Sociology Schools of Thought Overview

Schools of Thought in Sociology

• Functionalism: Views society as interconnected parts working together for stability. Key figures include Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.
• Conflict Theory: Focuses on power struggles and inequality (e.g., class, race, gender). Karl Marx is a key figure.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Examines individual interactions and the meaning people give to them. Key figures include Charles Cooley, George Herbert Mead, and Erving Goffman.
• Feminist Sociology: Explores gender inequality and patriarchy. Key figures include Dorothy Smith and Chandra Talpade Mohanty. Max Weber also studied how culture impacts economics.

Key Theorists

• Emile Durkheim: Studied social integration and how norms maintain order (Functionalism).
• Talcott Parsons: Developed theories on how institutions maintain social stability (Functionalism).
• Karl Marx: Emphasized class struggles and capitalism's role in inequality (Conflict Theory).
• C. Wright Mills: Introduced the Sociological Imagination—analyzing personal experience in relation to broader social forces.
• Dorothy Smith: Focused on feminist sociology and women's marginalization.
• Chandra Talpade Mohanty: Examined global feminist issues and intersectionality.
• Max Weber: Studied bureaucracy, authority, and cultural impacts on economics (e.g., Protestant ethic).
• Charles Cooley: Developed the "Looking Glass Self" theory, which explains self-concept as shaped by others' perceptions.
• George Herbert Mead: Studied self-development through social interaction and symbols.
• Erving Goffman: Examined roles, masks, and the "dramaturgical" approach to social interaction.

Types of Socialization

• Primary Socialization: Learning norms and values during early childhood (e.g., family teaching manners).
• Secondary Socialization: Adapting to societal norms in different settings (e.g., school, work).
• Anticipatory Socialization: Preparing for future roles (e.g., internships).
• Re-socialization: Learning new norms in a total institution (e.g., military training).

Norms and Laws

• Norm: Unwritten social expectations (e.g., saying "thank you").
• Law: Formal rules enforced by the legal system (e.g., traffic laws).

Social Influences

• Gender: Shapes expected behaviors for different identities (e.g., clothing choices).
• Culture: Shapes values, traditions, and worldviews (e.g., religious practices).
• Family: Provides primary socialization, teaching fundamental norms.
• Media: Exposes individuals to societal norms and ideals (e.g., body image).

Sociological Imagination

• Definition: Ability to connect personal experiences to broader social forces.
• Examples: Unemployment linked to economic downturns, mental health issues influenced by societal stigmas or access to healthcare.

Brain Games (Halo Effect & Conformity)

• Halo Effect: Judging someone based on a single positive trait (e.g., assuming attractiveness equates to competence).
• Conformity: Adjusting behavior to match group norms (e.g., dressing like peers).

Roles and Masks

• Roles: Socially expected behaviors associated with a status (e.g., a teacher's role as an educator).
• Masks: Personas adopted in social settings (e.g., politeness in customer service).
• Difficulty: Managing multiple roles or conflicting expectations (e.g., work-life balance).

This quiz explores major schools of thought in sociology, including Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, and Feminist Sociology. Key theorists such as Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Dorothy Smith are discussed, highlighting their contributions to the field. Test your understanding of these essential sociological perspectives and their implications.