SOCY105 1 30 2 1 THEORY AND RESEARCH 01 30 2012 Three paradigms of sociology Functionalism macro level theory o Examines the functions or consequences of the structure of society morality o Society is held together by norms values and a common o Dominant in the 20th century theory it is not as popular now as it was then o Don t find as many functionalists today o Social change predictable reinforcing o Durkheim Human body analogy prefer HVAC keeps things inside stable so temperature is stable inside o Society as stable secure o Questions how does the social problem emerge from society Does the social problem serve a function EVERYTHING SERVES A FUNCTION o Criticism reinforces the status quo MILLS gives an excuse for the economic divide big on environment o EXAMPLE drug abuse perspective Durkheim rapid cultural change absence of common social norms and controls self destructive behaviors Role strain when an individuals had insufficient recourses to deal with demanding social situations or circumstances What to do Because abuse is a product of the environment the best option would be to remove the addict from the environment rehab Other possibilities make the drugs less available fine the pharmacists who knowingly prescribe medication to addicts step up law enforcement One perspective that has a rather different way of looking at this social problem of distorted portrayal of women in the media are the sociologist of the functionalism theory Sociologist of this perspective believes that everything serves a purpose and a function Therefore believing that digitally altered imaging can actually benefit our society and more importantly our economy The beautiful women that are seen on the covers of magazines are the inspiration we as consumers need to go out and buy weight loss supplements makeup and other cosmetic tools The famous women and models we see on TV and on billboards are what lowers our self esteem and helps boost the economy We believe that this is what we are suppose to look like we believe this is what society expects us to be and these thoughts push us into spending hundreds of dollars sometimes even thousands for plastic surgery to look like these people to feel like we belong Without these pictures on the covers of the magazines no one would buy them If the magazines are not purchases then the products advertised inside wont be seen to the consumer either If the products advertised in the magazines are not benefiting they will not pay the magazine to publish them inside If the magazines do not get money from the products they are advertising they will loose money and therefore have to fire their employees If more people are fired more people will have to file for employment and less money would be spent to boost the economy The functionalism theory argues that society is held together by norms values and a common morality These women and their perfect image is what society has formed as normal By changing this concept we risk forming a larger social problem then the issue of self esteem and that would be a sinking economy Conflict Theory macro level theory o Considers how society is held together by power and coercion for the benefit of those in power o Conflict between competing interest is the basic animating force of social change and society in general o Social change change takes place all the time and may have consequences o Capitalism as source of conflict MARX Proletariat workers vs Bourgeoisie owners because of capitalism division between the two The majority workers become alienated Alienation inability to achieve potential HOW TO GET RID OF IT Class consciousness overthrow the gov t socialist then communist o Not just class Resources values interests o How does the problem originate from competition between groups structures What groups structures are in competition and why o FEMINIST THEORY Attempts to describe women s oppression To explain its causes and consequences and to prescribe strategies For women s liberation Social change change is necessary and ongoing to remove barriers to equality between the genders ex Laws reinforce gender inequality by favoring males Defines gender as a course of social inequality group conflict and social problems o EXAMPLE drug abuse perspective Abuse arise be cause of class inequalities Illegal drug abuse is a lower class problem and prescriptive drugs abuse is lower class problem and prescription drug abuse an upper class problem availability use There s feelings of inadequacy about being able to live up to what is expected of you your role To address prescription drugs abuse we must make equality among all classes Symbolic Interactionism micro level theory o A micro level theory in which shared meanings orientations and assumptions form the basic motivations behind peoples actions language symbols words o Social change reflected in peoples social positions and their communications with others o Through our interaction social problems are created and defined Society is made of symbols we use these symbols to form our identity then we take the identity so people see us as our experiences and that shapes us into society and how we react to it o MEAD GOFFMAN Goffman says our hair color what we wear how we speak Leads to people judging us by and that forms us o Social interactionists usually asks 3 major questions 1 How is the problem socially constructed and 2 How is problem behavior learned through interaction 3 How is the problem labeled by those concerned about defined it How the problem is learned from others who labeled the problem who decided how social problems emerge o EXAMPLE drug abuse Because people see others taking such drugs in a legal manner and prescribed by a doc they must be sage for If we places hefty fines and jail time on prescription drugs abusers and those who supply students would get the message that the cost of abusing these drugs is too them as well high SCIENCE OF SOCIOLOGY 3 types of questions facts comparisons trends The why Challenges objectivity based on facts generalizing from our own experiences making assumptions from a single case using reliable sources myths and stereotypes Example Deportation o Question why do some students think that deporting undocumented immigrants is a good idea and other do not Do some research before the hypothesis o Hypothesis students with lower SES are more likely to support deportation o Outline what kinds of statements do you want to be able to make when the