms in sociology—structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism—explaining their core assumptions and differences, as well as the macro/micro distinction in sociological analysis.
Understanding Society: Competing Perspectives
- Society can be viewed as a smoothly functioning whole, a field of competing groups, or a network of individual interactions.
- Each perspective offers valuable insights for understanding social phenomena.
Theoretical Paradigms in Sociology
- A paradigm is a model or framework that shapes how sociologists interpret the social world.
- Theoretical paradigms provide essential assumptions needed to interpret raw facts about society.
Macro and Micro Orientations
- Macro-level sociology focuses on large-scale social structures and broad patterns (e.g., class systems, institutions).
- Micro-level sociology examines small-scale, individual interactions and meanings.
- Macro and micro levels are interconnected, with micro interactions influencing macro patterns and vice versa.
Structural Functionalism
- Views society as a complex system with parts working together to promote stability and order.
- Social structures (e.g., family, religion) perform manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions.
- Social dysfunctions are patterns that disrupt society’s stability.
- Criticized for inadequately explaining social change and justifying harmful structures.
Conflict Theories
- See society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources like power, money, and status.
- Class conflict theory (Marx): main focus on struggles between capitalists and workers.
- Race-Conflict theory (DuBois): inequality arises from racial and ethnic group conflicts.
- Gender-Conflict theory: focuses on power inequalities between men and women.
- Emphasizes change and social inequality.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Focuses on how society is created and maintained through daily individual interactions.
- Interested in how people assign meaning to objects, behaviors, and interactions.
- Reality is seen as socially constructed and dependent on agreed meanings.
- Best suited for micro-level analysis.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paradigm — a model or framework that shapes interpretation and research.
- Macro-level — analysis focusing on large-scale social processes and structures.
- Micro-level — analysis focusing on small-scale, individual social interactions.
- Structural Functionalism — theory viewing society as a system whose parts work together for stability.
- Manifest Function — intended, obvious purpose of a social structure.
- Latent Function — unintended or hidden purpose of a social structure.
- Social Dysfunction — elements that disrupt social stability.
- Conflict Theory — emphasizes struggles over resources and social inequality.
- Symbolic Interactionism — theory focusing on creation of meaning through interaction.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the three major theoretical paradigms and their strengths and weaknesses.
- Prepare to learn how paradigms apply to sociological research in the next lecture.