Leah ReddSociology 205September 4, 2013Social Theory- Sociology is rooted in questions about social change, social conflict, and social problems brought on by industrialization and urbanization- Early sociologists continue to influence contemporary sociology- Theories like Marxism, functionalism, symbolic interaction, etc. Early Theorists- Auguste Comteo French philosopher who coined the term “sociology”o Father of sociologyo Interested in studying peopleo How do societies overcome chaos? Scientific knowledge can be used to improve people’s lives- Emile Durkheimo Used scientific principles and methods to study social facts- the aspects of social life that shape our actions as individualso Examples of social facts: institutions, statuses, roles, laws, beliefs, population distribution, urbanization(people moving from rural to urban centers), etc.o Organic solidarity- comes from the interdependence of society’s different parts and shared values (what holds us together)  Mechanical solidarity- you join together out of a common interest organic solidarity- physical composition of the each part of the body (ex.the heart cannot survive without the brain.) tighter bond than mechanicalo Study of suicide examined the anomie(Norm-lessness, sense of chaos within and individual) that comes when social constraints break down during periods of rapid social change- Karl Marxo In his materialist conception of history, the driving force for social change and the source of conflict in society is economicso Things change in society based on economicso Conflict brought on by the exploitation of the poor by the rich under capitalism will bring social changeo Bourgeosie-the top dog; own the factorieso proletariat-work in the factories- Max Webero Values and ideas drive social change(opposite of marx)Leah ReddSociology 205September 4, 2013o Christian beliefs led to capitalismo Functionalism(like Durkheim)o Conflict theory(like marx)o Rationalization of society- social, economic, and cultural life was becoming organized according to principles of efficiencyo The bureaucracy- a new, rational form of social organizationo “The iron cage”- you come become trapped to where you specialize each task to the point to where you cannot do much at all.- Harriet Martineauo Translated comte’s writings to Englisho Abolitionist and women’s movementso Expanded scope of sociological research to include neglected institutions- W.E.B. Du Boiso First African American to graduate from Harvardo Known for “double consciousness” o Argued that “the color line” persisted after slaveryo Connected race to social and economic stratificationo Advocate of social reformMajor Paradigms- Paradigm?o Theoretical framework within which social researchers worko Basic stance to view societyo Theoretical approach- 3 MAJOR PARADIGMSo Functionalismo Conflicto Symbolic Interaction- Functionalismo Sometimes known as “Consensus” perspectiveo Society is made up of parts that carry out functions that contribute to the whole Views society as a system of interrelated partso Focuses on the entire system (Macro perspective)o System seeks to maintain balance (change is not impossible, it just requires a lot of effort to balance out)o Durkheim, Parsons, Mertono QUESTIONS?? What components compose society? How do components relate to one another? What keeps the system in balance? What are the expected and unexpected consequences of an event?Leah ReddSociology 205September 4, 2013 Are the needs of the system being fulfilled?- Conflict Perspectiveo Views society as in a constant struggle over limited power, finite, and resourceso Individuals and groups use power to promote their interestso Power is exerted though force, rules, laws, and ideologieso Race, Class, Gender, Age, Religiono Macro approacho Karl Marx & Capitalismo How classes get power, how they keep the power, & how they use the powero QUESTIONS?? How are wealth, power, opportunities, and resources divied within society?  How do individuals or groups maintain their wealth and power? How do individual thrive?o Symbolic Interaction Micro Approach – focused on the individual Focuses on how individuals interact and how that impacts behavior Exchange of symbols through social interaction- Interactions with other teach individuals how to act, what to say, and what to think Example: HOWDY!  Symbol here that creates an interaction  Mead, Goffman, Becker QUESTIONS??- What influence do individuals have on creation of a social structure?- In what manner does social interaction impact human relationsips?- Do individuals alter their behavior depending on