How do we use sociology to study social problems? With…

1. How do we use sociology to study social problems? With… • Theory: statement of how 2+ facts are related • We can USE theory to understand how things remain “orderly,” why there is change, why there is inequality, etc.! • We use both macro- (society as a whole) and micro-level (face-to-face interactions) theories

2. Structural-Functional Paradigm: • Macro level of analysis • Like the human body or a machine, society is a joint effort of many institutions working together for the solidarity and stability of the whole (Herbert Spencer) • Social structures (family, education, religion, government, work, medicine) have social “functions,” meaning they contribute to the operation of society as a whole

3. “Order” and “Change” in Functionalism: • Order is maintained by group consensus, shared values, and rituals that promote social solidarity • With slow change, institutions adapt to restore order • Social problems may arise when rapid social change results in social disorganization or social dysfunction

4. Dramatic representation:

5. For Example: • Functionalism and gangs: How would a functionalist explain the “function” of gangs? • OR, are gangs a “dysfunction”? • Manifest vs. latent functions?

6. Conflict Paradigm: • Macro-level of analysis • Views society as in constant conflict and struggle over scarce social and economic resources resulting in inequality • Asks “who benefits from this situation” • Views society as divided between the “haves” and the “have nots” • The “haves” construct society and social institutions to maintain their advantage

7. “Order” and “Change” in the Conflict Perspective • Order is the result of power and coercion by those in charge • Struggle and competition for economic and social resources creates change • Social problems result from conflicting values, and largely from oppression on the basis of class, race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, ability, etc.

8. Dramatic Representation- Marx

9. Other types of Conflict: • Feminist Theory: Fills the holes left by Marx to understand inequality between men and women • Multicultural theory: Examine society in terms of racial and ethnic inequality

10. For Example: • Conflict/Multicultural theory: How would conflict (and/or multicultural) theorists explain gangs?

11. Interactionist Perspective: • Micro level interactions • Individual behavior is based on the symbols and shared meanings we learn- in other words, on what we “believe” not just what is objectively true • So…society is “socially constructed” through human interaction, and symbols change through these interactions • We learn these symbols during interactions with other individuals and groups

12. “Order” for Symbolic Interactionists: • Social interaction and shared beliefs (subjective) create order • Change results from changing belief systems and ever-changing interactions

13. For Example: • Symbolic Interactionists: How would symbolic interactionism help us explain gang persistence and reproduction? • Tattoos, graffiti, and hand signs

14. Education and these theories: • How can we use conflict theory to explain educational inequality? • How would a functionalist explain the patterns in schooling we’ve read about? • How would a symbolic interactionist help us understand educational inequality?

15. How do you choose??? • Theoretical approach may change somewhat depending on the type of question or problem you are studying • Use more than one approach to achieve the best picture of the problem or issue

17. To practice whatwe’ve learned… • Write down your answers to the following questions (choices are conflict, functionalism, or symbolic interactionism): • The______approach sees society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together. • The______approach sees society as divided by inequality and disruption • The______approach is a theoretical framework that sees society as the product of individuals interacting with one another.

18. So how do we get informationon Social Problems anyway? • Through research: • Surveys: Gather information through questionnaire or interview • Field research or participant observation • Experiment: Investigate cause and effect in a controlled setting • Secondary analysis: Use someone else’s data!