Learning Objective: Apply the 3 main sociological theories to a contemporary social issue.
social facts: social patterns that are external to individuals and greatly influence our way of thinking and behaving in society
analyze micro vs macro: macro- conflict or functionalist view?
micro- symbolic interaction view
1.1.5- summarize feminist, queer, and postmodern theories
feminist theory – a view on anti-oppression, gender relations, and gender inequality
applied sociology: the use of sociological theory, research, and methodologies to find solutions to problems in society
postmodern sociological theory – a critical view rejecting the historical, scientific, and structured means of investigating and interpreting the social world
conflict theory focus – focuses on the macro level of analysis and on class struggles and exploitation within society, institutions, and organizations
– millions of poor working americans do not have access to healthcare due to the cost
Functionalist theory focus – macro-level analysis and how the parts of society serve to mantain stability (government, education, religion)
– hospitals, medical professionals, etc, serve to keep individuals healthy so all can work and earn wages to keep society functioning
symbolic interaction focus – micro level of analysis and how society is the product of interations between people (symbols via language, etc)
– doctors lab coat an knowledge show authority; patient is more likely to be compliant
social problems, the societal conditions that harm segments of society
objective conditions — the scope of a problem
subjective concerns — people’s feelings about a problem
human trafficking, a situation in which a person is smuggled, abused, and forced to work against their will for the economic gain of another
Fair Trade, an organizational movement and certification process to help producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their products with the goals of reducing poverty, providing for the ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices
sustainability, the idea that current and future generations should have equal or greater access to social, economic, and environmental resources
sustainable development, development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,
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
Personal troubles, matters experienced at the individual level
public issue, a matter that impacts society as a whole. So, if many people in a society can no longer afford to pay their bills
anomie, the breakdown of social values, norms, and order resulting in social instability
applied sociology, the use of sociological theory, research, and methodologies to find solutions to problems in society.