Sociological

Theory

Theory??
A

set of assumptions, propositions, or accepted

facts that attempts to provide a plausible or
rational explanation of cause-and-effect (causal)
relationships among a group of observed
phenomenon. The word's origin (from the Greek
thors, a spectator), stresses the fact that all
theories are mental models of the perceived
reality.
A supposition or a system of ideas intended to
explain something, especially one based on
general principles independent of the thing to be
explained

Sociology??

Sociology is the science that deals with social groups:

their internal forms or modes of organization, the
processes that tend to maintain or change these forms
of organization, and the relations between groups.

Probably the most important thing about sociology is

that it enables us to make sense of the rapidly changing
world that we live in.

The reason to study sociology is

An economic transformation-as old industries have

declined and service occupation have rapidly expanded.

Decentralization- superstores, hospitals, hotels, and

leisure complexes have moved from centre to the edge
of the city.

Transformation of work by information technology.

Importance of Sociology??
Sociology

enables us to understand our place

within this world as in where we are located
within social structure.
It has made important contributions to the study
of social problem and the work of those who seek
to deal with them. For ex- research into drug use,
violence, family problems, mental illness
It has also made a central contribution to the
study of management of people and the training
of managers. One aspect of this is that
development of structures that enable
organizations to function productibaly and
efficiently

Sociological Theory??
Sociological

theories explain aspects of

the social world and enable prediction
about future events.
Sociological theory is constantly
evolving, therefore it can never be
presumed to be complete. It can
involve analysis at a macro level, which
focuses on social structures shaping the
society or at a micro level which is a
close up study on social interactions
taking place in a specific situation.

Characteristics??
A

good theory should explain the observations or

results of an experiment or phenomena, being
understandable to a lay person while also being
reasonable enough to allow for further testing.
A good theory should also be frugal in their nature so
others can test it, and they should also be predictive
Sociological theory is a set of well defined concepts.
These concepts are inter related and have a link with
each other.
A sociological theory must be valid and reasonable
It should be comprehensive
It should be precise in nature
It should lead to reliable prediction

Types of theories??
In

sociology, sociological
perspectives, theories, or
paradigms are complex
theoretical and methodological
frameworks, used to analyze and
explain objects of social study,
and facilitate organizing
sociological knowledge.

The Sociological Perspectives

The Structural/Functional

Perspective
The Conflict Perspective
Symbolic/Interactionist
Perspective

Functionalist Perspectives
Society

is a complex system
whose parts work together to
promote solidarity and stability.
- Social structure relatively
stable patterns of social behavior
If something does not serve a
useful, identifiable purpose, it will
not be passed from generation to
generation

Functionalist Theorists
August

Comte (1798-

1857)
Herbert Spencer (18201903)
mile Durkheim (18581917)

August Comte (1798-1857)

"father of sociology"
The science about society

social physics

Comte

invented the term

sociology
Evolutionist
Positivist

Herbert Spencer (18201903)

Spencers

study of sociology was influenced

by Charles Darwins theory of natural
selection.
Spencer viewed society as a biological
organism, and as such, it can evolve,
thrive, or die.
For him, some societies are more fit
than
others because they adapt better
to changes in the environment.

Emile Durkheim (18581917)

Durkheim

was one of the first true

sociologists in that he used data to
test theories.
Durkheims work suggested that
solidarity is a vital component that
holds society together.

Conflict Theory
Views

society as a struggle for resources and

power
Change is inevitable, often beneficial and can
be violent
Conflict between the classes determines
social change
Some groups prosper at the expense of others
Conflict is universal; social consensus is
limited and
inequality is widespread
Macro sociology

Conflict Theorists
Karl

Marx
Harriet Martineau
W.E.B. du Bois

Karl Marx(1818-1883)
Marx

suggested that in a capitalist system,

the bourgeoisie or members of the
capitalist class, own most of the wealth
because they control the businesses.
Marx called the workers in a capitalist
system the proletariat, the poor working
class of society.

Harriet Martineau(1802-1876)
Martineau,

one of the first

female sociologists, did not just
examine the inequalities in the
economic system, she also
focused on the inequality
between the sexes.

W.E.B. du Bois(18681963)
Du

Bois was particularly interested in issues

of racial inequality in the United States.
His book, The Philadelphia Negro, du Bois
showed that poverty among African
Americans in the United States was primarily
the result of prejudice and discrimination

Interaction perspective
Symbolic

Interactionism focuses on
how communication influences the
way peoples interactions with each
other create the social world in which
we live.
Symbolic Interactionists believe that
the root of society comes from its
symbols.
They suggest that the symbols we use
are arbitrary, meaning that they vary
from culture to culture.

Symbolic Interactionists
George

Herbert Mead
Herbert Blumer
Erving Goffman

George Herbert Mead (18801949)

Symbolic

Interactionism is the brainchild of

George Herbert Mead.
In Mind, Self and Society, Mead suggests
that the root of society is the symbols that
teach us to understand the world.
We then use these symbols to develop a
sense of self, or identity.

Erving Goffman(1922-1982)
Symbolic

interactionist theorist
Believed we play roles and
present a face for public view
Key concepts: dramaturgical
approach, frontstage & backstage
selves, presentation of self

Functionalis
m

Conflict
Theory

Symbolic

Level of
Analysis

Macro

Macro

Micro

Core
Questio
ns

What keeps
society
functioning
smoothly?
What are the
parts of society
& how do they
relate?
What are the
intended and
unintended
outcomes of an
event?

How are
wealth and
power
distributed in
society?
How do
people with
wealth and
power keep
them?
Are there
groups that
get ahead and
why?
How are
societys
resources and

How do
people cocreate the
society?
How does
social
interaction
influence,
create, and
sustain human
relationships?
Do people
change
behavior from
on setting to
another? If so
why?

Interactionlis
m

THANK YOU