Prescribed Reading - Social Change (Thomas, 2014) 3

Key Topics in Sociology

Foundations of Sociology

Chapter 1: Sociological Theory

• Introduction to the concept of sociological theory and its significance in understanding human behavior and societal structures.

• Exploration of three major theoretical perspectives:

  • Structural Functionalism: Focuses on the interdependence of social structures and their role in maintaining social order and stability. Each element of society serves a function that contributes to the overall harmony.

  • Conflict Theory: Emerges from the ideas of Karl Marx, emphasizing that society is characterized by conflicts arising from competing interests, primarily between different social classes. It highlights issues of power, inequality, and social change as a result of conflict.

  • Symbolic Interactionism: Centers on the daily interactions among individuals and the meanings they attach to those interactions. It emphasizes the role of symbols and language in creating social realities.

• Importance of understanding society through these diverse theoretical lenses, acknowledging that each perspective offers unique insights and contributes to a holistic understanding of social phenomena.

Research Methodology

Chapter 2: Research Methodology

• Discussion of the characteristics that define scientific research in sociology, including objectivity, reliability, and validity.

• Detailed steps in the research process:

  • Formulating Research Questions: The foundation of any sociological study, guiding the direction and focus of the research.

  • Selecting Research Methodology: Options include qualitative methods (interviews, participant observation) and quantitative methods (surveys, statistical analysis), each with its strengths and weaknesses.

  • Data Analysis: Techniques for assessing the collected data, determining trends, and deriving meaningful conclusions.

• Ethical considerations in research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the impact of the research on participants and society.

Social Change

Chapter 4: Social Change

• Comprehensive discussion on the concept of social change, defining it as shifts in societal norms, values, behaviors, and structures over time. This includes both gradual evolution and rapid revolutions, with relevance in contemporary society.

• Historical progression of societies: Analyzing the transition from pre-modern to modern contexts, examining factors like industrialization, urbanization, and globalization that significantly influenced societal transformations.

• Impact of socioeconomic factors on social structures and relationships: Exploring how economic conditions, class systems, and inequality shape interactions and societal roles.

• In-depth examination of classical sociological theories by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkheim related to social change, discussing their differing views on how societies evolve and the implications of economic and social transformations.

Social Theories Explored

Modernisation Theory

• An extensive framework explaining the transitions societies undergo due to industrial capitalism, highlighting the transformations in technology, economy, and culture.

• Emphasis on values such as achievement, individualism, and the role of education in facilitating development and enhancing economic productivity.

Dependency Theory

• Critique of modernisation theory that focuses on the exploitative relationships between developed and developing nations. It posits that resources flow from the periphery (undeveloped nations) to the core (developed nations), benefiting the latter while hindering the former's growth.

• The role of international economic systems and corporations in perpetuating underdevelopment and increasing inequality.

World-Systems Theory

• Comprehensive analysis of the global economy and the relationships between core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations.

• Exploration of how capitalism shapes social structures within a global context, encouraging unequal growth rates and dependence between nations.

Implications of Social Change

• Understanding concepts: Analyzing the social and political implications of changing dynamics, particularly in areas like South Africa where historical injustices interact with contemporary governance.

• Class Struggle: Insight into how social changes affect power relationships, class structures, and the ongoing struggles between different social groups.

• Discussion of contemporary issues (e.g., inequality, migration, social justice movements) in the light of historical social transformations and their roots.

Additional Key Features

• Connections between historical movements (e.g., Civil Rights Movement, Feminism) and modern phenomena, demonstrating how past struggles shape current societal norms and policies.

• Case studies illustrating the intersection of social theory and real-world examples, providing practical applications of theoretical concepts to enhance understanding.