Theoretical Approaches in Sociology

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. G
• Topic: Theoretical approaches in sociology
• Definition of Theory: A general statement about how parts of the world fit together and work.
• Purpose of Sociological Theories: Provide road maps to understanding the social world.
• Primary Theoretical Approaches:
  • Structural Functionalism
  • Social Conflict Theory
  • Symbolic Interaction Theory

1. Structural Functionalism

• Key Concepts:
  • Focuses on society's structure and function.
  • Society is compared to a system with interrelated parts.
• Components of Society (Social Institutions):
  • Economy, Politics, Family, Religion, Education, Media
• Analogy: Society compared to a human body or building with various parts serving functions.
• Functions in Society:
  • Manifest Functions: Primary functions, e.g., education's role in educating people.
  • Latent Functions: Hidden or secondary functions, e.g., socializing children, forming relationships in college.
• Objective: Promote solidarity and stability within society.
• Macro-Level Theory:
  • Looks at large groups rather than individuals.
  • Changes in one component (e.g., economy) affect all components.

2. Social Conflict Theory

• Key Concepts:
  • Focuses on strife and competition within society.
  • Highlights inequalities and competition for scarce resources (power, income, prestige, education).
• Groups in Society (U.S. context):
  • Dominant/Majority Groups: Men, Christians, Caucasians, etc.
  • Subordinate/Minority Groups: Women, non-Christians, people of color, etc.
• Resource Distribution: Uneven distribution leading to prejudice and discrimination.
• Macro-Level Theory:
  • Focuses on groups rather than individuals.
  • Scientific research supports group-based discrimination.

3. Symbolic Interactionism

• Key Concepts:
  • Focuses on individual and small group interactions.
  • Humans create and use symbols in society.
• Symbols:
  • Tangible: Traffic lights, signs.
  • Intangible: Roles like mother, father, teacher.
• Interaction: Assigning meaning to interactions.
• Creating Reality:
  • Constantly defining situations (good, bad, preferences).
  • Reality is subjective and varies among individuals.
• Micro-Level Theory:
  • Emphasizes individual perceptions and meanings.

Conclusion

• Summary of three major sociological theories.
• Emphasis on different perspectives provided by each theory.
• Invitation to continue exploring sociology in future discussions.
• Closing: Thanks and farewell from Dr. G.