Sociological Theories Flashcards

Structural Functionalism

• Society functions as an interconnected system where each part contributes to maintaining stability.
• Spencer proposed that society operates like body parts, introducing concepts of Social Darwinism.
• Durkheim emphasized social integration and "organic solidarity" through division of labor, identified the concept of anomie, and is known as the Father of Structural Functionalism.
• Parsons contributed to the theory in the 1950s by promoting social order and the importance of structures and functions.
• Merton distinguished between manifest functions (recognized/intended), latent functions (unrecognized/unintended), and dysfunctions (undesirable consequences).

Critique of Structural Functionalism

• Overlooks variations, social inequality, conflicts, and societal change.
• Criticized for being too general and macro, often blaming individuals for societal issues and having a conservative bias.

Conflict Theory

• A macro perspective that highlights competition among different groups for unequal power and resources.
• Emphasizes inequality and attributes societal problems to the power elite.
• Marx criticized capitalism, advocated for economic equality, and envisioned a classless society, focusing on class conflict.
• W.E.B. DuBois, a non-Marxist theorist, concentrated on social conflict, racism, and the pursuit of racial equality.
• Jane Addams, also a non-Marxist, was involved with the Chicago School and the settlement house movement, addressing poverty.

Critique of Conflict Theory

• This theory minimizes the importance of interdependence, stability, and shared values.
• Considered too focused on economic factors and overly macro, with a tendency to blame society as a whole.

Symbolic Interactionism

• A micro-level theoretical approach that posits society is created through individual interactions and shared meanings.
• Emphasizes subjective interpretations, symbols, and the importance of face-to-face interactions.
• Weber questioned norms and studied political-economy, while also exploring people's values for a deeper understanding (verstehen) of society.
• The Chicago School examined real-world contexts to meet human needs through sociological research.
• Cooley's work focused on identity formation through others' perceptions.
• Mead traced the development of the self and personality through social experiences and emphasized language as a symbol.
• Blumer argued that individuals learn behavior through their interpretations and interactions.

Critique of Symbolic Interactionism

• Criticized for ignoring macro-level social structures and broader societal factors.