foundations of sociological theory

Foundations of Sociological Theory

Final exam review / Spring 2014

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3 major perspectives in sociological theory

Perspective Level of analysis Focus

Conflict theory macro / collective Competition for scarce resources; How the elite control the poor and weak

Functionalism macro / collective Relationship between the parts of society; How aspects of society are functional (adaptive)

Symbolic interactionism

micro / individual Use of symbols; Face-to-face interactions

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Where our theorists fit

Perspective Theorist

Conflict theory Gilman, DuBois, Fanon, Veblen

Functionalism Merton

Symbolic interactionism Simmel, Goffman, Gilman, DuBois, Veblen

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Respective theoretical orientations - I

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Weber

Durkheim

ORDER

Marx

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Respective theoretical orientations - II

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Weber

Durkheim

ORDER

Simmel

DuBois

Marx

Gilman

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Veblen

Leisure class Conspicuous consumption Conspicuous leisure

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Gilman

Gender inequality Women’s economic dependence Differential socialization (internalized

attitudes) Patriarchal institutions Shared symbolic codes and gender

norms

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Gilman’s multidimensional explanation of gender inequality

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Sex ‘principles’ (biology)

Shared symbolic codesand gender norms

ORDER

Differential socialization(internalized attitudes)

Patriarchal institutions

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Simmel

Duality (form/content, etc.) Blasé attitude Fashion Sociability

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Simmel’s Duality Regarding Subjective/Objective Culture

Individual Collective

Nonrational Subjective culture: ongoing interactions that individuals engage in as they move through their daily lives seeking to satisfy their needs, and realize their desires

Rational Objective culture: reification; external objects confront individuals as oppressive systems that compel conformity

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DuBois

Color line Double consciousness Capitalist class system White supremacy

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Du Bois’s multidimensional approach to race & class

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Color line (racialized social institutions)

Color line (symbolic status hierarchy)

ORDER

Color line(internalized attitude)

Prejudice

Discrimination

‘Colortocracy’Double consciousness

Capitalist class system

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Merton

Conformity Innovation Modes of adaptation Ritualism Rebellion Retreatism

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Goffman

Discredited/discreditable Disidentifier Passing Stigma Stigma symbol Virtual social identity

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Fanon

colonialism decolonization