Untitled Flashcards Set

Paradigm

A set of concepts and theories that frame your perspective on a certain topic, including fundamental assumptions about the social world.

Structural functionalism

Assumes that society is a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and social order, often likened to an organism.

Conflict perspectives

A sociological paradigm that views social life as a competition and focuses on the struggles for power and resources.

Symbolic interactionism

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the importance of symbols and language in creating social life.

Functional imperatives by Parsons (AGIL)

A framework for understanding the necessary functions of society, including Adaptation, Goal attainment, Integration, and Latency.

Davis and Moore's functional theory of stratification

The theory that inequality and stratification are universal and necessary in society.

Merton's critique of structural functionalism

Addressed the limitations of structural functionalism while remaining within the paradigm, introducing concepts like dysfunction, non-function, and latent and manifest functions.