Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of sociological paradigms—different perspectives for understanding society—and explains the main theoretical approaches in sociology: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism, along with the macro and micro levels of analysis.
The Nature of Society
- Sociologists view society through different models: as a system of interrelated parts, as competing groups, or as individuals interacting daily.
- These models shape the main theoretical paradigms in sociology.
Paradigms and Scientific Perspectives
- A paradigm is a framework of concepts and theories that guides how we understand a topic.
- Scientific disciplines, including sociology, use varying paradigms to interpret raw facts and answer different questions.
- Interpretation is necessary because facts alone do not provide meaning.
Macro and Micro Levels in Sociology
- Macro-level analysis examines large-scale social structures and processes (e.g., economic systems, group inequalities).
- Micro-level analysis focuses on small-scale interactions between individuals (e.g., conversations, group formation).
- Macro and micro perspectives connect, as small interactions shape larger patterns and vice versa.
Main Theoretical Paradigms
Structural Functionalism
- Associated with Emile Durkheim, it sees society as a stable, interconnected system with parts (structures) that serve functions.
- Social structures fulfill manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions.
- Social dysfunction refers to patterns that disrupt societal stability.
- Criticism: Struggles to explain social change and may justify harmful aspects as "functional."
Conflict Theory
- Rooted in Karl Marx's work, sees society as groups competing for scarce resources (e.g., class, race, gender).
- Social change is fundamental and driven by these conflicts.
- Includes class conflict (Marx), race-conflict (DuBois), and gender-conflict perspectives.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Associated with Max Weber, focuses on daily interactions and the meanings people assign.
- Society is constructed through shared symbols and interpretations.
- Emphasizes the creation of reality through agreement on meanings in interactions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paradigm — A guiding framework of concepts and theories for interpreting information.
- Macro-level — Analysis of large-scale social structures and systems.
- Micro-level — Analysis of everyday individual or small group interactions.
- Structural Functionalism — Paradigm viewing society as a stable system of interrelated parts.
- Manifest Function — Intended and recognized consequences of a social structure.
- Latent Function — Unintended or hidden consequences of a social structure.
- Social Dysfunction — Patterns that disrupt society's normal operation.
- Conflict Theory — Paradigm focusing on competition and inequalities among groups.
- Symbolic Interactionism — Micro-focused paradigm on meaning created through social interaction.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare to learn how these paradigms inform sociological research in the next lecture.