Foundations of Sociological Theory Final exam review Fall

Foundations of Sociological Theory Final exam review / Fall 2013

3 major perspectives in sociological theory Perspective Level of analysis Focus Conflict theory macro / collective Competition for scarce resources; How the elite control the poor and weak Functionalism macro / collective Relationship between the parts of society; How aspects of society are functional (adaptive) Symbolic interactionism micro / individual Use of symbols; Face-toface interactions 2

Where our theorists fit Perspective Theorist Conflict theory Gilman, Du. Bois, Fanon, Veblen Functionalism Merton Symbolic interactionism Simmel, Goffman, Gilman, Du. Bois, Veblen 3

Respective theoretical orientations - I Nonrational A C T I O N Durkheim Collective Individual ORDER Weber Marx Rational 4

Respective theoretical orientations - II Nonrational Simmel A C T I O N Durkheim Du. Bois Collective Individual ORDER Weber Gilman Marx Rational 5

Veblen � Leisure class � Conspicuous consumption � Conspicuous leisure 6

Gilman � Gender inequality � Women’s economic dependence � Differential socialization (internalized attitudes) � Patriarchal institutions � Shared symbolic codes and gender norms 7

Gilman’s multidimensional explanation of gender inequality Nonrational Differential socialization (internalized attitudes) Sex ‘principles’ (biology) A C Shared symbolic codes T and gender norms I O N Individual Collective ORDER Patriarchal institutions Rational 8

Simmel � Duality (form/content, etc. ) � Blasé attitude � Fashion � Sociability 9

Simmel’s Duality Regarding Subjective/Objective Culture Individual Nonrational Rational Collective Subjective culture: ongoing interactions that individuals engage in as they move through their daily lives seeking to satisfy their needs, and realize their desires Objective culture: reification; external objects confront individuals as oppressive systems that compel conformity 10

Du. Bois � Color line � Double consciousness � Capitalist class system � White supremacy 11

Du Bois’s multidimensional approach to race & class Nonrational Double consciousness Color line (internalized attitude) Prejudice Individual ‘Colortocracy’ A C T I O N Color line (symbolic status hierarchy) Collective ORDER Color line (racialized social institutions) Discrimination Capitalist class system Rational 12

Merton � Conformity � Innovation � Modes of adaptation � Ritualism � Rebellion � Retreatism 13

Goffman � Discredited/discreditable � Disidentifier � Passing � Stigma symbol � Virtual social identity 14

Fanon � colonialism � decolonization 15