Overview
This lecture introduces the major theoretical perspectives in sociology—functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism—and explains how they provide different lenses to analyze social phenomena.
Sociological Theories and Paradigms
- Sociological theories are frameworks to explain social interactions and to create testable hypotheses about society.
- Theories vary in scope: macro-level (large groups/society), micro-level (individuals/small groups), and grand theories (fundamental questions).
- Paradigms are overarching frameworks that guide sociological thinking; major ones include structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
Structural Functionalism (Functionalism)
- Views society as a structure of interrelated parts working together to maintain stability and meet individuals’ needs.
- Key concept: social facts are external laws, customs, and values shaping society.
- Manifest functions are intended and obvious outcomes; latent functions are unintended.
- Dysfunctions are undesirable consequences that disrupt society’s stability.
- Criticized for difficulty explaining social change and for circular reasoning.
Conflict Theory
- Sees society as composed of groups competing for limited resources, resulting in inequality.
- Focuses on power differentials in institutions like government and education.
- Includes perspectives such as Marxism, critical theory, feminist theory, and critical race theory.
- Highlights institutionalized power structures and oppression based on class, gender, and race.
- Criticized for focusing too much on conflict and not enough on societal stability.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Micro-level theory focusing on daily interactions and the meanings people assign to things, behaviors, and events.
- Emphasizes the role of symbols and communication in creating social reality.
- Concepts include dramaturgical analysis (life as theater) and constructivism (reality as a social construct).
- Used mainly in qualitative research, such as interviews and observation.
- Criticized for narrow focus and challenges to objectivity.
Sociological Theory Today
- All three perspectives remain foundational but have evolved and respond to new social issues.
- Modern developments include critical race theory, feminist theory, and postmodernism.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Theory — a framework explaining social phenomena and relationships.
- Paradigm — a broad framework that shapes how sociologists analyze society.
- Functionalism — views society as a system whose parts work together for stability.
- Manifest function — intended, recognized outcome of a social process.
- Latent function — unintended or hidden outcome of a social process.
- Dysfunction — negative consequence disrupting social stability.
- Conflict theory — emphasizes inequality and power struggles among groups.
- Symbolic interactionism — studies society through interpersonal interactions and symbols.
- Constructivism — view that reality is created through social processes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review textbook tables comparing the three theories.
- Prepare to apply each perspective to a social institution (e.g., family, education).
- Read case studies or examples illustrating each theory in practice.