Questions and Answers
What are paradigms?
What are theoretical paradigms?
The fundamental assumptions sociologists have about the social world that guide their thinking and research.
Why do sociologists need theoretical paradigms?
Because the raw facts don't interpret themselves; they need models to help evaluate them.
Why do sociologists need multiple theoretical paradigms?
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If there can be multiple interpretations for the same data, how is sociology a science?
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What is a major source of diversity in sociological perspectives?
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What does macro refer to in sociology?
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What does micro refer to in sociology?
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Are macro and micro questions isolated from each other?
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What is structural functionalism?
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Who was Emile Durkheim?
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What are social structures?
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What are social functions?
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Two kinds of social functions are ___ and ___?
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What are manifest social functions?
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What are latent social functions?
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What is social dysfunction?
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What are shortcomings of structural functionalism?
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What is conflict theory?
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What is class conflict?
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Who was Karl Marx?
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What is race conflict theory?
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Who was W.E.B. Du Bois?
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What is gender conflict theory?
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What are the shortcomings of conflict theory?
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What is symbolic interactionism?
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Who was Max Weber?
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Study Notes
Major Sociological Paradigms
- Paradigms are models or sets of concepts and theories that shape perspectives on societal issues.
- Theoretical paradigms consist of fundamental assumptions guiding sociologists in their research and thinking.
- Raw data requires interpretation through theoretical models, as facts do not interpret themselves.
Importance of Multiple Paradigms
- Different theoretical paradigms are necessary for various situations and questions, allowing a broader understanding of social phenomena.
- All scientific disciplines make assumptions and utilize different perspectives based on the questions posed, sociology included.
- The diversity in sociological perspectives arises from the examination of social behaviors at multiple scales, necessitating different models to comprehend various phenomena.
Scale of Analysis
- Macro-level analysis refers to large-scale social phenomena, such as the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
- Micro-level analysis concerns small-scale interactions and behaviors, for example, communication differences among doctors and patients of different races.
- Macro and micro questions are interconnected; understanding micro-level behaviors can elucidate macro-level trends.
Structural Functionalism
- This paradigm views society as a complex system where various parts work together to maintain stability and social order, primarily focusing on macro-level structures.
- Emile Durkheim, the father of Structural Functionalism, compared society to an organism with interdependent parts, where dysfunction arises from deviations in normal operation.
- Social structures represent stable elements within society, while social functions are the roles these structures perform, like families socializing children.
- Social functions are classified as manifest (intended consequences) and latent (unrecognized consequences).
- Social dysfunction refers to patterns that disrupt society's operation.
- Structural Functionalism has shortcomings, as it struggles to explain societal change and may misinterpret negative outcomes as beneficial due to its functionalist perspective.
Conflict Theory
- Conflict Theory sees society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources, with change viewed as essential and highlighting sources of inequality and conflict, mainly on a macro level.
- Class conflict arises from the power dynamics between different social classes, founded on the means of production.
- Karl Marx is a key figure in conflict theory, focusing on the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers).
- Race Conflict Theory addresses social inequality caused by conflicts among racial and ethnic groups, with W.E.B. DuBois as its founder.
- Gender Conflict Theory identifies social inequality as a result of conflicts between men and women.
- Conflict Theory's limitation is that it primarily addresses macro-level issues, often neglecting micro-level interactions.
Symbolic Interactionism
- Symbolic Interactionism posits that society is formed through everyday social interactions, emphasizing the shared realities developed via these interactions, primarily addressing micro-level questions.
- Max Weber, a significant figure in this paradigm, contributed to understanding social actions and meanings in society.
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Test your knowledge of major sociological paradigms with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts and definitions that are essential for understanding theoretical frameworks in sociology. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their learning.