Lecture 1 - Sociological Theory Flashcards
Sociological imagination
The ability to see the connection between personal troubles and social structures.
- to see private troubles as public issues
- our actions are a product of norms and values
What is theory?
Systemic framework used to explain the relationship between variables or forces.
- It is a way for people to articulate an understanding of the world in a systemic way
- without theory, we cannot produce effective and smart explanations of why the world is the way it is
- theory is about wading through data, analysis, interpretation, and existing explanation and trying to make sense of it all
Concept
An idea or notion
- concepts are integral to every argument for they address the most basic question of social science research: what are we talking about
sociology’s traditional theoretical perspectives (schools of thought)
- Functionalist theory
- Conflict theory
- Feminist theory
- Symbolic interactionalist theory
- Indigenous and anti-colonial theory
Conflict theory (Marx & Weber)
Explores the differing degrees of wealth, power, class struggle, and privilege and how these factors shape people’s and group’s experiences and outcomes.
- it focuses on differences of class, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors contributing to inequality
Karl Marx: work centred on the ways that industrial capitalism created two groups - bourgeoisie & proletariat and how they were at odds with each other
Max Weber: focused on sources of power besides class. Considered the importance of inequalities between contending status groups
Ex. Different nationalities, religions, ethnic groups, regions, and so on
Functionalist theory (Durkheim)
Views society as a set of parts that work together to preserve the overall stability and efficiency as a whole.
- each part plays an essential and complementary role, like organs of the human body
Ex. of different parts - families, schools, religious institutions, economy, government
Formal education is a social institution that teaches students the knowledge, skills, and cultural values that will help them succeed in society
Without strengthened social norms and an increase an social integration, anomie and normlessness can result
Key terms: norms, values, function, dysfunction, social stability, equilibrium, and social cohesion
relies on quantitative data
Symbolic interactionalist theory (Max Weber)
Focuses on small-group interactions; the ways people interact with one another, and the meanings, definitions , and interpretations that influence these interactions.
- our social world is a product of these interactions (ordinary people change society everyday in ways that are hard to see)
- also considers development of the self, via interactions with our social context
- social life is constructed by individuals acting on their perceptions of situations
- it is through face-to-face, symbol-using interaction that people build reality together
relies on qualitative data
Feminist theory
Focus on gender inequality and the domination of women by men.
- explores the impact of patriarchy on women’s lives
- looks at the ways gender makes the lives of women and non binary people different from those of men
- people often act out their gender role, which shapes their social activities at home, at work, and in the public domain
Feminists focus on intersectionality; the interconnection of social disadvantages related to ethnicity, class, and gender, which creates more complex systems of oppression and disadvantage
Critical race theory
A framework that looks to see how racism is built into the law and state
- assumes that colourblindness in law and politics is fantasy
How is the law made for white people?
Erving Goffmans theory
People present themselves to others in everyday life so as to appear in the best possible light.
- compares social interaction to a carefully staged play with front stage, backstage, defined roles, and a wide range of props
De-colonization theory
Looks to examine how colonization continues to exist in everyday arrangements - but especially in knowledge production.
Anti-colonial theory
Looks at how colonial powers create ideologies and cultural narratives that justify the domination and vilification of people subject to colonial power.
Summary of Reading:
Wilson, Research is Ceremony
The book challenges conventional western research paradigms, arguing that research involving Indigenous peoples and communities should be relational, ethical, and respectful of Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies. It urges researchers to engage deeply with the values and principles that underpin Indigenous methodologies.
Key themes in reading: “Research is ceremony”
Key themes:
- Relationality - Wilson emphasizes the interconnectedness of all entities and the importance of relationships in Indigenous research
- Respect, Reciprocity, and Responsibility - these ethical considerations are central to Indigenous research methodologies
- Decolonizing methodologies - Wilson discusses the importance of decolonizing research practices. Contributing to the decolonization process by creating space for Indigenous voices and perspectives in research
- Storytelling - highlights storytelling as a powerful method of knowledge transmission in Indigenous cultures
- Community-centred research - Wilson advocates for research that is initiated by, conducted with, and beneficial to Indigenous communities.
Problems with the dominant scientific approach to Indigenous research
No matter how objective researchers claim their methods and themselves to be, they bring their own set of biases. This approach imposes outside solutions, rather than implementing solutions specific to the Indigenous communities.
