1. Objectives of Unit 2: Discuss findings/experience of Assignment 1: “Doing Nothing” Reflect on the concept of “theory” in Sociology Introduce the ‘classical’(traditional)
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Slide 1
1
Slide 2
Objectives of Unit 2: Discuss findings/experience of Assignment
1: Doing Nothing Reflect on the concept of theory in Sociology
Introduce the classical(traditional) perspectives in Sociology
Introduce the newer perspectives in Sociology Introduce a global
perspective in Sociology (unit 3 & 9) Introduce briefly common
methodological approaches (tools) in Sociology 2
Slide 3
3 Assignment 1: Doing Nothing
Slide 4
4 A theory is. Hmmm !?
Slide 5
5
Slide 6
What is a Theory? 6 Attempts to understand the (social) world
and our place in it, has led to the development of theories
Theories are abstract propositions about how things are as well as
how they should be; an explanation of how we think things work We
refer to theories as approaches, schools of thought, paradigms or
perspectives. This implies that they are different approaches!
Social theories are guiding principles or abstract models that
attempt to explain and predict the social world A theory is
comparable to a map. When you discover new places, you have to
modify this map
Slide 7
7
Slide 8
8
Slide 9
9
Slide 10
10 Is there something like down or above? down and above become
relative
Slide 11
Example of a theoretical model: the social change model 11
Slide 12
Theories are dynamic, they change 12 Theories have to be
tested: Thats what scientifically research is all about! We develop
theories and test them, modify them to fit the reality better, why?
Theories will change over time, because their area of study they
seek to understand and explain: Society, itself changes over time
Theories seek to understand society in periods of both order and
change Social change makes theoretical change a continual
necessity
Slide 13
13 The object of study is on the move
Slide 14
14
Slide 15
Different theoretical perspectives 15 In attempting to develop
theories about humans and societies, sociologists face a wide range
of choices: What issues should we study? How should we link facts
together to form theories? What assumptions might underpin our
theories? I.e. what theoretical maps guides the study of phenomena?
=Theoretical Perspective This is a basic image that guides thinking
and research There exists an array of basic images that guide
thinking and research!
Slide 16
The elephant metaphor: poem by John Godfrey Saxe (1816-18-87)
16 Wall Rope Snake Fan Tree Spear
Slide 17
The poem/parables moral: 17
Slide 18
18 Classical, traditional perspectives in Sclg
Slide 19
3 classical perspectives in Sclg: Macro-level perspectives: 1.
Structural Functionalism 2. Conflict theory Micro-level
perspective: 3. Symbolic interactionism
Slide 20
20 Structural Functionalism
Slide 21
Key tenets Structural Functionalism 21 Is a framework for
building theory that envisages society as a complex system whose
parts work together to promote solidarity and stability 1. Our
lives are guided by social structure i.e. relative stable patterns
of social behaviour 2. This frameworks understands social structure
in terms of its social functions i.e. functions/consequences for
the operation of society 3. Society is stable, an ordered system of
interrelated parts of the social structures. Each structure has a
function that contributes to the continued stability of
society.
Slide 22
Founding Fathers of Structural Functionalism: Auguste Comte
Herbert Spencer Emile Durkheim I focus on social solidarity Society
is comparable to the human body To promote social integration
during times of radical change
Slide 23
Key tenets Structural Functionalism The SF perspective
organizes sociological observations by identifying various
structures of society and studying the function of each one. E.g.
of social structures (social institutions) are: the family, the
educational system, politics, religion, mass media systems and the
economy
Slide 24
Other theorists that have contributed to SF perspective 24
Talcott Parsons Robert Merton Society is a system, with parts that
have basic tasks, all members should be socialized to maintain
order Social functions can be expanded in manifest, latent and
dysfunctions
Slide 25
Social functions expanded (Merton) 25 1. The consequences of
any social pattern are likely to differ for various members of
society E.g. traditional families provide crucial support for the
development of children but also confer privileges on men while
limiting the opportunities for women 2. We dont always perceive all
functions of a particular social structure: Manifest functions :
the recognized/intended consequences of any social pattern Latent
functions : consequences that are largely unrecognized and
unintended 3. Not all the effects if any social structure turn out
to be useful: Social Dysfunctions i.e. any patterns undesirable
consequences for the operation of society
Slide 26
(dys)functions of.? 26 What are the main functions (in terms of
manifest and latent) and dysfunctions of the following social
structures: 1. The family 2. Education 3. Religion 4. Mass media 5.
The economy 6. Jail 7. Gaming
Slide 27
Critique on Structural Functionalism 27 How can we assume that
society has a natural order when social patterns vary from place to
place and change over time? By focusing on social integration and
harmony SF tends to overlook/hide social inequalities based on
social categories such as: ethnicity, gender, age and social
class
Slide 28
28 Conflict Theory
Slide 29
Key tenets Conflict Theory 29 Is a framework for building
theory that envisages society as an arena of inequality that
generates conflict and change It highlights divisions in society
based on inequalities Inequalities based on social class, ethnicity
(or race), sex and age Theory focuses on dominance, competition and
social change Conflict between categories of people (social
groups): dominant vs. disadvantaged categories. E.g. Rich vs. poor
Aim is not only to understand how inequality is rooted in the way
society is organized, but also to do reduce inequalities : By
promoting and bring about Social Change
Slide 30
Conflict Theory has a materialistic view of society. It focuses
on labor practices and economic reality takes a critical stance
towards existing social arrangements (labor market, democracy,
inequality between social groups) doesnt believe that science can
be objective: all theoretical approaches have political
consequences . i.e. theories have hidden agendas Believes that
transformation of society is inevitable (social change)
Slide 31
Founding father of Conflict theory: 31 Karl Marx My main task
is not to just analyze how society reproduces inequality, but my
task is to change this!
Slide 32
Critique on Conflict Theory 32 CT highlights inequality and
overlooks how shared values or interdependence generate unity among
members of society CT sometimes pursuits explicitly political goals
(it wants to bring social change) and because of this it sometimes
lacks scientific objectivity * * The objectivity of science is a
much disputable notion in science on itself
Slide 33
Critique on how SF & CT approach Society 33 Both the SF and
CT envisage society in very broad terms. Society becomes a thing on
itself describing our lives as a composite of for example: family
or social class we have criticized this notion in unit 1! Both SF
and CT are considered conservative theories (gone out of
fashion!)
Slide 34
34 Symbolic Interactionism
Slide 35
3. Symbolic Interactionism* Is a theoretical framework that
envisages society as the product of everyday interactions of people
doing things together Is influenced by Webers social action
perspective. i.e. a perspective that emphasizes the need to
understand a setting from the point of view of people in it. Human
meanings and action shape society We act toward things on the basis
of their meanings Individual/social groups give meaning to the
experience of life Meaning is process of constant negotiation :
i.e. meanings can change or be modified through interaction and
through time *SI is the most influential sociological
perspective!
Slide 36
Founding father & inspiration of SI 36 I look at how we
assemble our sense of self over time based on social experience
Meanings and action shape society. Modern society is the product of
a new way of thinking, not just of new technology and capitalism
Max WeberGeorge Mead
Slide 37
Key tenets of Symbolic Interactionism 37 Through the human
process of finding meaning in our surroundings, we define our
identities, bodies and feelings, and come to socially construct the
world around us. Society as a mosaic of subjective meanings and
variable responses : E.g. the meaning of the membership of a gang
member: The one perceives being part of a gang as something to be
proud of, you get symbolic status in an other part of society, you
are appreciated by fellow gang members, they are your family. The
other sees gangs as something to be feared, a menace for society, a
collection of organized crime, peer pressure and stupidity
Slide 38
Changing meanings of the concept of beauty for teenagers (1975
vs. 2010):
Slide 39
Critique on Symbolic Interactions 39 By focusing on day-to-day
experience/interactions we overlook the workings of larger social
structures
Slide 40
Conclusion so far 40 Not one single perspective can cover in
its totality the dynamic character of society and social
experience. A some what more better understanding of society comes
from the combination of different perspectives: Sociology examines
the social world by looking at functions and dysfunctions,
conflicts and consensus, actions and meanings And still, as we will
see, some other angles are lacking! Because all 3 traditional
perspectives have weakness as well as strengths, they will probably
never fully explain the totality of social phenomena, even when
taken together
Slide 41
41 Contemporary, emerging perspectives
Slide 42
3 new perspectives in Sociology New perspectives will, and
indeed must, continue to rise. Changes in society, bring changes in
our conceptual way of studying it: Each is linked to a major
contemporary social transformation: Changing ideas about gender
roles Changing notions of sexual identity Changes associated with a
post-industrial, technologically based society 42
Slide 43
43 Feminist Theory
Slide 44
First female sociologist 44 I can be considered the first
female in sociology. My area of expertise is the study of urban
life, I am one of the pioneers of the Chicago Schoo l Jane
Addams
Slide 45
1. Feminist theory 45 Looks at gender inequalities in society
and the way gender structures the social world Gender is a social
construct
Slide 46
46
Slide 47
E.g. A feminist analysis of female fairy tale characters
47
Slide 48
48
Slide 49
49 Queer Theory
Slide 50
2. Queer theory 50 Proposes that categories of sexual identity
are social constructs and that no sexual category is fundamentally
either deviant or normal
Slide 51
51 Post-modernism
Slide 52
2. Postmodern theory 52 Suggests that there is no universal,
knowable truth: realities are fluid and diverse The kaleidoscope
metaphor
Slide 53
53 It has all been done. The extreme limit of possibilities
have been reached. It has deconstructed its entire universe. So,
all that are left are pieces. All that remains to be done is play
around with the pieces: that is post-modern Baudrillard
Slide 54
54 PerspectiveFocus of Analysis Structural-
FunctionalismAssumes that society is a unifies whole that functions
because of the contributions of its separate structures Conflict
theorySees social conflict as the basis of society and social
change emphasizes a materialist view of society, a critical view of
the status quo and a dynamic model of historical change Symbolic
interactionismAsserts that interaction and meaning are central to
society and assumes that meanings are not inherent but are created
through interaction Feminist theoryLooks at gender inequalities in
society and the way gender structures the social world Queer
theoryQuestions the basis of all social categories, including but
not limited to those involving sexuality Postmodernist
theorySuggests that social reality is diverse, pluralistic and
constantly in flux
Slide 55
55 Global perspective in Sociology
Slide 56
Global perspective 56 The study of the larger world and each
societys place in it Importance of interrelations Importance of
contexts We will continue with this theme in unit 3 and unit 9
Slide 57
57 Common methods in Sociology
Slide 58
58 There is no absolutely objective scientific analysis of
culture.or social phenomena independent of special and one-sided
viewpoints according to which they are selected, analyzed and
organized (Weber, 1949: 72) Max Weber
Slide 59
59
Slide 60
60 Distinction between Quantative and Qualitative research
methods Quantative: uses data that can easily be converted into
numbers, such as a survey or an experiment E.g. Censo 2010
Slide 61
61
Slide 62
62 Qualitative: involves data that cannot easily be converted
to numbers, such as observation or informal interviews. Most
sociological research uses the scientific method This is the
standard for acquiring and verifying empirical scientific
knowledge: After conducting a literature review, a researcher forms
a hypothesis stating a potential relationship between 2 or more
variables: The number of friendships at the work & the level of
job satisfaction e.g. more friendships at the workplace increases
job satisfaction Variables must be clearly defined so that they can
be measured Finally data is collected and the hypotheses tested
(deductive)
Slide 63
Steps of the scientific Method 1. Identify a problem or ask a
question 2. Conduct a literature review 3. Form a hypothesis: give
operational definitions to variables 4. Choose a research design or
method 5. Collect data 6. Analyze data 7.Dissemina te findings
Starting from 1 to 7 = Deductive research Starting from 5 (4) to 1
= Inductive research 63
Slide 64
1. Ethnographic methods 64 One way to collect data is through
ethnography, a method based on studying people in their own
environment in order to understand the meanings they attribute to
their activities It involves: Active participation in and
observation of a naturally occurring setting and a written account
(field notes) of what goes on there. In participant observation the
research observes and becomes a member in the social setting
Anthropology uses this method often
Slide 65
Ethnography: 65 Snow white joined the 7 dwarfs in their private
homes, here she could observe their social practices
Slide 66
2. Interviews 66 Involves direct, face-to-face contact with
respondents. The researcher identifies the target population that
she wishes to study and then selects a sample of people to be
interviewed from that population close-ended questions: E.g. Are
you for or against the legislation of abortus? (yes-no) open-ended
question: What is your opinion about legalizing abortus? please
elaborate What do you think of married couples cheating on each
other?
Slide 67
3. Surveys 67 Surveys are questionnaires that are administrated
to a sample of respondents selected from a target group population
Tend to look at Large-scale social patterns and employs statistics
methods of analysis http://www.censo2010.aw/
Slide 68
68 URL: www.censo2010.aw
Slide 69
4. Experimental methods 69 Experiments are formal test of
whether an independent variable causes the dependent variable that
are performed in a controlled setting where all aspects of the
situation can be controlled. Comparison between experimental group
vs. control group (sample without intervention) Experiments in
social science are very difficult to conduct because of ethical
questions: Twins separated at birth, one grows-up in a nice family,
one in a dysfunctional family?
Slide 70
Pill to make you dance at a party when you dont like dancing 70
Control: she takes a placebo pill Experiment: she takes the to be
tested pill
Slide 71
5. Emerging research tools: 71 A. Life stories (narratives) B.
Diaries C. Logs and time-budgets D. Letters E. Visual sociology:
Photography F. Visual sociology: Film and video
Slide 72
Issues in Social science research 72 Social
scientists/researches should be Value-free Code of ethics to avoid
bias, protect respondents from harms, privacy issues and unethical
behavior in the name of science etc. On the wikispace you can find
examples of different code of ethics for social sciences
Slide 73
E.g. Unethical research 73 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/02
/health/research/02infect.html?_r=1&r ef=todayspaper Article
trackback:
Slide 74
74 Awakening the sociological imagination : Studying = feeling
like a space traveler, flying above earth, fascinated by its
organizing ecology & exploring its encoded meanings N.D.L.
Slide 75
75 Social Scientists
Slide 76
Assignment 2: 76
Slide 77
Understanding the London Riots 77 See Assignment 2 on the
wikispace: Free-styling sociological imagination: Understanding the
London Riots. As sociologists-in-training we will attempt to
understand the riots carefully. Follow the instructions for this
assignment on the wikispace.