Sociological Theory

What is theory?•A way to explain how facts are related

▫These facts should be based on empirical evidence

•Provides a framework for interpretation– a lens through which we can examine certain social phenomena.

• In Sociology, the primary question theory seeks to answer: ▫What holds society together?

Macro-level theories:

•Structure- Functionalism▫Auguste Comte▫Herbert Spencer▫Emile Durkheim▫Robert Merton—

Manifest Function Latent Function Dysfunction

Led to…

•Social Facts▫External to the individual▫Have coercive power of the individual▫Transcend time

Macro-Level Theories, cont:

•Conflict Theory▫Karl Marx

Means of production Bourgeois Proletariat

▫Max Weber The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of

Capitalism

Micro-Level Theories

•Symbolic Interaction

•W.I. Thomas▫“Thomas Theorem”

“What some perceives as real is real in its consequences.”

C.H. Cooley

•“The Looking Glass Self”▫We imagine how we appear to others▫We imagine how others are judging said

appearance▫Our sense of self develops from those

judgements

G.H. Mead

•Imitation•Play (pretending)•Game

▫Generalized Other▫Significant Other

I Me

G. H. Mead