04/10/20151 sociological theory : seeing the invisible variables/factors of human behavior and...

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SOCIOLOGICAL THEORYSOCIOLOGICAL THEORY::SEEING THE INVISIBLE VARIABLES/FACTORS OF SEEING THE INVISIBLE VARIABLES/FACTORS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND CONDITION/DESTINYHUMAN BEHAVIOR AND CONDITION/DESTINY

© Dr. Francis Adu-Febiri 2015

Auguste Comte, the Father of Sociology

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

1. Introduction: Seeing the Invisible1. Introduction: Seeing the Invisible 2. Paradigm: Methods and Theories2. Paradigm: Methods and Theories 3. Explaining Human Behaviour and Condition: Biology, 3. Explaining Human Behaviour and Condition: Biology,

Psychology & SociologyPsychology & Sociology 4. The Sociological Paradigm Shift4. The Sociological Paradigm Shift 5. Major Paradigms of Sociology:5. Major Paradigms of Sociology:

– FunctionalismFunctionalism– Social ConflictSocial Conflict– InteractionismInteractionism– FeminismFeminism– PostmodernismPostmodernism

6. Application of the Paradigms6. Application of the Paradigms2

INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:SEEING THE INVISIBLESEEING THE INVISIBLE

While social forces are themselves invisible While social forces are themselves invisible (unless revealed by sociological (unless revealed by sociological paradigms/theories), they produce effects that are paradigms/theories), they produce effects that are seen and felt in every act of people. seen and felt in every act of people.

» Everything we see/feel/experience in the social Everything we see/feel/experience in the social world is an effect of invisible social forces.world is an effect of invisible social forces.

3

INVISIBLE VISIBLE

CAUSE (X) EFFECT (Y)

Discovering or revealing the invisible is the objective of paradigms (research and theorizing)

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INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:SOCIOLOGY SEEING THE INVISIBLESOCIOLOGY SEEING THE INVISIBLE

INVISIBLE(Unmanifest)

VISIBLE(Manifest)


MACRO SOCIAL FORCES

-Culture-Political Economy-Social Closures-Patriarchy

MICRO SOCIAL FORCES

- Human Agency

- Human Behavior- Human Condition- Human Destiny

SOCIOLOGICALIMAGINATION-Functionalist Paradigm-Social Conflict Paradigm-Macro Feminist Paradigm

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONOF REALITY-Interactionist Paradigm-Micro Feminist Paradigm-Postmodernist Paradigm

INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION:SEEING THE INVISIBLESEEING THE INVISIBLE

1. Invisible macro and micro social forces are the X (independent variables 1. Invisible macro and micro social forces are the X (independent variables or the “Unmanifest”) or causal factors and what we see, feel, think and or the “Unmanifest”) or causal factors and what we see, feel, think and experience are all Y (dependent variables or the “Manifest”) or effects.experience are all Y (dependent variables or the “Manifest”) or effects.

2. The theories dimension of Sociological Paradigms identify and name 2. The theories dimension of Sociological Paradigms identify and name these invisible social forcesthese invisible social forces

3. The invisible macro social forces are Culture, Political Economy, Social 3. The invisible macro social forces are Culture, Political Economy, Social Closures and Patriarchy; The invisible micro social force is Human Closures and Patriarchy; The invisible micro social force is Human Agency Agency

4. The macro sociological paradigms of Functionalism, Social Conflict, and 4. The macro sociological paradigms of Functionalism, Social Conflict, and Feminism reveal the macro social forces; The micro sociological paradigms Feminism reveal the macro social forces; The micro sociological paradigms of Interactionism and postmodernism reveal micro social forces of Interactionism and postmodernism reveal micro social forces

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PARADIGM: PARADIGM: A SYSTEM OF THEORY & METHODSA SYSTEM OF THEORY & METHODS

The term The term PARADIGMPARADIGM was first used by Thomas Kuhn (1962) to was first used by Thomas Kuhn (1962) to represent a particular way of thinking and seeing the world that is represent a particular way of thinking and seeing the world that is shared by a community of scholars, researchers, or scientists, and shared by a community of scholars, researchers, or scientists, and also one that is used to represent commitments, worldviews, also one that is used to represent commitments, worldviews, beliefs, values, methods and approaches that are shared across a beliefs, values, methods and approaches that are shared across a discipline (Chilisa 2012, pp. 19-20). discipline (Chilisa 2012, pp. 19-20).

THEORYTHEORY = Scientific Explanation or Proposition Statement on = Scientific Explanation or Proposition Statement on relationships between/among concepts.relationships between/among concepts.

METHODSMETHODS = Design and process for Systematic Investigation = Design and process for Systematic Investigation

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PARADIGMTheory

Theory

Theory

Theory

Methods

Methods Methods

Methods

THEORY DIMENSION OF PARADIGMSTHEORY DIMENSION OF PARADIGMS

““Theory is a set of propositions that Theory is a set of propositions that suggests suggests why why events occur in the manner events occur in the manner they do”…they do”…Theories consist of concepts and Theories consist of concepts and the linkages or relationships between them the linkages or relationships between them (Kenneth R. Hoover 1980, p. 37 and 38). (Kenneth R. Hoover 1980, p. 37 and 38).

Examples: Examples: » E=mc² in the Physical SciencesE=mc² in the Physical Sciences

» S(p) in Sociology

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THE UTILITY OF THE THEORY THE UTILITY OF THE THEORY DIMENSION OF PARADIGMSDIMENSION OF PARADIGMS

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THE UTILITY OF PARADIGMSTHE UTILITY OF PARADIGMS

A paradigm is constructed and “used by scientists A paradigm is constructed and “used by scientists to provide logical to provide logical explanationsexplanations for for whywhy things things happen the way they do” (Ballantine 1993: 5).happen the way they do” (Ballantine 1993: 5).

As As explanations and predictionsexplanations and predictions, paradigms or theoretical , paradigms or theoretical perspectives in sociology suggest perspectives in sociology suggest CAUSESCAUSES for behaviors, for behaviors, events, human conditions, human destiny, and social events, human conditions, human destiny, and social structures, including culture. structures, including culture.

The higher the abstraction the a) more particular The higher the abstraction the a) more particular social circumstances it could explain and predict social circumstances it could explain and predict with little and b) the more one can with little and b) the more one can know without know without much memorization of informationmuch memorization of information. Examples: . Examples: E=mc²E=mc²; S(p).

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THE UTILITY OF PARADIGMSTHE UTILITY OF PARADIGMS

““Identification of Identification of causes causes is at the heart of is at the heart of theories and, of course, knowledge about theories and, of course, knowledge about causes is of causes is of practical importance practical importance if we if we are interested in creating, enhancing, are interested in creating, enhancing, reinforcing, reducing, or eliminating a reinforcing, reducing, or eliminating a given situation or behavior” (Hurst 2005, given situation or behavior” (Hurst 2005, p. 6). p. 6).

» Paradigms help to change lives and communitiesParadigms help to change lives and communities

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EXPLAINING HUMAN BEHAVIOR:EXPLAINING HUMAN BEHAVIOR: A Contested TerrainA Contested Terrain

VISIBLE(Manifest)-Human Behavior-Human Condition-Human destiny

INVISIBLE(Unmanifest)

EFFECT (Y)CAUSE (X)

SUPERNATURAL FORCES

- Religion

NATURAL FORCES

-Biology-Psychology

SOCIAL FORCES

- Sociology

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EXPLAINING HUMAN BEHAVIOR:EXPLAINING HUMAN BEHAVIOR: A Contested TerrainA Contested Terrain

Why do people behave the way they do and why is the human Why do people behave the way they do and why is the human condition the way it is?condition the way it is?

Specifically, why do we have technology, the Internet, sickness, Specifically, why do we have technology, the Internet, sickness, love, dating, sex, marriage, family, schools, successful people, the love, dating, sex, marriage, family, schools, successful people, the poor, volunteers, charity, happy people, capitalism, child abuse, poor, volunteers, charity, happy people, capitalism, child abuse, terrorism, sexism, racism, violence, financial crises, homelessness, terrorism, sexism, racism, violence, financial crises, homelessness, globalization, equal access to health care in Canada, suffering, globalization, equal access to health care in Canada, suffering, crime, etc.? crime, etc.?

Providing the correct answer to the question as to what Providing the correct answer to the question as to what determines human behaviour and human condition has been a determines human behaviour and human condition has been a contest among biological, psychological and sociological contest among biological, psychological and sociological paradigms. paradigms. – A PARADIGM IN BIOLOGYA PARADIGM IN BIOLOGY: Inside the body: Inside the body:: DNA DNA– A PARADIGM IN PSYCHOLOGY A PARADIGM IN PSYCHOLOGY Inside the brainInside the brain:: Mental Mental

Processes/Personality Type/Self-esteemProcesses/Personality Type/Self-esteem– SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM: SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM: Outside the bodyOutside the body:: The Social The Social

World (Social Structure, culture and human agency).World (Social Structure, culture and human agency).

THE SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFT:THE SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFT:– Sociology has caused a paradigm shift about the world Sociology has caused a paradigm shift about the world

and human behavior/condition because of the and human behavior/condition because of the Sociological Theories that Sociological Research has Sociological Theories that Sociological Research has helped to create. helped to create.

» Paradigms connect Research Methods and Theories Paradigms connect Research Methods and Theories

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THE SOCIOLOGICAL THE SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFTPARADIGM SHIFT

S(p)S(p) The personal (or particular The personal (or particular

behavior/condition/experience) is a behavior/condition/experience) is a function of Social Forces.function of Social Forces.

This formula points to the Physics roots of This formula points to the Physics roots of Sociology: Auguste Comte, the father of Sociology: Auguste Comte, the father of sociology, was a physicist and the original sociology, was a physicist and the original name given to sociology was “Social name given to sociology was “Social Physics”. Physics”.

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SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFTSOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFT

HUMAN BEHAVIOR &CONDITION

Social Closures

Patriarchy

Political Economy

Culture

Human Agency

Similarities and differences in peoples’ behavior and conditions are a function of SOCIAL FORCES, namely, the invisible structures and dynamics of the social world

Main TheoryS(p)

MAJOR PARADIGMS OF SOCIOLOGYMAJOR PARADIGMS OF SOCIOLOGY

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MAJOR PARADIGMS OF MAJOR PARADIGMS OF SOCIOLOGYSOCIOLOGY

The sociological perspective is dominated by four The sociological perspective is dominated by four major paradigms:major paradigms:– Structural Functionalist Paradigm Structural Functionalist Paradigm (FUNCTIONALISM)(FUNCTIONALISM)

– Social Conflict Paradigm (SOCIAL CONFLICT)Social Conflict Paradigm (SOCIAL CONFLICT)– Interactionist Paradigm (INTERACTIONISM)Interactionist Paradigm (INTERACTIONISM)– Feminist Paradigm (FEMINISM)Feminist Paradigm (FEMINISM)– Postmodernist Paradigm (POSTMODERNISM) Postmodernist Paradigm (POSTMODERNISM)

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DIFFERENT EMPHASIS OF THE MAJOR DIFFERENT EMPHASIS OF THE MAJOR

PARADIGMS OF SOCIOLOGYPARADIGMS OF SOCIOLOGY Functionalism and Social Conflict paradigms are MFunctionalism and Social Conflict paradigms are Macro Models of sociologyacro Models of sociology

and connect with the concept of and connect with the concept of Sociological ImaginationSociological Imagination. . Interactionist Paradigm is a Interactionist Paradigm is a Micro Model of sociologyMicro Model of sociology and connects with the and connects with the

concept concept Social Construction of Reality Social Construction of Reality .. Feminist Paradigm is both Macro and Micro, but mainly Macro.Feminist Paradigm is both Macro and Micro, but mainly Macro. Postmodernism is both Macro and Micro, but mainly Micro Postmodernism is both Macro and Micro, but mainly Micro

CULTURE(Macro)

STRUCTURE(Macro)

HUMANAGENCY (Micro)

FUNCTIONALISM & POSTMODERNISM emphasize CULTURE in the Social StructureSOCIAL CONFLICT emphasizes STRUCTURE (Political Economy & Social Closures) in the Social Structure FEMINISM emphasizes STRUCTURE (Patriarchy) and HUMAN AGENCY, but mainly PATRIARCHAL STRUCTUREINTERACTIONISM emphasizes HUMAN AGENCY

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PREVAILING MODELS OF PREVAILING MODELS OF SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONSOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION

MACRO MODEL (MACRO MODEL (Sociological Imagination):Sociological Imagination):

MICRO MODEL (MICRO MODEL (Social Construction of RealitySocial Construction of Reality):):

FUSION or COMPOSITE MODEL (Structuration):FUSION or COMPOSITE MODEL (Structuration):

Variation in Social Structure

Variation in Behavior &

Human Condition

Variation in Human Agency

Variation inBehavior &

Human Condition

Structure of SituationVariation inBehavior &

Human ConditionDefinition of Situation

A B

Culture, Political Economy,Social Closures, Patriarchy

Definition of Interaction Situation

CONNECTIONSCONNECTIONS

S(p)

1. Functionalism

2. Social Conflict

3. Interactionism& Postmodernism

4. Feminism

Sociological Theory

Paradigms

Macro Social ForceCULTURE

Macro Social ForceSTRUCTURE: Political Economy& Social Closures

Micro Social Force:HUMAN AGENCY

Mainly Macro Social Forces:STRUCTURE: Patriarchy

Social ForcesSociologicalImagination

Sociological Imagination

Sociological Imagination

Social Construction of Reality

Major Concepts

“..our background and circumstances may have influences on who we are but we are responsible for whom we become” (Rosin 2012, p. 114)‘‘

STRUCTURATION PARADIGM

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QUIZ 1QUIZ 1

Your friend is seeking an answer to his question, “In Your friend is seeking an answer to his question, “In what ways do social institutions or structures–like the what ways do social institutions or structures–like the criminal justice system—serve the needs of the criminal justice system—serve the needs of the powerful over the powerless”. What model of the powerful over the powerless”. What model of the sociological paradigm would be the most appropriate sociological paradigm would be the most appropriate in providing the framework to produce the correct in providing the framework to produce the correct answer to your friend’s question? answer to your friend’s question?

A) Spirit Model A) Spirit Model B) Micro ModelB) Micro Model C) Macro ModelC) Macro Model D) Fusion or Composite ModelD) Fusion or Composite Model

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QUIZ 2QUIZ 2

““If people in Canadian society are concerned If people in Canadian society are concerned about the high divorce rate and want to fix it, about the high divorce rate and want to fix it, they must focus on individual action; they must they must focus on individual action; they must not focus on social structures and social not focus on social structures and social arrangements”. This viewpoint on divorce is arrangements”. This viewpoint on divorce is representative of what sociological model?representative of what sociological model?

A) Meso Model A) Meso Model B) Micro ModelB) Micro Model C) Macro ModelC) Macro Model D) Fusion or Composite ModelD) Fusion or Composite Model

FUNCTIONALIST FUNCTIONALIST Paradigm or Theoretical PerspectiveParadigm or Theoretical Perspective

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HARMONY AND COHESION

Cultural Consensus

The Cultural Approach to the Study of Integration (Homeostasis):The world is user-friendly because of cultural consensus

Functionalism’s Story:Universal homogenous culture

Storyline #1. Society is made up of objective social system that seeks agreement and consensus over culture--shared meanings, values and beliefs among its subsystems.

Storyline #2. People’s private behaviour and thinking are pushed and pulled by culture--the shared meanings, values and beliefs developed through socialization (Russell Westhaver 2013, p. xix).

Storyline #3: Anything that exists and persists in the social structure is functional for the system. Dysfunctional phenomena are eliminated.

FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM

Homeostasis need of Society: Cultural

Interrelated parts of society, including people, their behaviors, experiences,

Conditions, and destinies.

Functional for

Dysfunctional for

CAUSE (X)

EFFECT (Y)

Contribute to Homeostasis

Disrupt Homeostasis

Social Relationships

Macro Social Force

CONDUIT

MANIFESTUNMANIFEST

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FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGMFUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM FOCUS: FOCUS: Macro: Social Structure, particularly CULTURE. Macro: Social Structure, particularly CULTURE. MAIN CONCEPTS: Homeostasis (Equilibrium, Social MAIN CONCEPTS: Homeostasis (Equilibrium, Social

Solidarity, Social Order, Social Stability, Integration, Solidarity, Social Order, Social Stability, Integration, Consensus), Function, Dysfunction). Consensus), Function, Dysfunction).

MAIN THEORY:MAIN THEORY: Society, like a biological organism, is an evolving complex Society, like a biological organism, is an evolving complex

structure of interrelated parts/processes each of which serves structure of interrelated parts/processes each of which serves a function (manifest or latent) by contributing to homeostasis a function (manifest or latent) by contributing to homeostasis which is the overall stability and integration of society for the which is the overall stability and integration of society for the benefit of the whole. The stability is characterized by a social benefit of the whole. The stability is characterized by a social consensus whereby members of the social structure share a consensus whereby members of the social structure share a common culture. Dysfunctional parts/processes causing common culture. Dysfunctional parts/processes causing conflicts and contradictions are eliminated.conflicts and contradictions are eliminated.

“…“…actors [people] are actors [people] are motivatedmotivated to achieve a goal or end as defined by the to achieve a goal or end as defined by the cultural system in which they live.” (Talcott Parsons).cultural system in which they live.” (Talcott Parsons).

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FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGMFUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM

1. FUNCTION(AL):1. FUNCTION(AL): Contributes toContributes to social order social order or stability or social solidarity, that is, or stability or social solidarity, that is, homeostasis needs (universal and homogenous homeostasis needs (universal and homogenous cultures) of the whole social structure.cultures) of the whole social structure.

Two types of functions: Manifest & LatentTwo types of functions: Manifest & Latent a) a) MANIFEST FUNCTIONMANIFEST FUNCTION

– Functions of societal elements and processes that are Functions of societal elements and processes that are intended and obvious or commonly recognized (e.g., intended and obvious or commonly recognized (e.g., Education transmits knowledge and skills).Education transmits knowledge and skills).

b) b) LATENT FUNCTIONLATENT FUNCTION – Functions of societal elements and processes Functions of societal elements and processes

unintended and often provide hidden contributions to unintended and often provide hidden contributions to societal homeostasis (e.g., Education serves as societal homeostasis (e.g., Education serves as babysitter and marriage market).babysitter and marriage market).

FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGMFUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM

2. DYSFUNCTION(AL): Contributes to disorder or 2. DYSFUNCTION(AL): Contributes to disorder or instability (E.g., ANOMIE).instability (E.g., ANOMIE).

Simultaneously Dysfunctional and Functional: Simultaneously Dysfunctional and Functional:

– E.g., CRIME subsystem is dysfunctional in E.g., CRIME subsystem is dysfunctional in that it causes violence, loss of property and that it causes violence, loss of property and fear to some individuals and groups. fear to some individuals and groups. However, crime is also functional for society However, crime is also functional for society because it leads to heightened awareness of because it leads to heightened awareness of shared moral bonds, increased social shared moral bonds, increased social cohesion and economic benefits.cohesion and economic benefits.

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QUIZ 3QUIZ 3

In your sociology of sports class you learned that from In your sociology of sports class you learned that from the perspective of colleges, college/university athletes the perspective of colleges, college/university athletes have these functions: enhancing school spirit, providing have these functions: enhancing school spirit, providing recreation and exercises for students, and helping to recreation and exercises for students, and helping to publicize the name of the college or university. One of publicize the name of the college or university. One of your classmates suggests to you that these stated your classmates suggests to you that these stated functions constitute “manifest functions”. Do you think functions constitute “manifest functions”. Do you think your classmate is right in labeling these as manifest your classmate is right in labeling these as manifest functions instead of latent functions?functions instead of latent functions?

A). YesA). Yes B). NoB). No C). CorrectC). Correct D) WrongD) Wrong

FUNCTIONALIST PARADIGM

VIEW OF INDIVIDUAL: People are socialized to perform societal VIEW OF INDIVIDUAL: People are socialized to perform societal functions.functions.– Individual behavior and experiences as well as the human condition Individual behavior and experiences as well as the human condition

are determined by the social structural need (universal and are determined by the social structural need (universal and homogenous) for homeostasis. homogenous) for homeostasis.

VIEW OF THE SOCIAL ORDER: Society seeks stability and integration VIEW OF THE SOCIAL ORDER: Society seeks stability and integration because rapid changes and conflicts in culture are dysfunctional—they because rapid changes and conflicts in culture are dysfunctional—they disrupt homeostasis:disrupt homeostasis:

– This order is maintained through cooperation or cultural consensusThis order is maintained through cooperation or cultural consensus VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Change is gradual, predictable and VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Change is gradual, predictable and

reinforcing of homeostasisreinforcing of homeostasis PROPONENTS:PROPONENTS:

– Emile DurkheimEmile Durkheim– Herbert SpencerHerbert Spencer– Talcott ParsonsTalcott Parsons– Robert MertonRobert Merton

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CRITIQUING FUNCTIONALISMCRITIQUING FUNCTIONALISM

See Page 50 of Ravelli and Webber 2014See Page 50 of Ravelli and Webber 2014

SOCIAL CONFLICT SOCIAL CONFLICT Paradigm or Theoretical PerspectiveParadigm or Theoretical Perspective

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The Structural Approach to the Study of Conflict:The world is not user-friendly for the majority because of Conflicts generated by structural hegemony and its resistance

Social Conflict’s StorySocial Conflict’s Story

Storyline #1.Storyline #1. Society is made up of subgroups that are in Society is made up of subgroups that are in ruthless competition for scarce resources, particularly ruthless competition for scarce resources, particularly property (money/wealth), power and prestige.property (money/wealth), power and prestige.

Storyline #2Storyline #2. Because of competition, society is never . Because of competition, society is never harmonious; conflict is normal in a society where there are harmonious; conflict is normal in a society where there are inequalities and oppression. inequalities and oppression.

Storyline #3.Storyline #3. Power and property play a disproportionate Power and property play a disproportionate role in shaping the structure of society and the behavior role in shaping the structure of society and the behavior and experiences of individuals and groups within it.and experiences of individuals and groups within it.

Storyline #4:Storyline #4: People’s private behaviour and thinking are People’s private behaviour and thinking are pushed and pulled by their struggle over scarce resources pushed and pulled by their struggle over scarce resources and differences in power, authority and control (Russell and differences in power, authority and control (Russell Westhaver 2013, p. xix).Westhaver 2013, p. xix).

SOCIAL CONFLICT PARADIGM: Structural Approach to the Study of Conflict

Scarce Political,Economic & Social

Resources-Power

-Property-Prestige

-Privilege

Competitive & UnequalSocial Relationships

Conflict & Change in-Social Structure

-Culture-Behavior

-Experiences-Human condition

-Change

CAUSE (X)

EFFECT (Y)

Macro Social Force

CONDUIT

UNMANIFEST MANIFEST

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SOCIAL CONFLICT PARADIGM: Structural Approach to the Study of Conflict

FOCUS: MACRO: FOCUS: MACRO: Social Structure, particularly POLITICAL Social Structure, particularly POLITICAL ECONOMY (power and property/wealth) and SOCIAL CLOSURE ECONOMY (power and property/wealth) and SOCIAL CLOSURE (structured inequalities or prestige of status groups)(structured inequalities or prestige of status groups) ::

MAIN CONCEPTS: Competition, Inequality, Conflict and ChangeMAIN CONCEPTS: Competition, Inequality, Conflict and Change MAIN TEORYMAIN TEORY Socio-structural forces, particularly the dialectics of capitalist Socio-structural forces, particularly the dialectics of capitalist

political economy and social closures, through the ideology of political economy and social closures, through the ideology of scarcity, create competition over valued resources that produces scarcity, create competition over valued resources that produces inequalities in property (wealth), power, privilege, and prestige inequalities in property (wealth), power, privilege, and prestige (status) resulting in conflict among social groups, particularly social (status) resulting in conflict among social groups, particularly social classes, that create conflict which dictates human behavior, culture, classes, that create conflict which dictates human behavior, culture, condition, experiences, access to resources, and possible condition, experiences, access to resources, and possible revolutionary social change. revolutionary social change.

Feminist theories, Post-Structural Theories, Queer Theory, Post-Feminist theories, Post-Structural Theories, Queer Theory, Post-Colonial Theory, Anti-Racist Theories, and Globalization Theories Colonial Theory, Anti-Racist Theories, and Globalization Theories are responses to or offshoots of the Social Conflict Paradigm. are responses to or offshoots of the Social Conflict Paradigm.

SOCIAL CONFLICT PARADIGMSOCIAL CONFLICT PARADIGM

VIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL: People are shaped by VIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL: People are shaped by power, money and prestige.power, money and prestige.

VIEW OF SOCIETY: Tension and struggle between VIEW OF SOCIETY: Tension and struggle between groups.groups.

VIEW OF SOCIAL ORDER: Maintained through VIEW OF SOCIAL ORDER: Maintained through force or threat of force.force or threat of force.

VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Inevitable and revolutionary.VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Inevitable and revolutionary. PROPONENTS:PROPONENTS:

– Karl MarxKarl Marx– W.E.B. Du BoisW.E.B. Du Bois– Ida Wells-BarnettIda Wells-Barnett

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CRTIQUING SOCIAL CRTIQUING SOCIAL CONFLICT PARADIGMCONFLICT PARADIGM

See page 57 of Ravelli and Webber See page 57 of Ravelli and Webber 2014.2014.

INTERACTIONIST PARADIGM INTERACTIONIST PARADIGM

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“Looking-glass Self”

Whether or not “the world” is user-friendly depends on the individual or group: Because of variations in human agency, there multiple worlds

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LLooking-glass self:ooking-glass self:–““What we think of ourselves is What we think of ourselves is

influenced by how we imagine influenced by how we imagine other people see us”. “Ultimately other people see us”. “Ultimately we may become the kind of we may become the kind of person person we believewe believe others see us others see us as”—a as”—a self-fulfilling prophecyself-fulfilling prophecy. .

Interactionism’s Story

Storyline #1: Society is made up of shared or contested subjective meanings generated through ongoing social interaction (Russell Westhaver 2013, p. xix)

Storyline #2: People’s private behaviour and Thinking are shaped by how they understand different symbols. Depending on their understanding of the symbols, they may agree with, resist, or change the meaning of those symbols (ibid.).

Storyline #3: Through the power of choice, people create their own images/identities and their worlds.

INTERACTIONIST PARADIGMINTERACTIONIST PARADIGM

President Obama’s eulogy for Nelson Mandela, Johannesburg, December 10, 2013

We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you can make his life’s work your own. Over thirty years ago, while still a student, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land. It stirred something in me. It woke me up to my responsibilities - to others, and to myself - and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today. And while I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be better. He speaks to what is best inside us. After this great liberator is laid to rest; when we have returned to our cities and villages, and rejoined our daily routines, let us search then for his strength - for his largeness of spirit - somewhere inside ourselves. And when the night grows dark, when injustice weighs heavy on our hearts, or our best laid plans seem beyond our reach - think of Madiba, and the words that brought him comfort within the four walls of a cell:

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President Obama’s eulogy for Nelson Mandela, Johannesburg, December 10, 2013

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

What a great soul it was. We will miss him deeply. May God bless the memory of Nelson Mandela. May God bless the people of South Africa.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/transcript-remarks-president-barack-obama-nelson-mandela-service-article-1.1542986#ixzz2nHdMZEsf


People respond to their definition of People respond to their definition of a situation rather than to objective a situation rather than to objective situations.situations.

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Human Agency:-Capacity for thought

- Self-indication- Definition of the Situation/Symbols

- Looking-Glass Self

Groups & Societies:-Behaviors

-Experiences- Image/Identity

-Culture - Human condition


Micro Social Force

CONDUIT

UNMANIFEST

MANIFEST

Social Interaction

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INTERACTIONIST INTERACTIONIST PARADIGMPARADIGM

FOCUS: MICRO: FOCUS: MICRO: Individual and group interactions: Individual and group interactions: MAIN CONCEPTS: Human Agency, Definition of Situation, MAIN CONCEPTS: Human Agency, Definition of Situation,

Symbols, Looking-glass Self, InteractionSymbols, Looking-glass Self, Interaction MAIN THEORY:MAIN THEORY: Through the process of the looking-glass self, Through the process of the looking-glass self,

Individuals and groups as human agents define Individuals and groups as human agents define (assign subjective meanings to) situations (symbols), (assign subjective meanings to) situations (symbols), and align their interactions with the definitions to and align their interactions with the definitions to construct their behavior, experiences, access to construct their behavior, experiences, access to resources, social conditions, images/identities, resources, social conditions, images/identities, cultures, and worlds to make/manage impressions. cultures, and worlds to make/manage impressions.

People are action units or active agents, not passive beings or products of People are action units or active agents, not passive beings or products of objective macro social forces; they are active beings who engage with objective macro social forces; they are active beings who engage with others to organize their world and give it meaning.others to organize their world and give it meaning.

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INTERACTIONIST PARADIGM: KEY CONCEPTSINTERACTIONIST PARADIGM: KEY CONCEPTS

VIEW OF INDIVIDUAL:VIEW OF INDIVIDUAL: To understand individual To understand individual and group behavior, social scientists must see and group behavior, social scientists must see the world from the eyes of that individual or the world from the eyes of that individual or group--group--verstehenverstehen (Max Weber). (Max Weber).

a. Human Agency and Definition of the Situation: a. Human Agency and Definition of the Situation: – People are action units or human agents who through People are action units or human agents who through

participation in social acts construct their participation in social acts construct their identities/images, cultures, and worlds to make/manage identities/images, cultures, and worlds to make/manage impressions to maximize their advantages and impressions to maximize their advantages and minimize disadvantages. minimize disadvantages.

b. b. LLooking-glass self:ooking-glass self:– ““What we think of ourselves is influenced by how we imagine What we think of ourselves is influenced by how we imagine

other people see us”. “Ultimately we may become the kind of other people see us”. “Ultimately we may become the kind of person person we believewe believe others see us as”—a others see us as”—a self-fulfilling prophecyself-fulfilling prophecy..

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VIEW OF SOCIETY: VIEW OF SOCIETY: Individual interactions Individual interactions construct societyconstruct society

Definition of the Situation: Thomas Theorem:Definition of the Situation: Thomas Theorem:– Sociologist W.I. Thomas (1931) highlighted the Sociologist W.I. Thomas (1931) highlighted the

importance of definitions/meanings in social importance of definitions/meanings in social behavior. People respond to their definition of behavior. People respond to their definition of a situation rather than to objective situation or a situation rather than to objective situation or society. society.

Therefore:Therefore: A) situations people define as real become real A) situations people define as real become real

in their consequences (W.I. Thomas).in their consequences (W.I. Thomas).

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VIEW OF SOCIAL ORDERVIEW OF SOCIAL ORDER: Focuses more on : Focuses more on fluidity than stability. When there is stability it emerges fluidity than stability. When there is stability it emerges and maintained through and maintained through Sympathetic Introspection:Sympathetic Introspection:

Sympathetic IntrospectionSympathetic Introspection

– When people attach the same meanings to When people attach the same meanings to symbolssymbols (situations, (situations, behaviours or reality) in the same way, stable relationships or institutions behaviours or reality) in the same way, stable relationships or institutions result.result.

Human interaction operates on SYMBOLSHuman interaction operates on SYMBOLS::– labels, signs, gestures, objects, words, sounds, values, labels, signs, gestures, objects, words, sounds, values,

beliefs, and colors that are given meaning by the interacting beliefs, and colors that are given meaning by the interacting parties.parties.

5. Hence, SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM5. Hence, SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM: :


VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE:VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Individuals negotiate Individuals negotiate social change through their interaction with each other and social change through their interaction with each other and symbols.symbols.

Proponents:Proponents:– Marx WeberMarx Weber– Georg SimmelGeorg Simmel– George Herbert MeadGeorge Herbert Mead– Charles Horton CooleyCharles Horton Cooley– Erving GoffmanErving Goffman

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INTERACTIONIST PARADIGM: INTERACTIONIST PARADIGM: Society is a Society is a complex of symbols that people’s human agency complex of symbols that people’s human agency

constructs, interprets and use to make and/or manage constructs, interprets and use to make and/or manage impressions.impressions.

DEFINITIONOF THE

SITUATION

THE SITUATION: Complex of Symbols

Ideas

HUMAN BEHAVIOR& EXPERIENCES

Sounds

Signs Objects

Clothing

Language

Events

Other Representations

Statuses &Roles

Self & Others

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CRITIQUING THE INTERACTIONIST CRITIQUING THE INTERACTIONIST PARADIGMPARADIGM

See page 61 of Revelli and Webber See page 61 of Revelli and Webber 2014.2014.

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FEMINIST FEMINIST Paradigm or Theoretical PerspectiveParadigm or Theoretical Perspective

Resistance to Patriarchy:The Gender Gap

Male Dominance?

The world is not user-friendly for women and minorities because of conflicts generated by patriarchal hegemony and its resistance

Feminism’s StoryFeminism’s Story Storyline #1:Storyline #1: Society is made up of subgroups of males/men and Society is made up of subgroups of males/men and

females/women that struggle over scarce resources and differences in power, females/women that struggle over scarce resources and differences in power, authority and controlauthority and control

Storyline #2:Storyline #2: Society is never harmonious; conflict between men and women is Society is never harmonious; conflict between men and women is normal in a society where there are inequalities and oppression against normal in a society where there are inequalities and oppression against females.females.

Storyline #3Storyline #3: Society is gendered, meaning that women almost always : Society is gendered, meaning that women almost always experience inequality and subordination when compared to men (Russel experience inequality and subordination when compared to men (Russel Westhaver 2013, p. xix). Westhaver 2013, p. xix).

Storyline #4:Storyline #4: People’s private behaviour and thinking are shaped by ideas and People’s private behaviour and thinking are shaped by ideas and practices that favour men over women. Men are able to act and think because practices that favour men over women. Men are able to act and think because they can access important resources; women act and think because they do not they can access important resources; women act and think because they do not have access to these resources (ibid.). have access to these resources (ibid.).

Storyline #5:Storyline #5: Gender conflict is intersected by social class, racial, ethnic, age, Gender conflict is intersected by social class, racial, ethnic, age, sexuality, etc. conflicts. sexuality, etc. conflicts.

Storyline #6Storyline #6: Within any particular society, there are subgroups of (and : Within any particular society, there are subgroups of (and individual) men and women who cherish different and conflicting interests.individual) men and women who cherish different and conflicting interests.

Storyline #7: The “Gender Risk” is higher for women than men (Robert Brym Storyline #7: The “Gender Risk” is higher for women than men (Robert Brym 2015).2015).

FEMINIST PARADIGMFEMINIST PARADIGM

Patriarchy:Men’s social powerand social privilege

Women’s Inequality and Oppression

- Sexism -Gender conflict- Social change

Social Relationships


Macro Social Force

CONDUIT

UNMANIFESTMANIFEST


FOCUS: MACRO & MICRO:FOCUS: MACRO & MICRO: Patriarchy and the micro Patriarchy and the micro responses of men and women to it.responses of men and women to it.

MAIN CONCEPTS: Patriarchy (Male Dominance), Inequality, MAIN CONCEPTS: Patriarchy (Male Dominance), Inequality, Oppression, Sexism, Conflict and Change:Oppression, Sexism, Conflict and Change:

MAIN THEORYMAIN THEORY Society is a complex economic, political, cultural and Society is a complex economic, political, cultural and

micro interaction system of male dominance or micro interaction system of male dominance or patriarchy that privileges boys/men and produces patriarchy that privileges boys/men and produces inequality, oppression and sexism against girls/women. inequality, oppression and sexism against girls/women. The macro and micro resistance of girls/women to The macro and micro resistance of girls/women to these gender inequality and oppression produces these gender inequality and oppression produces gender conflict. Social change may result from these gender conflict. Social change may result from these processes. processes.


VIEW OF THE INDIVIDUALVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL: Differs according to social class, : Differs according to social class, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and physical ability.race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

VIEW OF SOCIETY:VIEW OF SOCIETY: Patriarchal system Patriarchal system VIEW OF SOCIAL ORDERVIEW OF SOCIAL ORDER: Maintained through standpoints that : Maintained through standpoints that

do not include those of women.do not include those of women. VIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGEVIEW OF SOCIAL CHANGE: Social change through reforms or : Social change through reforms or

revolutions is essential in order to bring about equality.revolutions is essential in order to bring about equality. PROPONENTS:PROPONENTS: Betty FriedanBetty Friedan Dorothy SmithDorothy Smith Margrit EichlerMargrit Eichler Nellie McClungNellie McClung

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KEY CONCEPTS:KEY CONCEPTS: 1. 1. PATRIARCHYPATRIARCHY:--a system of male dominance :--a system of male dominance

that works to the advantage of males and to the that works to the advantage of males and to the disadvantage of females.disadvantage of females.

2. Status quo gender relations embodies 2. Status quo gender relations embodies SEXISM that causes and reflects SEXISM that causes and reflects INEQUALITYINEQUALITY against and against and OPPRESSIONOPPRESSION of of women. women. – Sexism:--Sexism:--belief that the male sex is superior to the belief that the male sex is superior to the

female sex.female sex.– Gender InequalityGender Inequality:--skewed access to wealth, power, :--skewed access to wealth, power,

and prestige in favor of males.and prestige in favor of males.– Gender OppressionGender Oppression:--Restrictions on women’s lives. :--Restrictions on women’s lives.

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3. Gender inequality and oppression underlie 3. Gender inequality and oppression underlie GENDER CONFLICT GENDER CONFLICT and such conflict is the and such conflict is the impetus to changes in impetus to changes in GENDER RELATIONSGENDER RELATIONS..– Gender ConflictGender Conflict:--The clash of the interests (particularly :--The clash of the interests (particularly

economic and political) of males and females. economic and political) of males and females.

4. INTERSECTIONALITY: Gender is 4. INTERSECTIONALITY: Gender is textured by social class, race, ethnicity, age, textured by social class, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, etc. –Triple or Multiple Jeopardy sexuality, etc. –Triple or Multiple Jeopardy experienced by certain women.experienced by certain women.

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CRITIQUING THE FEMINIST CRITIQUING THE FEMINIST PARADIGMPARADIGM

Women-centered and as such Women-centered and as such overly biased and explicitly overly biased and explicitly ideological. ideological.

–Feminism is a form of political Feminism is a form of political activism and therefore it is more activism and therefore it is more of a social movement than of a social movement than scientific theory of society.scientific theory of society.

POSTMODERNIST PARADIGM:POSTMODERNIST PARADIGM:Cultural Approach to the Study of Conflict: Multiculturalism Cultural Approach to the Study of Conflict: Multiculturalism

& Hyperreality& Hyperreality

23-04-19 60The world is not user-friendly for the majority because of Conflicts generated by cultural hegemony and its resistance


& Hyperreality& Hyperreality

There is no universal, normal and homogenous cultural There is no universal, normal and homogenous cultural reality (Tepperman 2015, p. 15). What exists is hyperreal reality (Tepperman 2015, p. 15). What exists is hyperreal culture in the form of language, fashion, movies, literature, culture in the form of language, fashion, movies, literature, art, music, artifacts, etc. constructed by the powerful to art, music, artifacts, etc. constructed by the powerful to control the rest of society and the resistance thereof. control the rest of society and the resistance thereof.

– ““Reality” is fragmentary—disjointed and often Reality” is fragmentary—disjointed and often conflicting: Multiculturalism (cultural silos). conflicting: Multiculturalism (cultural silos).

» Deconstruct the modernist dominating or hegemonic Deconstruct the modernist dominating or hegemonic ideology of universal, homogeneous cultural truth, ideology of universal, homogeneous cultural truth,

» Reality as conceptualized by modernism is an illusion. It Reality as conceptualized by modernism is an illusion. It does not exist.does not exist.

» HyperrealityHyperreality is what exists. is what exists.

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& Hyperreality:& Hyperreality:There are always counter-hegemonic spaces (Antonio Gramsci). Therefore, There are always counter-hegemonic spaces (Antonio Gramsci). Therefore,

“people “people people are more often the agents of their own destiny, than structuralists ever imagined” (Robert Brym 2015 SOC+ derived from Jacques Derrida 2004)

Centered Powerof the DominantClasses

Conflict from Domination and Resistance:

CULTURAL-Hegemony-Homogeneity-Essentialism-Normality-Universalism

MANIFEST

Construction of Hyperreal Culture

CAUSE (X)

EFFECT (Y)

UNMANIFEST

Source: Adu-Febiri 2015: Designed with information from Jean Bauldrillard (1998), Antonio Gramsci (1957 & 1971), Michel Foucault (1973, 1977, 1988)

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MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAJOR MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAJOR SOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGMSSOCIOLOGICAL PARADIGMS

METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY FOCUSFOCUSSOCIAL CHANGESOCIAL CHANGE

POLICYPOLICY

FUNCTIONALISMFUNCTIONALISM PositivismPositivism

QuantitativeQuantitative

DeductiveDeductive

Macro: Macro: CultureCulture

EvolutionEvolution ConservativeConservative

ModernizationModernization

AssimilationAssimilation

SOCIAL CONFLICTSOCIAL CONFLICT CriticalismCriticalism

QuantitativeQuantitative

DeductiveDeductive

Macro: Macro: Political Political Economy & Social Economy & Social ClosureClosure

RevolutionRevolution RadicalRadical: Social : Social Engineering:Engineering:

Equity Equity LegislationLegislation

INTERACTIONISMINTERACTIONISM

&&

POSTMODERNISMPOSTMODERNISM

InterpretismInterpretism

QualitativeQualitative

InductiveInductive

Micro: Micro: Human Human AgencyAgency

Individual Individual adaptation & adaptation & innovationinnovation

Liberal:Liberal:Individual Individual choices & choices & freedomfreedom

FEMINISMFEMINISM FeminisFeminist/Criticalt/Critical

Quanti/QualiQuanti/Quali

Deduct/InductiveDeduct/Inductive

Micro & Macro: Micro & Macro: PatriarchyPatriarchy

EvolutionEvolution

RevolutionRevolution

RadicalRadical: Social : Social Engineering:Engineering:

Equity LegislationEquity Legislation

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QUIZ 4QUIZ 4

In your encounters with human behaviour and In your encounters with human behaviour and conditions, you have come to the conclusion that conditions, you have come to the conclusion that people construct their own worlds through the people construct their own worlds through the processes of negotiating the meanings of symbols processes of negotiating the meanings of symbols in human society. Which of the four major in human society. Which of the four major sociological paradigms would agree with your sociological paradigms would agree with your conclusion? conclusion?

A) Social Conflict ParadigmA) Social Conflict Paradigm B) Functionalist ParadigmB) Functionalist Paradigm C) Interactionist ParadidmC) Interactionist Paradidm D) Feminist ParadigmD) Feminist Paradigm

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Identify the paradigms applied in Identify the paradigms applied in 1 - 3 1 - 3

1. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 1. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with my genes.wrong with my genes.

2. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 2. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with my mental processes.wrong with my mental processes.

3. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 3. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with the society I inhabit. wrong with the society I inhabit.

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Identify the paradigms applied in Identify the paradigms applied in 4 & 54 & 5

4. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 4. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with the culture of the society I wrong with the culture of the society I inhabit.inhabit.

5. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 5. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with money or power or prestige of wrong with money or power or prestige of the society I inhabit.the society I inhabit.

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Identify the paradigms applied in Identify the paradigms applied in 6 & 76 & 7

6. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 6. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be wrong overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with male power of the society I inhabit.with male power of the society I inhabit.

7. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or 7. I feel crazy (or stupid or fearful or overwhelmed), so something must be wrong overwhelmed), so something must be wrong with the meaning I put on (or how I construct with the meaning I put on (or how I construct the realities of) the culture or money or the realities of) the culture or money or power or prestige or social interactions of the power or prestige or social interactions of the society I inhabit .society I inhabit .

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

The Social World is made up of manifest The Social World is made up of manifest and unmanifest variables/factors. The and unmanifest variables/factors. The manifest factors are manifest factors are the effect the effect of the of the unmanifest factors. The objectives of unmanifest factors. The objectives of sociological paradigms are to discover and sociological paradigms are to discover and identify the unmanifest factors identify the unmanifest factors (causal (causal factors or predictors) factors or predictors) and use them to and use them to explain, and where necessary to predict, the explain, and where necessary to predict, the manifest factors manifest factors (the effect(the effect). ).

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04/10/20151 sociological theory : seeing the invisible variables/factors of human behavior and...

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