Structural functionalism Conflict theory Contemporary sociological
Transcript of Structural functionalism Conflict theory Contemporary sociological
Structural functionalism Conflict theory
Symbolic Interactionism Postmodernism
Contemporary sociological
theories
Society is a complex
system composed of
various parts, like a living
organism.
All elements of a society
must work together in
order for society to run.
Social institutions play
key roles (functions) in
keeping society stable
(homeostasis).
Manifest functions are the intended and obvious
consequences of activities designed to help some
part of the social system.
Latent functions are the unintended, often
unrecognized, consequences of actions that help
the system.
Dysfunction & change: If an aspect of social life
does not contribute to society’s survival then it will
eventually disappear. If it has persisted, it must
serve a function.
Social order is the
result of conflict and
struggle, resulting in
inequality.
Karl Marx focused
on the relationship
between those who
own the means of
production and those
who do not.
Social institutions
legitimate the power
of some individuals
or groups over
others.
– 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 society as a whole
█ Humans viewed as living in a world of meaningful objects
Our access to the world is bounded by our language, our culture, and our social location.
Our behavior (including and especially symbolic interaction) maintainswhat we have learned through past experience, modifies the world to fit our reality, and creates a world consistent with our reality.
Nonverbal communication
Includes gestures, facial expressions, and postures
George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) - Regarded as founder of
interactionist perspective
I / Me
█ Erving Goffman (1922–1982)– Dramaturgical approach:
People seen as theatrical performers