Theory and Theoretical Paradigms: Ehhh?

• What’s a “paradigm” and why use that word???• Theory: statement of how 2+ facts are related• We can USE theory to understand how things

remain “orderly,” why there is change, why there is inequality, etc.!

• We use both macro- (society as a whole) and micro-level (face-to-face interactions) theories

Let’s break down these words

• Macro

• Micro

• Functionalism

• Symbolic Interactionism

• Conflict Theory

Structural-Functional Paradigm:

• Macro level of analysis• Like the human body or a machine, society is a

joint effort of many institutions working together for the solidarity and stability of the whole (Herbert Spencer)

• Social structures (family, education, religion, government, work, medicine) have social “functions,” meaning they contribute to the operation of society as a whole

“Order” and “Change” in Functionalism:

• Order is maintained by group consensus, shared values, and rituals that promote social solidarity

• With slow change, institutions adapt to restore order

• Social problems may arise when rapid social change results in social disorganization or social dysfunction

Dramatic representation:

Functionalism’s Downfall?

• William Graham Sumner: Applying Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” to society, believed that we should not intervene to eliminate inequalities in society. Those “on top” deserved to be there, and it was dangerous to change the prevailing social order”

• Because of it’s focus on order and stability, what does this perspective ignore?

Conflict Paradigm:

• Macro-level of analysis• Views society as in constant conflict and struggle

over scarce social and economic resources resulting in inequality

• Asks “who benefits from this situation”• Views society as divided between the “haves” and

the “have nots”• The “haves” construct society and social

institutions to maintain their advantage

“Order” and “Change” in the Conflict Perspective

• Order is the result of power and coercion by those in charge

• Struggle and competition for economic and social resources creates change

• Social problems result from conflicting values, and largely from oppression on the basis of class, race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, ability, etc.

Dramatic Representation- Marx

Karl Marx (Conflict Perspective)

• Capitalism is the root of all conflict in society! It creates a class of owners (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat), resulting in the exploitation of the working class

• Class struggles create an “us versus them” mentality by dividing the world into the “haves” and the “have nots”!

• Religion is “the opium of the people” preventing a proletariat revolution

Max Weber (Conflict Perspective)

• Built on the ideas of Marx, saying that we must look at economics (wealth), power, and prestige (as well as culture) to understand social problems and inequality

• Additionally, he felt that ideas, values, and thought systems affected economic development– “Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”

as an example

Dramatic Representation-Weber

Other types of Conflict:

• Feminist Theory: Fills the holes left by Marx to understand inequality between men and women

• Multicultural theory: Examine society in terms of racial and ethnic inequality

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective:

• Micro level interactions• Individual behavior is based on the symbols and

shared meanings we learn- in other words, on what we “believe” not just what is objectively true

• So…society is “socially constructed” through human interaction, and symbols change through these interactions

• We learn these symbols during interactions with other individuals and groups

“Order” for Symbolic Interactionists:

• Social interaction and shared beliefs (subjective) create order

• Change results from changing belief systems and ever-changing interactions

Why do we have inequality?

• Functionalism: It is functional! “Someone has to do those jobs…”

• Conflict Theory: It is the result of struggle over resources

• Symbolic Interaction: It results from the socially constructed meanings or symbols we create

Weaknesses?

• Functionalism: Hard time explaining change (since it it a dysfunction); is a conservative view that downplays inequality between groups (defends the status quo)

• Conflict: Overlooks cohesion and stability, and improvement in some social problems

• Interactionist: Reminds us that individuals create social structure, but too subjective in interpretation and is not a good explanation of inequality (ignoring the effect of larger social structures and culture)

How do you choose???

• Theoretical approach may change somewhat depending on the type of question or problem you are studying

• Use more than one approach to achieve the best picture of the problem or issue

To test what we’ve learned

• Answer choices are functionalism, symbolic interactionism, or conflict theory):– Which sociological approach focuses on the

inequality that exists between different groups?– Which sociological perspective would be most

likely to state that our education system satisfies certain basic social needs crucial to the functioning of our society?

To test what we’ve learned:

• How could you use each of the three theoretical perspectives to explain the criminalization of drugs in society?

Conflict perspective on Deviance:

• The wealthy, big business, and select government leaders determine the law!

• The law:– Protects and keeps the powerful in power– Prevents rebellion using arrest and imprisonment– Keeps the focus of the criminal justice system off of the

rich (WHITE COLLAR CRIME) and on the working class

• Occasional publicity of white collar crime (Martha!) gives the illusion of fairness in the criminal justice system

Symbolic Interactionist explanations of Deviance:

• Differential association vs. Labeling theory

– Which is best for “Hooked: Illegal Drugs”?

Functionalism and Deviance:

• Durkheim: Deviance creates social order by clarifying moral boundaries and norms, promoting social unity, promoting social change (e.g., civil rights movement)

• To stop dysfunction from occurring?• To provide jobs in what institutions?