Notes: 1.1.1
Conflict theory focuses on a macro-level analysis of class struggles and exploitation within society, institutions, and organizations. -Karl Marx (1818-1883
Functionalist theory focuses on the macro-level analysis of how society\’s parts maintain stability. Each part serves a function, such as the role of government, education, and religion. -Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Symbolic interaction focuses on the micro-level analysis of how society is the product of interactions between people, which occur through symbols such as language, gestures, and other subjective actions that have distinct meanings. -George Herbert Mead (1863-1931)
Social facts are social patterns that are external to individuals and greatly influence our way of thinking and behaving in society.
Feminist theory, which evolved from conflict theory, is an important perspective on anti-oppression, gender relations, and gender inequality.
Postmodern social theory is a critical view rejecting the historical, scientific, and structured means of investigating and interpreting the social world. Michel Foucault, Jean Baudrillard, and Jean-Francois Lyotard are largely responsible for promoting this social theory.
Notes: 1.2.1
Social structures are the distinctive and stable arrangements of social patterns that form the society as a whole.
Rationalizations of society are the replacement of traditional values and personal connections with bureaucracy, efficiency, and a means-end approach.
Common Characteristics & Functions of social structures are:
1. organizes behaviors of large groups of people
2. capable of coercing individuals and groups
3. Provide norms, rules, and practices.
4. assigns roles and powers to individuals and groups
5. encompasses large geographical areas