SOC-3221 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Thomas Theorem
20 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
A set of systematically related propositions that are empirically testable. Functionalist theory (functionalism): social units and institutions have functions that create order and equilibrium for whole social system; Families serve functions for its members and for society (sexual, socialization, reproduction, economic, educational); families have manifest (intended) and latent (unintended) functions. (criticisms: assumes social structure is always attempting to find equilibrium; does not handle. Dysfunctions well; can be very value-laden; does not adequately theorize social change. ) Explains conflict and change, but not order and stability; change tends to be minor/incremental; tends to focus on the economy as underlying cause of conflict. ) In other words, the interpretation not objective of a situation causes the action. ); people occupy social roles which help form our identities; cooley"s. Looking glass self (a person"s self grows out of society"s interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others. ). (criticism: too vague; hard to test; focuses too much on the individual. )
