Learning Objectives
4 objectives- Understand and explain the foundational classical sociological theories and their contributions to the study of society.
- Analyze contemporary sociological theories and their approaches to social behavior, inequality, and power dynamics.
- Examine and compare major sociological perspectives including structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminist theory, critical theory, and postmodernism.
- Apply sociological theories to real-world social issues and evaluate their relevance in contemporary society.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2765: Sociological Theories and Perspectives
1. Introduction to Sociological Theories
- Definition and importance of sociological theories
- Overview of theoretical perspectives in sociology
2. Classical Sociological Theories
2.1 Karl Marx
- Historical materialism and class struggle
- Concepts of capitalism, alienation, and social change
2.2 Emile Durkheim
- Social facts and collective conscience
- Division of labor and social solidarity
- Study of suicide and social integration
2.3 Max Weber
- Social action and verstehen (interpretive understanding)
- Types of authority and bureaucracy
- The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism
3. Contemporary Sociological Theories
3.1 Functionalism
- Social structures and their functions
- Concepts of stability, equilibrium, and social order
3.2 Conflict Theory
- Power, inequality, and social conflict
- Role of social class, race, and gender in conflict
3.3 Symbolic Interactionism
- Role of symbols and language in social interaction
- Construction of social reality and identity
3.4 Feminism
- Gender inequality and patriarchy
- Social construction of gender roles
- Feminist critiques of traditional sociology
4. Structural Functionalism
- Society as an interrelated system
- Functions of social institutions (family, education, religion, government)
- Manifest and latent functions
- Criticisms of structural functionalism
5. Conflict Theory
- Emphasis on power struggles and inequality
- Conflict between social classes and groups
- Role of ideology and social change
- Critiques and contemporary applications
6. Symbolic Interactionism
- Microsociological perspective
- Meaning-making in social interactions
- Role of the self and identity formation
- Applications in everyday life and research
7. Feminist Theory
- Overview of feminist perspectives (liberal, radical, intersectional)
- Critique of patriarchy and gender norms
- Gender, power, and social justice
- Feminist contributions to sociology
8. Critical Theory
- Origins in the Frankfurt School
- Critique of capitalism, culture, and ideology
- Power, oppression, and emancipation
- Role in promoting social change
9. Postmodernism
- Challenges to grand narratives and universal truths
- Concepts of identity, reality, and knowledge
- Emphasis on diversity, fluidity, and complexity
- Implications for sociological research and theory
10. Summary and Integration
- Comparing and contrasting sociological theories
- Relevance of theories in analyzing contemporary social issues
- Reflecting on the evolving nature of sociological thought
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