Transcript Macro Sociological Theories

MACRO SOCIOLOGICAL
THEORIES
Structural Functionalism
Conflict Theory
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

Sees society as a interrelated parts (social
institutions, social forces, etc.) that work WELL
together

Society is a “Structure” that “Functions”

SF sociologists
Durkheim
Parsons
Davis and
Moore
EACH INSTITUTION FULFILLS CERTAIN
FUNCTIONS, PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES, TO
MEET DIFFERENT NEEDS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
A SOCIETY’S STABILITY AND SURVIVAL
-MERTON 1938
MOUSE TRAP

Each part serves a function
FUNCTIONS
“Positive” functions
 Manifest- intended consequences

Latent- unintended and unrecognized
consequences
“Negative” function
 Dysfunctions- unintended function that have a
negative effect on a group or society
EDUCATION- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Manifest functions?

Latent functions?

Dysfunctions?
SOCIAL CHANGE

IF it happens at all – it will be slowly over time


REMEMBER: Society and social institutions in this
theory say that society works well with all of its
interrelated parts
The social institutions work well – if they did not
work well- they would (and sometimes do) change
SOCIAL PROBLEMS


Since Structural Functionalism is a MACRO
theory it can talk about social problems
Macro theories only address macro issues and
micro theories only address micro issues
SO WHAT IS TO BLAME FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS?
INDIVIDUALS
are to blame for social problems
HOW DOES A SOCIETY DEAL WITH SOCIAL
PROBLEMS USING STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM?



resocialize individuals
Resocialization is when
individuals “re-learn”
culture to know what
they should do
Total Institution
Resocialization
DAVID AND MOORE THEORY
GREEN CARROT THEORY
QUESTIONS ABOUT STRUCTURAL
FUNCTIONALISM?
CONFLICT THEORY

Examines the ways in which groups
Disagree
 Struggle over power
 Compete for resources


Thinks that disagreements WILL happen and it
WILL cause conflict so change is
Natural
 Inevitable
 Desired

THE HAVE’S VS. THE HAVE NOT’S
Wealth
 Power
 Prestige

SO WHO GENERALLY HAS THE POWER?

WASP
White
 Anglo-Saxon
 Protestant
 Generally males

WHO GENERALLY DOES NOT HAVE THE
POWER?
Minorities
 Women
 Children
 Poor

HOW CAN WE “SEE” THIS IN SOCIETY?
W.E.B. DUBOIS

Studies racial inequality
“seventh son”
 Double consciousness

First African American
to graduate from Harvard
 “I was in Harvard but not of it”

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Problem of the 20th century is the color line
WATER GUN WAR

Conflict theory in it’s simplest form
QUESTIONS ABOUT CONFLICT THEORY?