Foundations of Sociological Theory

Final exam review / Spring 2014

2

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

3

Where our theorists fit

Perspective Theorist

Conflict theory Gilman, DuBois, Fanon, Veblen

Functionalism Merton

Symbolic interactionism Simmel, Goffman, Gilman, DuBois, Veblen

4

Respective theoretical orientations - I

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Weber

Durkheim

ORDER

Marx

5

Respective theoretical orientations - II

Nonrational

Rational

Individual Collective

ACT ION

Weber

Durkheim

ORDER

Simmel

DuBois

Marx

Gilman

6

Veblen

Leisure class Conspicuous consumption Conspicuous leisure

7

Gilman

Gender inequality Women’s economic dependence Differential socialization (internalized

attitudes) Patriarchal institutions Shared symbolic codes and gender

norms

8

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

9

Simmel

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

10

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

11

DuBois

Color line Double consciousness Capitalist class system White supremacy

12

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

13

Merton

Conformity Innovation Modes of adaptation Ritualism Rebellion Retreatism

14

Goffman

Discredited/discreditable Disidentifier Passing Stigma Stigma symbol Virtual social identity

15

Fanon

colonialism decolonization