lesson 1 continued part 2

lesson 1 Part 2 : 

lesson 1 Part 2

THEORY : 

THEORY Functionalism Conflict Theory Symbolic Intercationism

Sociological Paradigms : 

Sociological Paradigms Another term for theoretical perspective. A general way of approaching a subject. A particular way of looking at something.

Paradigms : 

Paradigms It is not that one way is correct and the other is wrong. Instead, it is just a different focus. What holds a society together/provides cohesion? What causes problems within a society/tears a society apart? How do people interact within a society? Along with “change” these types of questions will be the focus of this class.

The Birth of Sociology : 

The Birth of Sociology Industrial Revolution (rural to urban) = changes in econ. system/family/education. Political change (classical liberals) French Revolution Societies going through a time of great change led to society as a subject of inquiry to be more of a focus.

Auguste Comte : 

Auguste Comte 1838 coined term “sociology” Three stages 1st – theological stage; society expressed God’s will 2nd – metaphysical stage; state of nature, society is formed by human nature 3rd – scientific; positivism, society operates according to certain laws – like other laws of nature

Functionalism : 

Functionalism Framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

Functionalism : 

Functionalism Talcott Parsons, Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer – early functionalists Saw society like a biological organism Different parts work together to promote stability Homeostasis/equilibrium – a tendency towards a balance Ex. Blindness/one institution not pulling its weight. Change tends towards a balance – what society needs to survive/function properly.

Slide 14: 

Family Religion Economy Government Education

Durkheim’s Functions of Religion : 

Durkheim’s Functions of Religion If something is so prevalent that we find it in all societies throughout time and place then it must have a function. 1. Disciplinary/preparatory function 2. Cohesive function 3. Revitalizing function 4. Euphoric function

Conflict Theory : 

Conflict Theory Framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. The focus is on power – who has it/who lacks it/ and how those that have power use it to keep others without. This power difference is at the root of inequalities and inevitably results in conflict which will often bring about desired change.

Early Conflict Theorist : 

Early Conflict Theorist Karl Marx – reaction against capitalism Concerned with change Conflict due to the economic superstructure Few had wealth and power, masses had only numbers False consciousness Religion – “opiate of the masses” “easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven”

Symbolic Interactionism : 

Symbolic Interactionism Framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals. The basic building block of society is the everyday interactions and experiences of individuals (face-to-face level). How do we interact with each other?

Interaction : 

Interaction Communication Verbal communication/nonverbal communication. We communicate through the use of our senses. Sound (lang., accent, vocab., pitch/volume). Sight (body lang./clothing ). Smell (can be strongly linked to memory). Taste/touch. We also communicate through the use of tech. (computer, phone, mail). One way communication (t.v., film, books, newspapers- mass media)

Perception : 

Perception How communication is interpreted (may be more important than intention). Bush as cross cultural example. “hook em’ horns” in Norway. “peace” in Australia. “o.k.” in S. Europe. Gerber baby food in Mexico.

C.H. Cooley : 

C.H. Cooley “looking-glass self”. I think I am who I think others think I am A sense of self comes through interacting with others. “I think”=perception plays a big role. Example – a child being told over and over that they are stupid.

C.H. Cooley : 

C.H. Cooley

Applying Theory : 

Applying Theory Pp. 19 – 22 The Sociology of Sports