Foundations of Sociology: The Role of Key European and American Theorists, Slides of Sociology

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Chapter 1: An Introduction to

the Foundations of Sociology

Sociologists & The Contributions

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European Origins

Sociology is a relatively young science

It began in the late 19

th

century in Europe

During this time, many things were

happening and changing how people lived

Many people started to look at how the

changes in society changed how people

lived their everyday lives

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European Functionalists

His work primarily revolved around the functionalist theory. He felt that sociology should strive to discover social laws-these would be the foundation for society. Comte also distinguished between social statics and social dynamics. Social statics is the study of social stability and order. Social dynamics is the study of social change.

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European Functionalists

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) explained social stability and society in relation to the human body He was a functionalist in this thoughts on society Coined the theory of Social Darwinism and he used Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution as his backbone Believed that social change led to progress as long as people didn’t interfere He didn’t believe in social programs to aide the poor His theory was very controversial

American Functionalists

Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) focused his work on creating “grand theories” to explain how social systems interconnect. He used the bicycle wheel as an analogy…made up of independent parts but all connected. If working properly, the wheel spins. If one spoke is broken, the wheel will eventually need repaired. Also looked at society based on social action…at rest, stay at rest, in motion, stay in motion until something stops it.

American Functionalists

Robert Merton (1910-2003) looked at

society by breaking them into parts and

studying the parts individually.

Become experts in some sub-category:

race, gender, crime, population, etc.

Major contribution was identifying

functions in society. These functions were

manifest functions and latent functions.

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European Conflict Theorists

Karl Marx (1818-1883) is considered the founder of the conflict theory He believed that social scientists should use their power to try to change the world and not just study it Was against the class system in the 19 th century industrial Saw the bourgeoisie overworking and exploiting the proletariat for their benefit Wanted a classless society

European Conflict Theorists

Marx looked at the haves and have-nots and wondered why so many have-nots didn’t challenge the status quo. His theory states that these people have a false consciousness , or they don’t really understand their place in society. Maybe they think things aren’t as bad as they really are?? He also believed that these workers would need to develop class consciousness , or an understanding of their social standing.

American Conflict Theorists

W.E.B DuBois (1868-1963) focused on racial discrimination in American society DuBois also blamed European colonization for problems in Africa…exploited and then left leaving nothing. He tried to fix the “Negro Problem” by looking at different African American groups. His work looked at how poverty among African Americans were because of prejudice and discrimination. Stated that society had a “double consciousness” and if African Americans would assimilate more, they would lead more “better-quality” lives.

American Conflict Theorists

Laura Jane Addams (1860-1935) is mostly known for her work in Chicago where she opened the Hull House in 1889 Her work revolved around the thought that poverty was due to “ignorance and social barriers” and not from “failings of the person”. She believed that society needed to focus on the imbalance of power among social classes She was against the idea of people not having a home, or job or medical attention due to poverty Addams was discriminated against during her life because other social scientists didn’t accept her as a sociologist because she didn’t teach at a university

Criticisms of Conflict Theory

Often seen as being too radical

Seems like a constant pity party for those

who are oppressed

However, on flip side, not all conflict is

bad…it can allow for some social change

that was in the long time

coming….example: Civil Rights Movement

Symbolic Interactionists

George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) is considered the founder of S. I. Most of his work was published after his death by his students who wanted to share his ideas and beliefs Main component of his theory is that once people understand symbols, they create their SELF (or their identity) This self changes throughout your life as you experience new things and become more confident

Symbolic Interactionists

Erving Goffman (1922-1982) developed a

theory called dramaturgy. It revolved

around the thought that life and social

interaction is like a play and people are

acting.

Sometimes we are “acting” so much that we

don’t even realize we’re doing it….are we

fake?

Kids don’t have much practice…they act and

say what they please. As we get older, we

learn how to act & react.

Symbolic Interactionists

Howard Becker (1928- ) believed in labels

and the meanings that are attached to

them.

These labels can be positive or negative

and can lead to “self-fulfilling prophecies”

We need to watch out when giving labels

because we could be way off and we

could influence their behavior without

knowing it.