Structural-Functionalism Theories

• Theories explain the different types of theories, differences between theories, and examples regarding theories
• Theories identify alignment and how theories view and shape social change
• Foundations for the Study of Social Change demonstrate an understanding of major theories, perspectives, and methodologies related to social change
• Outline and compare the key ideas of theories used to explain social change

Structural-Functionalism

• Society has a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals
• Society has parts, social institutions, patterns, and "beliefs and behaviors" that help meet the needs of society
• Examples consist of government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy which keep society running/functioning
• Social institutions exist because they serve a purpose in maintaining society
• Socialization consists of institutions like family and education which shape individual values, norms, and behaviors
• Regulation of Behavior consists of institutions such as law, government, and religion which establish rules
• Society is like a human body with parts like family, schools, and the government which work together to keep it stable
• Everything in society has a purpose, even things that seem unfair or negative
• Schools educate students in discipline and work habits in preparation for jobs

Conflict Theory

• Concerned with the inequities that exist in society
• Society is shaped by competition for power, resources, and status
• Different groups fight for control, and those in power create systems to keep their advantage
• Groups of opposing interests are in conflict
• The greatest of conflicts are between authority/command class and those without authority/community members
• Conflict occurs because two classes don't agree on something
• Areas of conflict include class struggles, race and gender inequalities, and political conflicts
• The gap between classes should be closed to ensure equality for everyone
• All should benefit from rules and laws
• Inequality exists because groups have more power than others
• Social change happens when the powerless fight back

Feminist Theory

• The belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes, and it is not "anti-men."
• It serves as a safe space for race, gender, sexuality, and ability
• Everyday things carry hidden race, sexes, sexuality, and ability biases
• Media and advertising may reinforce stereotypes about what sexes "should" be
• Social change comes from challenging unfair and unequal norms

Cognitive Theory

• Tries to explain human behavior by studying the mental processes involved when learning and understanding
• The brain gathers information through experiences, senses, and thoughts to make sense of the external world, making a sense of understanding and knowledge
• Cognitive processes determine people's attention, executive function, memory, emotion recognition, and emotional biases
• Neurons must connect to each other and deliver information to the different parts of the brain
• People process information, solve problems, and learn based on their mind
• Thoughts, perceptions, and mental development shape behavior
• The way people think about the world changes as new knowledge and experiences are gained
• Understanding how the brain works can improve education and mental health

Cultural Materialism

• Society's technology, environment, and economy shape its culture, social structures, and beliefs
• Material conditions shape how we behave to influence what we believe
• Hindu belief that cows are sacred is linked to their economic value through farming, milk, and dung fuel

Social Media

• Infrastructure consists of the rise of smartphones, Wi-Fi, and social media apps
• Structure occurs when texting, DMs, and posts replace face-to-face conversations while schools integrate online learning
• Superstructure consists of social status tied to likes and followers, and mental health concerns about screen time
• Real-world causes exist rather than just ideas or personal choices
• Traditions, laws, and institutions stick around because they help society function efficiently
• Religious food rules have started for health or environmental reasons
• New inventions change how people live and create new social behaviors
  • For example: Rise of smartphones and social media changed communication, friendships, and even mental health