A S L 3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Conflict Theories, Social Inequality, Social Actions
Document Summary
3 theoretical frameworks: functionalism, conflict perspectives, social action/ interpretive theories. Roots of functionalism: their main focus is the problem of order, for functionalists" societies are systems draws connections between societies and biological organisms, functions and dysfunctions, integration and equilibrium. A consensus of norms within all aspects of society: e. g. Meritocracy achievements based on your own merit/hard work. Macro-sociological/structural perspectives: both functionalism and conflict theories focus on large scale (macro) factors. Types of social action: instrumental rational action, value rational action, traditional action, affective (emotional) action. For max webber - instrumental rational action is the dominant form of action in modern capitalist societies. (money/materials the main incentive) This can be arguable as power dynamics can be affected by wider society such as the pay gap. In conclusion: sociologists don"t use any single theory and no consensus they will draw on multiple paradigms, judge a theory on the basis of its capacity to explain the real world or a.
