SOC Week 3- Theoretical Perspectives

Theoretical perspectives

a way to think about and analyze society and its components.

Functionalism (Macro)

framework where society is viewed as a complex system made of interrelated parts working together to promote societal balance

Whose ideas formed functionalism?

Auguste Comte, Hebert Spencer, and Emile Durkheim.

What are some criticisms of functionalism?

It does not welcome change and disregards inequity. It can also interpret harmful things as having positive societal functions

Name the key focal points of functionalism

Order, balance, harmony, stability, equilibrium, cooperation, and unity

Manifest functions

intended actions helping a social system

Latent functions

unintended actions helping a social system adjust

Dysfunctions

harmful contributions to society

Latent dysfunctions

unintended consequences harming a social system

Conflict theory/perspective (macro)

framework in which society is composed of groups competing for scarce resources

Whose ideas form the basis of conflict theory?

Karl Marx and Max Weber

What does conflict theory analyze?

Conflict theory focuses on inequity present within groups and levels in society, and advocates for social change

Symbolic interactionism (micro)

a framework analyzing the interactions between individuals and how they establish meaning through symbols.

Whose ideas formed the basis of symbolic interactionism?

Max Weber

What are some criticisms of symbolic interactionism?

Relies on qualitative methods and lacks empirical data

Does not identify systemic issues

Can be subjective, limited perspective

Negotiated interaction (symbolic interactionism)

misinterpretation of symbols with multiple meanings

Social construction of reality (symbolic interactionism)

subjective interpretations of interactions that influence our reality

Dramaturgy

a framework in which interaction is viewed as a theatrical performance

What other perspectives developed from symbolic interactionism?

Dramaturgy, ethnomethodology, and social exchange theory

Impression management (dramaturgy)

people’s efforts to control the impressions others form of them

Front stage (dramaturgy)

places where we perform our assigned roles

Back stage (dramaturgy)

places where people take a break from their roles and performances

Role performance

the way in which someone plays a role, showing a particular style

Role conflict

Conflict between roles due to incompatible expectations in each

Role strain

conflict someone feels within a role

Sign vehicles

Ways people communicate info about themselves.

1- Social setting

2 -Appearance

3- Manner

Ethnomethodology

the study of how people use commonsense understandings to make sense of life

Social exchange theory

rational analysis performed by individuals interacting with one another