SOCIOLOGY CHAPTER 4

Page 1: Introduction

• LINCOLN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

  • Course Code: FABC 2133

  • Topic: Social Structure

  • Instructor: Dr. Umasenan

  • Center for Foundation Studies

  • Copyright ©2013 Lincoln University College

Page 2: Objectives

• The student should be able to:

  • Identify Social Structure

  • Outline Social Structure

  • Describe Social Structure

  • Discuss Social Structure

Page 3: Definition of Social Structure

• Social Structure in Sociology:

  • Refers to organized patterns of relationships and institutions that shape society.

  • Influences individual behavior.

  • Includes hierarchies, norms, roles, and institutions governing social interactions.

Page 4: Key Elements of Social Structure

• Social Institutions:

  • Established structures that fulfill essential societal functions (e.g., family, education, religion, economy, government).

  • Each has specific roles and norms guiding behavior.

• Groups and Organizations:

  • Primary groups (family and friends) vs. secondary groups (colleagues, community organizations).

  • Influence socialization and identity.

• Social Roles:

  • Assigned based on characteristics such as age, gender, occupation, and social status.

  • Include expectations regarding behavior and responsibilities.

Page 5: More Key Elements of Social Structure

• Social Hierarchies:

  • Ranking of individuals/groups based on wealth, power, race, and prestige.

  • Affect access to resources and opportunities.

• Norms and Values:

  • Norms govern behavior; values guide these norms.

  • Maintain social order through shared expectations.

• Social Networks:

  • Webs of relationships influencing access to information, resources, and support.

Page 6: Importance of Understanding Social Structure

• Essential for analyzing individual and group behavior, social change, and overall societal functioning.

• Highlights the interconnectedness of social elements shaping human experience.

Page 7: Levels of Social Analysis

• Different scales for studying social phenomena.

  • Help researchers understand complexities of social structures, interactions, and relationships.

Page 8: Micro-Level Analysis

• Focus:

  • Small-scale, face-to-face interactions between individuals or small groups.

  • Examines social behavior, socialization, and relationships in intimate settings.

  • Associated with social psychology and symbolic interactionism.

Page 9: Meso-Level Analysis

• Focus:

  • Social structures and institutions at the intermediate level (organizations, communities, networks).

  • Examines how relationships shape and are shaped by these structures.

  • Useful in studying social movements and community development.

Page 10: Macro-Level Analysis

• Focus:

  • Large-scale social structures such as societies or nations.

  • Examines broader patterns and trends shaping social life (economic systems, political institutions).

  • Associated with structural functionalism and conflict theory.

Page 11: Global-Level Analysis

• Focus:

  • Social phenomena at a global level (international relations, global economic systems).

  • Explores how global processes shape local contexts.

  • Useful in studying globalization and human rights.

Page 12: Importance of Understanding Levels of Analysis

• Essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena.

• Helps identify relationships between analysis levels and recognize complexities of structures.

• Informs policy and practice addressing social issues.

Page 13: Comprehensive Understanding of Social World

• Considering multiple levels provides insights into social dynamics and helps develop effective solutions to social problems.

Page 14: Concept of Social Class

• Definition:

  • Ranking of individuals/groups based on economic status, occupation, power, and resources.

  • Often used interchangeably with 'status' and 'position.'

Page 15: Components of Social Class

• Wealth: Financial assets (savings, investments).

• Income: Earnings from employment or investments.

• Occupation: Type of work and its prestige level.

• Education: Level of formal education linked to job access and social mobility.

• Power: Ability to influence decision-making and control resources.

Page 16: Theories of Social Class

• Marxist Theory:

  • Views class based on production ownership and exploitation.

• Weberian Theory:

  • Multidimensional view of class focusing on wealth, income, education, and power.

• Veblen's Theory:

  • Focuses on conspicuous consumption as means to display wealth and status.

Page 17: Types of Social Classes

• Upper Class: High wealth, power, and prestige (e.g., executives, politicians).

• Middle Class: Moderate wealth and occupation (e.g., professionals).

• Working Class: Low wealth and education (e.g., blue-collar workers).

• Lower Class: Very low wealth, poorly educated (e.g., unemployed, homeless).

Page 18: Social Mobility

• Definition:

  • Ability to move up/down the social class ladder.

  • Influenced by factors like education and social connections.

Page 19: Concept of Social Status

• Definition:

  • Refers to the position/rank of an individual or group within a hierarchy.

  • Associated with privileges, rights, and expectations in society.

Page 20: Ascribed Status

• Definition:

  • Status assigned at birth or involuntarily acquired.

• Characteristics: Fixed, influences opportunities, e.g., being born into nobility.

Page 21: Achieved Status

• Definition:

  • Earned through choices, actions, and accomplishments.

• Characteristics: More fluid, reflects personal merit (e.g., becoming a doctor).

Page 22: Key Aspects of Social Status

• Social Stratification:

  • Key component impacting access to resources.

• Influence on Life Experiences:

  • Affects interactions, self-perception, and societal perception.

Page 23: Role of Status in Society

• Influences individual interactions and relationships.

• Affects self-perception and perception by others.

Page 24: Status Symbols

• Definition: Material signs indicating social status (e.g., luxury goods).

• Reinforce social hierarchies and belonging.

Page 25: Status Inconsistency

• Definition: Occurs when an individual holds differing statuses that confer various prestige levels.

• Can cause social tension due to perceived discrepancies.

Page 26: Impact on Identity

• Social status shapes identity, self-esteem, and worldview.

• Individuals navigate statuses leading to behaviors aimed at maintaining perceived position.

Page 27: Understanding Social Status

• Essential for grasping how hierarchies form and sustain social inequalities.

Page 28: Roles Gap Definition

• Refers to discrepancies between expected behaviors and actual behaviors in social roles.

Page 29: Role Expectations vs. Role Performance

• Gap may arise when societal expectations differ from actual role behaviors.

Page 30: Inter-role Conflict

• Arises when competing demands from different roles create tension (e.g., parent vs. employee).

Page 31: Gender Roles

• Discrepancies regarding expectations for men vs. women in various contexts can create a roles gap.

Page 32: Generational Roles

• Different generations may hold varying expectations about roles, creating gaps in understanding and fulfillment.

Page 33: Socioeconomic Factors

• Economic conditions can lead to a gap between aspirations and achievable roles.

Page 34: Cultural Context

• Cultural expectations may not align with an individual's lived experience, leading to roles gap.

Page 35: Implications of Roles Gap

• Personal Identity: Confusion about identity when gaps exist between expected and actual roles.

• Social Dynamics: Can lead to misunderstandings and tensions in relationships.

• Mental Health: Stress from bridging the roles gap can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Page 36: Conclusion on Roles Gap

• Highlights significant dynamics involving societal expectations and individual behaviors in social roles.

Page 37: Definition of Social Institution

• A complex set of beliefs, norms, and practices fulfilling fundamental functions for society.

• Shapes individual behavior and interactions.

Page 38: Reiteration of Social Institution Definition

• Functions similarly in creating structures and expectations for social life.

Page 39: Major Social Institutions

• Family: Responsible for socializing children, providing support, and regulating reproduction.

• Education: Transmits knowledge, prepares individuals for participation in society.

Page 40: More Major Social Institutions

• Religion: Guides moral behavior and fosters community.

• Economy: Influences wealth distribution and work patterns.

Page 41: Additional Social Institutions

• Government: Creates/enforcing laws, maintaining order, and providing services.

• Healthcare: Offers medical services and reflects values regarding health access.

Page 42: Media as a Social Institution

• Shapes public opinion and cultural norms through disseminating information.

Page 43: Importance of Social Institutions

• Contribute to social order and stability through established norms.

• Foster social integration and can facilitate social change.

Page 44: Function of Social Institutions

• Fundamental for understanding societal functioning and behavior.

Page 45: Definition of Societies

• Complex systems of individuals sharing culture, history, geography, and structures.

Page 46: Types of Societies

• Hunting Societies: Subsistence based on hunting/gathering.

Page 47: Pastoral and Agricultural Societies

• Pastoral Societies: Reliant on livestock herding and breeding.

• Agricultural Societies: Focused on crop cultivation and animal domestication.

Page 48: Industrial and Post-Industrial Societies

• Industrial Society: Characterized by machinery and technology in production.

• Post-Industrial Society: Focused on information, services, and technology over production.

Page 49: Other Types of Societies

• Feudal Societies: Hierarchical with concentrated power among nobles.

• Traditional Societies: Upheld customs with limited mobility/change.

Page 50: Global and Virtual Societies

• Global Societies: Relationships across national borders influenced by globalization.

• Virtual Societies: Online communities and networks merging physical and digital worlds.

Page 51: Characteristics of Societies

• Cultural Complexity: Includes language, customs, values, and norms.

• Social Hierarchy: Varying levels of power among individuals.

Page 52: Power Dynamics and Social Change

• Societies exhibit varying power dynamics influencing action and movements.

• Subject to change due to technological advancements and social movements.

Page 53: Importance of Understanding Societies

• Fundamental for analyzing social phenomena, contributing to comprehension of individual behaviors.

Page 54: References

• Macionis, J. J. 2013. Sociology, 15th edition, Pearson, USA.

• Andersen, M.L., Taylor, H. F. 2012. Sociology: The Essentials, 7th edition, Cengage Learning, U.K.

• Henslin, J.M. 2014. Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 11th edition, Pearson, UK.

• Macionis, J. J. 2013. Sociology: A Global Introduction, Pearson Education, UK.

• Ritzer, G. 2012. Sociological Theory, Tata McGraw Hill Education, USA.

• Online Source: https://deepai.org/chat/free-chatgpt

Page 55: Conclusion

• Thank you for your attention and inquiry.