Social Structure Unit 2 Professor Boeri Intro
Unit One Recap
The first unit focused on understanding sociology as a distinct discipline among social sciences.
Key concepts included the sociological imagination, which connects individual experiences to public issues, suggesting personal troubles may be rooted in societal structures.
Social construction was discussed, emphasizing how societal contexts shape our perceptions of concepts such as race and gender.
Introduction to Unit Two
Unit Two marks the transition into examining social structures.
Social structure refers to the organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape society, influencing daily behaviors and interactions.
Key institutions to be studied include family, education, and economy.
This unit will explore two major theoretical paradigms: functionalism and conflict theory.
Forces Shaping Social Structures
The first aspect of social structure involves recognizing the forces that shape them, analyzed through functionalism and conflict theory.
Functionalism views society as an interconnected system where all parts function together to promote stability and cohesion.
Conflict theory, in contrast, highlights the existence of competition and conflict, focusing on the struggles between different social groups, particularly the bourgeoisie (capitalists) and proletariat (working class).
Overview of Upcoming Modules
Module Three will introduce the main sociological paradigms: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
The focus for the next two weeks will be primarily on functionalism and conflict theory to deepen understanding of these frameworks.
Continued discussion of symbolic interactionism will occur later, as it connects with the social construction concepts previously explored.
Weekly Focus: Week Four
Content for week four will evaluate social paradigms, explaining how each perspective interprets societal structure.
The first video will introduce the three paradigms, emphasizing their distinct approaches to analyzing social behavior.
Functionalism: Emphasizes interdependence and cohesion.
Conflict theory: Centers on competition and social inequalities.
Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on individual interactions, contributing to societal constructs.
Students will learn about structural functionalism, referencing Émile Durkheim’s views, particularly regarding crime as playing a positive social function, contributing to societal balance.
Learning Objectives for Week Four
Review key terminologies related to sociological paradigms.
Watch the introductory video on major sociological perspectives.
Read excerpts from Durkheim’s works on the social function of crime, emphasizing its role in maintaining social order.
Assessments and Discussions
After the reading assignment, students will participate in a discussion board focusing on Durkheim's arguments about crime functioning as a normal aspect of society.
Key points for discussion:
How crime maintains social order.
Examples of crime fulfilling social functions today.
Connection between Durkheim’s views and structural functionalism.
Limitations of this perspective in explaining all aspects of the criminal justice system.
Responses to peers will require thoughtful engagement and analysis, aimed at deepening understanding of these theories.
Additional Resources and Feedback
Weekly resources will include key term videos and reading assignments.
An optional feedback survey will provide insights into student experiences midway through the semester, with potential extra credit incentives for high participation.
Future assignments will focus on applying theoretical concepts to contemporary issues within sociology.