W2 Sociological Perspective

Theory

A set of propositions intended to explain a fact or a phenomenon.

Positivist approaches

Focus on objective explanation and prediction, drawing a lot from natural sciences to understand objective truths in the social world.

Interpretive approaches

Focus on how people understand themselves and others, emphasizing subjective experiences and the influence of factors like status and relationships.

Critical approaches

Examine the role of power in shaping social relations of domination and subordination and aim to help the least advantaged in society.

Macro level

The sociological analysis of social structures and institutions, looking at big picture aspects like society, economy, and class divisions.

Micro level

The sociological analysis of individuals and groups, focusing on personal understandings and interactions.

Functionalism

A macro-level, positivist approach concerned with how social order is maintained, especially during societal change.

Manifest functions

Intended functions that a structure is meant to fulfill, such as education teaching skills and knowledge.

Latent functions

Unintended positive functions that arise from social structures, like the development of student social life.

Latent dysfunctions

Unintended negative functions that arise from social structures, such as impacts on student mental health.

Emile Durkheim

A key figure in the functionalist perspective who studied social facts and theorized on suicide relating to societal norms.

Anomie

A state that arises during rapid social change where traditional norms deteriorate and social control declines.

Conflict perspectives

Focus on the macro level and emphasize power dynamics and competition over scarce resources.

Karl Marx

A critic of capitalism who highlighted the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat and the concept of surplus value.

Symbolic interactionism

A micro-level approach focusing on how individuals create meaning through social interactions and shared symbols.

Erving Goffman

A theorist associated with symbolic interactionism who developed the concept of dramaturgy and impression management.

Feminist perspectives

A critical approach examining gender inequality and advocating for women's rights through both macro and micro lenses.

Postmodernism

Emerging after World War II, postmodern perspectives question grand narratives and focus on the fragmented nature of knowledge.

Michel Foucault

A key thinker in poststructuralism, he argued that power is expressed through discourse and that knowledge is historically produced.

Empirical research methods

The methods used to create verifiable knowledge in sociology, helping to ground theories and concepts.

Sociological imagination

The ability to perceive relationships between individual experiences and larger social forces.

Higher order thinking

Moving beyond basic understanding or application to analyzing, evaluating, and creating knowledge in sociology.