Notes: functionalist theory
Focuses on a macro-level analysis and how the parts of society serve to maintain stability. Each part serves a function within society such as the role of government, education, and religion.
application of the theory –Hospitals, medical professionals, and pharmaceutical companies serve to keep individuals healthy so all can work and earn wages to keep society functioning. If illnesses and diseases are frequent and workers cannot work, then the economy will suffer.
symbolic interaction focus Focuses on the micro level of analysis and how society is the product of interactions between people, which occur via symbols such as language, gestures, and other subjective actions that have distinct meaning
apploication of the theory
Theory provides a foundation for the discipline and allows you to make personal applications. Next, we will move from the sociological perspective to the key concept of social structures
examples of social structure –Yes, you correctly identified all of the examples that meet the following criteria of common characteristics and functions of social structures:
- Organizes behaviors of large groups of people
- Capable of coercing individuals and groups
- Provides norms, rules, and practices
- Assigns roles and powers to individuals and groups
- Encompasses large geographical areas
A key defining element of a social structure is that the social patterns must be outside a formal organization, so this eliminates the United Nations as an example of a social structure.
Module 1: Sociological Perspective — the process of understanding and explaining how individuals and groups interact within society.
Module 2: Social Structures — the distinctive and stable arrangements of social patterns that form society as a whole.
Module 3: Social Problems — the societal-level conditions that harm segments of society.
Module 4: Sociological Imagination — the ability to see the details of our own lives in the context of larger social structures as opposed to merely personal choices or personal troubles.
Module 5: Social Change — the social forces that change the organization and social structures of society.
Next, you were introduced to the three sociological theories through the story of three men in a tower, all looking out the same window but viewing different scenes below. If you can remember the vineyard, village, and meadow settings, you will be well on your way to understanding sociological theory. The three theories are as follows:
Conflict — vineyard — macro-level analysis
Functionalists — village — macro-level analysis
Symbolic Interaction — meadow — micro-level analysis
We will discuss theory and apply it in every chapter, so you will have many opportunities to see how it will help you better understand your social world.
In Module 1, the sociological perspective was introduced, and you learned that Auguste Comte coined the terms sociology and positivism, resulting in the pursuit of systematically and scientifically studying society.
In Module 2, the characteristics of social structures were addressed. The Industrial Revolution brought many changes to social structures such as the family and government. Sociologists such as Harriett Martineau, Jane Addams, W. E. B. Du Bois and Robert Merton researched and wrote about these changes in social structures.
Module 3 focused on sociology’s role in understanding social problems, and we used the chocolate industry as a case study to investigate underlying social problems. For example, child labor and slavery, poor working conditions, low pay, and other social inequalities are problematic in this industry, but most consumers don’t make the connection when buying chocolate.
In Module 4, you were introduced to the sociological imagination. This concept will help you understand the connection between your personal troubles and the larger public issues. Suicide can be viewed as a personal trouble, but the public issues that contribute to individuals considering taking their own life are the focus of sociology.
In Module 5, we discussed social change and how applied sociology contributes to developing new public policies and mitigating social problems.