Module 2 - Sociological theories Flashcards
What are the 3 origins of sociological thought? describe them.
Scientific revolution - science can help us understand
Industrial Revolution - positive way to demonstrate society
Political revolution - people have power to bring and initiate change
What does the sociological theory do?
helps to explain and guide us but also tell us where to build
brings clarity
lens (someone could see things differently than you)
what are the 4 theoretical perspectives?
Structural functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic interaction
Feminism
Explain Structural Functionalism. Ex?
Focuses on maintaining order and stability in society
Interconnected parts that work together
Shared values and beliefs, focuses on consensus in society
ex. schools, health care
Explain conflict theory view. ex?
Poking
All societies involve conflict
thinking about the less powerful and powerful groups (could be racial groups or gender groups)
Focus on the inequalities and where the power is located
Looking at a tiered system where some will succeed and some will not
Ex. workers being paid below the selling price of the product
Explain Symbolic interaction. Ex?
The way that we interact with eachother
Idea of social actors - people consciously acting and interpreting the behaviour of others
Actions depend on meaning
Normative rules of expectation
Ex. how we act different depending on where we are. Burning a finger or hanging out with friends vs family.
Explain feminist theory
Looks at gender inequalities
Goal is to demonstrate the importance of women perspectives
Historical aspects
What Is intersectional theorizing ?
The idea that we experience life based on a number of different identities that we have. Not just black, not just women, black women. Discrimination that collides in peoples lives.
what is the summary of sociological theories ? (3)
Framework or lenses for seeing the social world
Are based on certain core assumptions
Help explain how social action, social processes and social structures work
