Dominant Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key sociological paradigms, core theoretical concepts, and major founding theorists from the lecture material.

Macrolevel Paradigms

Theoretical perspectives concerned with large-scale patterns and institutions, which include structural functionalism and social conflict theory.

Microlevel Paradigm

A theoretical perspective concerned with small group social relations and interactions, represented by symbolic interactionism.

Structural Functionalism

A theory, also known as functionalism, that seeks to explain social organization and change in terms of the roles performed by different social structures, phenomena, and institutions.

Social Conflict Paradigm

A theory, also known as conflict theory, based on Karl Marx's ideas about class and power that seeks to explain social organization and change in terms of conflict built into social relations.

Symbolic Interactionism

A microlevel paradigm associated with Max Weber and George Herbert Mead that assumes the self is a social creation and social interaction occurs by means of symbols such as words, gestures, and adornments.

Emile Durkheim

A founding theorist of functionalism who observed that deviance exists in every society and argued it serves a social function by reinforcing social norms and reminding people of shared ideas about right and wrong.

Talcott Parsons

A functionalist sociologist who studied institutions like government, economy, and family, arguing that traditional complementary gender roles learned through socialization helped create stability in families and society.

Instrumental Role

In Talcott Parsons' analysis of traditional family gender roles, the rational and work-oriented role assigned to men through socialization.

Expressive Role

In Talcott Parsons' analysis of traditional family gender roles, the nurturing, sensitive, and emotional role assigned to women through socialization.

Robert K. Merton

A sociologist who refined functionalism by arguing that social institutions and behaviors can have both positive functions and dysfunctions, as well as manifest and latent functions.

Dysfunctions

Negative or harmful effects that social institutions and behaviors can have on society.

Manifest Functions

Obvious and intended effects of social institutions and behaviors.

Latent Functions

Unintended or unrecognized effects of social institutions and behaviors.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class in Karl Marx's conflict theory that benefits from capitalism.