Sociological Theory General perspectives on understanding how the social world works Part 1 Functionalism Sociology as a social science o What makes sociology a social science It s uses of the scientific method to understand the world o The scientific method is founded on rational explanations that are tested against data to see if evidence supports them o Sociologists use theory to guide them in collecting data and interpreting the results o Sociology is empirical based on observations Theory and theoretical perspectives o Theory offers an explanation of why things are the way they are not how they should be o Some are fairly specific o These theories are tested through empirical research o Other theories are broader and try to offer a basic explanation for a wide variety of social phenomena theoretical perspectives o They represent a distinct way of looking at the world and each has basic assumptions of how the social world operates o Theoretical perspectives arient us toward thinking about society in a specific way point us in particular intellectual directions Functionalism a k a structural functionalism o Key figures Emile Durkeim 19th century Europe Talcott Parsons mid 20h century US o Society is organic Societies are made up of many parts known as institutions family state education economy These institutions work together and are interrelates and interconnected Society can be seen as a functioning organic system o Society has structure Our behavior is structures by society Relationships governed by rules Recurring patterns in society Rules exist outside of individuals Society sum of institutions Institution structure created from interconnected roles and norms o Ex family relationships between roles of husband wife child o Everything has a function If it s in society it has a function It fulfills one of society s needs Purpose to assist in maintaining society and enhancing its ability to survive Deviance serves a function o Society needs order Natural state of society equilibrium harmony and balance When disorder threatens part of society it has ripple effect and threatens other interconnected institutions Adjustments in the affected institutions must be made to restore order and stability to the system o Order rests on consensus Social order exists because individuals are integrated into society on the basis of value consensus The integrating of people into societys shared norms and values take places through socialization and the cultural system which helps people learn the same norms and values Weak social integration people not knowing obeying rules leads to social problems o Temporary conflict rare change Value consensus in society works to prevent serious conflict Conflict is temporary True social change is relatively rare in societies When change does occur it generally leads to improvements that benefit society o Inequality and meritocracy o Criticism of functionalism Functionalist believe that society is meritocratic social status based on ability and how hard you work the better you are the more you are rewarded with wealth power status Inequality necessary and good some people don t work as hard so that don t deserve as much wealth power status Societies are inanimate objects Objects don t have needs individuals do Overemphasizes consensus ignores real divisions and conflicts Is change really uncommon Does everyone benefit from it It provides an inadequate explanation of how society s culture changes Is society really meritocratic or is this an ideal It argues for status quo how things are and against any changes something that might upset the natural state of harmony and equilibrium