Set of statements that seeks toexplain problems, actions or behavior Theories are not final

statements about human behavior

Effective theories have explanatory and predictive power

Dualism and Dichotomy:1. Conflict vs Consensus2. Agency vs Structures3. Subjectivism vs Objectivism

Middle ground:Agency-structure

integrationMacro-micro sociology

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█ Functionalist perspective█ Conflict perspective

█ Interactionist perspective

Emphasizes the way parts of a societyare structured to maintain its

stability

– Talcott Parsons (1902–1972)

• Viewed society as vast network of connected parts

• Each helps maintain the system as a whole

– Manifest functions: Institutions are open,stated, conscious functions that involve intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of societyLatent functions: Unconscious or unintended functions that may reflect hidden purposes of an institutionDysfunctions: Elements or processes of society that may disrupt asocial system or reduce its stability

–

–

Assumes social behavior bestunderstood in terms of conflict orbetween competing groups

tension

█ The Marxist view: Conflict is partof everyday life in all societies– Conflict theorists are interested in

how institutions may help maintain privileges of some groups and keep others subservient

█ The Feminist view– Sees inequality in gender as

central to all behavior and organization– Often allied with conflict theory– Proponents tend to focus on macro level

– Broadened social behavior by extending analysis beyond male point of view

█ Generalizes about everyday forms of

social interaction to explain societyas a whole– Humans viewed as living in a world of

meaningful objectsNonverbal communication:

Includes gestures, facial expressions, and postures

George Herbert Mead(1863–1931)

– Regarded as founder of interactionist perspective

Erving Goffman (1922–1982)

– Dramaturgical approach: People seen as theatrical performers

Functionalist

Conflict

lnteractionist

View of Society

Stable, well integrated

Characterized by tensionstruggle between groups

Macro

and

Active in influencing and affectingeveryday social interaction

Micro, as a way of understanding the larger macro phenomena

Level of AnalysisEmphasized

Macro

Key Concepts

Manifest IunctionsLatent functionsDysfunctions

People are socia I ized to pertorm societal functions

lnequalifyCapitalismStratification

People are shaped by power, coercion, and authorify

SymbolsNonverbal communicationFace-to-face interaction

People manipulate symbols and create their social worlds through interaction

View of theIndividualView of the SocialOrder

Maintained through cooperationand consensus

Maintained through force andcoercion

Maintained by sharedunderstanding of everyday behavior

Reflected in people's social positions and their communications with others

View of Socia IChange

Predictable, reinforcing

Change takes place all thetime and may have positive consequencesExa

mplePublic punishmentsthe social order

reinforce

Laws reinforce the positionsthose in power

of

People respect laws or disobeythem based on their own past experience

George Herbert Mead Charles Horton Cooley Erving Goffman

Proponents

Emile DurkheimTalcott ParsonsRobert Merton

Karl MarxW. E. B. Du BoisIda Wells-Barnett

Gain broadest understanding ofsociety by drawing on all major perspectives, noting where theyoverlap or diverge

– Each perspective offers unique insights into the same issue

Researcher’s work always guidedby his or her theoretical viewpoint

█ Theory in Practice

█ Research Today█ Thinking Globally

– Globalization: Worldwide integration of government policies, cultures, social movements, and financial markets through trade and the exchange of ideas