L1:PERSPECTIVES IN THE STUDY OF GLOBALIZATION

sociological imagination

The concept of "______" was introduced by sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959.

sociological imagination

n other words, it is the capacity to recognize how individual lives are shaped by broader social realities.

sociological imagination

It refers to the ability to see and understand the connections between personal experiences and larger social forces and structures.

C. Wright Mills;1959

The concept of "sociological imagination" was introduced by sociologist ____ in

sociological imagination

encourages individuals to look beyond their own personal circumstances and consider how social, historical, economic, and cultural factors influence their lives and the lives of others.

sociological imagination

It emphasizes that personal troubles are often connected to wider public issues, and by understanding these connections, people can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them

look beyond their own personal circumstances

sociological imagination encourages individuals to ________ and consider how social, historical, economic, and cultural factors influence their lives and the lives of others

personal troubles are often connected to wider public issues

sociological imagination emphasizes that _____, and by understanding these connections, people can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them

sociological imagination

Invites people to think critically about the interplay between personal experiences and societal contexts, fostering a broader and more informed perspective on social issues.

Structural functionalism

is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system composed of various interconnected parts, each with its own specific function.

Structural functionalism

This perspective emphasizes the role of these parts in maintaining social stability and equilibrium.

Structural functionalism

Developed by scholars like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons

Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons

Structural functionalism is Developed by scholars like

Structural functionalism

provides insights into how different aspects of society work together to fulfill essential functions.

Structural functionalism

focuses on the idea that societies are held together by shared norms, values, and institutions. These elements work collaboratively to maintain social order and stability

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

The perspective asserts that every aspect of society has a specific function or purpose

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

Institutions, roles, and norms exist because they contribute to the overall functioning and balance of society

Interdependent

Different parts of society are

FUNCTIONAL INTERDEPENDENCE

Just as the organs of a body work together to ensure its proper functioning various institutions and social structures collaborate to meet the needs of society as a whole

equilibrium or balance

Societies strive for

EQUILIBRIUM AND ADAPTATION

When disruptions occur, mechanisms are set in motion to restore stability

EQUILIBRIUM AND ADAPTATION

This might involve adjustments within various parts of society to adapt to changing circumstances

Structural functionalism

emphasizes the importance of social integration and cohesion.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION

Structural functionalism emphasizes the importance of social integration and cohesion.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION

Individuals are bound together by shared values and norms, leading to a sense of belonging and solidarity

SOCIAL CHANGE

While structural functionalism tends to highlight the stabilizing aspects of society, it acknowledges that change is inevitable

SOCIAL CHANGE

Change usually occurs gradually, with adjustments made to maintain equilibrium and ensure that the system remains functional

CRITIQUE AND LIMITATION

Critics argue that structural functionalism can sometimes oversimplify the complexities of society and overlook conflicts and inequalities.

CRITIQUE AND LIMITATION

It might also be less effective in explaining rapid and transformative societal changes

CRITIQUE AND LIMITATION

The perspective often assumes a high level of consensus and order in society, which might not accurately reflect situations of social conflict and power imbalances

Conflict theory

is a major perspective within sociology that emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and competition in shaping social structures and relationships .

Conflict theory

It views society as being characterized by ongoing struggles between different groups and individuals who have conflicting interests

Inequality and Power

Conflict theory asserts that societies are inherently unequal due to the distribution of power, resources, and opportunities among different groups.

Inequality and Power

This inequality is not just a natural outcome but is often maintained and perpetuated by those in power to protect their interests

dominant and subordinate groups

Conflict theory highlights the division of society into

Dominant groups

hold power and resources

Subordinate Groups

often face oppression and lack access to these resources

Dominant vs. Subordinate Groups

The struggles between these groups shape social dynamics.

Struggle for Resources

According to conflict theory, there is a continuous competition among various groups for limited resources such as wealth, jobs, education, and social status.

Struggle for Resources

This competition can lead to conflict and tension between groups.

Social Change

Conflict theorists argue that _____ occurs primarily as a result of conflicts between different groups rather than through gradual, consensus driven processes.

Social Change

These conflicts may lead to revolutions, reforms, or structural changes in society.

Structural Inequities

Conflict theory emphasizes how social institutions (such as education, government, and the economy) can reinforce inequality.

Conflict theory

emphasizes how social institutions (such as education, government, and the economy) can reinforce inequality.

Structural Inequities

These institutions are often controlled by the dominant groups and can be used to maintain their advantage while suppressing the subordinate groups

Class Struggle

A central theme in conflict theory, inspired by Marx, is the idea of

bourgeoisie

proletariat

Marx believed that society is divided into two main classes

proletariat

working class

bourgeoisie

owners of the means of production

bourgeoisie and proletariat

The struggle between these classes drives historical change and societal development.

ideology

Conflict theorists also discuss how the dominant groups maintain their power through ____ which is a set of beliefs and values that justifies the existing social order

false consciousness

the concept of "_____" suggests that members of subordinate groups may adopt the ideology of the dominant group, thus unwittingly perpetuating their own oppression

Critical Analysis

Conflict theory encourages _____ of society, challenging mainstream perspectives and shedding light on hidden power dynamics.

Critical Analysis

It encourages researchers to examine issues related to class, race, gender, and other forms of social inequality

Symbolic interactionism

is a sociological theory that focuses on the ways in which individuals create and interpret symbols and meanings in their interactions with each other.

Symbolic interactionism

This perspective emphasizes the significance of symbols, language, and communication in shaping human behavior and the construction of social reality

George Herbert Mead, Charles Cooley, and Herbert Blumer

Symbolic interactionism was developed by scholars such as

Symbolic interactionism

emphasizes that human behavior is not simply a response to external stimuli but is mediated by the meanings individuals attach to those stimuli

Symbols

which can be words, gestures, objects, or concepts, are central to this process

Interaction and Communication

The theory highlights the importance of social interactions and communication in shaping individuals' understanding of the world

Interaction and Communication

People constantly engage in symbolic interactions through communication, and these interactions help them construct their social reality

Symbolic interactionism

suggests that reality is not objective and fixed; rather, it is socially constructed through the meanings attributed to symbols.

Social Construction of Reality

Different people can interpret the same symbol differently, leading to variations in how they perceive and understand reality

Role Taking

Symbolic interactionists propose the idea of role-taking, which involves mentally stepping into the perspectives of others to understand how they view a situation.

Role Taking

This process helps individuals anticipate responses and adjust their behavior accordingly

Socialization

Symbolic interactionism provides insights into how individuals learn and internalize societal norms, values, and roles through interactions with family, peers, and other significant figures

Agency and Choice

Symbolic interactionism acknowledges that individuals have agency— the ability to make choices and act intentionally.

Agency and Choice

People are not just passive recipients of societal influences but actively engage in constructing their social reality.

symbolic interactionism

Critics of _____ argue that it might not fully address macro-level social phenomena and structural influences on behavior

symbolic interactionism

It can also be challenging to generalize findings across different contexts due to its emphasis on unique individual experiences.

symbolic interactionism

offers valuable insights into how people create meaning and navigate their social world through symbolic communication.

symbolic interactionism

It is particularly useful for understanding the complexities of interpersonal relationships, identity formation, and the role of language and symbols in shaping human behavior