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Objectives of Unit 2: Discuss findings/experience of Assignment 1: Doing Nothing Reflect on the concept of theory in Sociology Introduce the classical(traditional) perspectives in Sociology Introduce the newer perspectives in Sociology Introduce a global perspective in Sociology (unit 3 & 9) Introduce briefly common methodological approaches (tools) in Sociology 2

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3 Assignment 1: Doing Nothing

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4 A theory is. Hmmm !?

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What is a Theory? 6 Attempts to understand the (social) world and our place in it, has led to the development of theories Theories are abstract propositions about how things are as well as how they should be; an explanation of how we think things work We refer to theories as approaches, schools of thought, paradigms or perspectives. This implies that they are different approaches! Social theories are guiding principles or abstract models that attempt to explain and predict the social world A theory is comparable to a map. When you discover new places, you have to modify this map

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10 Is there something like down or above? down and above become relative

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Example of a theoretical model: the social change model 11

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Theories are dynamic, they change 12 Theories have to be tested: Thats what scientifically research is all about! We develop theories and test them, modify them to fit the reality better, why? Theories will change over time, because their area of study they seek to understand and explain: Society, itself changes over time Theories seek to understand society in periods of both order and change Social change makes theoretical change a continual necessity

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13 The object of study is on the move

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Different theoretical perspectives 15 In attempting to develop theories about humans and societies, sociologists face a wide range of choices: What issues should we study? How should we link facts together to form theories? What assumptions might underpin our theories? I.e. what theoretical maps guides the study of phenomena? =Theoretical Perspective This is a basic image that guides thinking and research There exists an array of basic images that guide thinking and research!

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The elephant metaphor: poem by John Godfrey Saxe (1816-18-87) 16 Wall Rope Snake Fan Tree Spear

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The poem/parables moral: 17

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18 Classical, traditional perspectives in Sclg

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3 classical perspectives in Sclg: Macro-level perspectives: 1. Structural Functionalism 2. Conflict theory Micro-level perspective: 3. Symbolic interactionism

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20 Structural Functionalism

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Key tenets Structural Functionalism 21 Is a framework for building theory that envisages society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability 1. Our lives are guided by social structure i.e. relative stable patterns of social behaviour 2. This frameworks understands social structure in terms of its social functions i.e. functions/consequences for the operation of society 3. Society is stable, an ordered system of interrelated parts of the social structures. Each structure has a function that contributes to the continued stability of society.

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Founding Fathers of Structural Functionalism: Auguste Comte Herbert Spencer Emile Durkheim I focus on social solidarity Society is comparable to the human body To promote social integration during times of radical change

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Key tenets Structural Functionalism The SF perspective organizes sociological observations by identifying various structures of society and studying the function of each one. E.g. of social structures (social institutions) are: the family, the educational system, politics, religion, mass media systems and the economy

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Other theorists that have contributed to SF perspective 24 Talcott Parsons Robert Merton Society is a system, with parts that have basic tasks, all members should be socialized to maintain order Social functions can be expanded in manifest, latent and dysfunctions

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Social functions expanded (Merton) 25 1. The consequences of any social pattern are likely to differ for various members of society E.g. traditional families provide crucial support for the development of children but also confer privileges on men while limiting the opportunities for women 2. We dont always perceive all functions of a particular social structure: Manifest functions : the recognized/intended consequences of any social pattern Latent functions : consequences that are largely unrecognized and unintended 3. Not all the effects if any social structure turn out to be useful: Social Dysfunctions i.e. any patterns undesirable consequences for the operation of society

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(dys)functions of.? 26 What are the main functions (in terms of manifest and latent) and dysfunctions of the following social structures: 1. The family 2. Education 3. Religion 4. Mass media 5. The economy 6. Jail 7. Gaming

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Critique on Structural Functionalism 27 How can we assume that society has a natural order when social patterns vary from place to place and change over time? By focusing on social integration and harmony SF tends to overlook/hide social inequalities based on social categories such as: ethnicity, gender, age and social class

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28 Conflict Theory

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Key tenets Conflict Theory 29 Is a framework for building theory that envisages society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change It highlights divisions in society based on inequalities Inequalities based on social class, ethnicity (or race), sex and age Theory focuses on dominance, competition and social change Conflict between categories of people (social groups): dominant vs. disadvantaged categories. E.g. Rich vs. poor Aim is not only to understand how inequality is rooted in the way society is organized, but also to do reduce inequalities : By promoting and bring about Social Change

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Conflict Theory has a materialistic view of society. It focuses on labor practices and economic reality takes a critical stance towards existing social arrangements (labor market, democracy, inequality between social groups) doesnt believe that science can be objective: all theoretical approaches have political consequences . i.e. theories have hidden agendas Believes that transformation of society is inevitable (social change)

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Founding father of Conflict theory: 31 Karl Marx My main task is not to just analyze how society reproduces inequality, but my task is to change this!

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Critique on Conflict Theory 32 CT highlights inequality and overlooks how shared values or interdependence generate unity among members of society CT sometimes pursuits explicitly political goals (it wants to bring social change) and because of this it sometimes lacks scientific objectivity * * The objectivity of science is a much disputable notion in science on itself

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Critique on how SF & CT approach Society 33 Both the SF and CT envisage society in very broad terms. Society becomes a thing on itself describing our lives as a composite of for example: family or social class we have criticized this notion in unit 1! Both SF and CT are considered conservative theories (gone out of fashion!)

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34 Symbolic Interactionism

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3. Symbolic Interactionism* Is a theoretical framework that envisages society as the product of everyday interactions of people doing things together Is influenced by Webers social action perspective. i.e. a perspective that emphasizes the need to understand a setting from the point of view of people in it. Human meanings and action shape society We act toward things on the basis of their meanings Individual/social groups give meaning to the experience of life Meaning is process of constant negotiation : i.e. meanings can change or be modified through interaction and through time *SI is the most influential sociological perspective!

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Founding father & inspiration of SI 36 I look at how we assemble our sense of self over time based on social experience Meanings and action shape society. Modern society is the product of a new way of thinking, not just of new technology and capitalism Max WeberGeorge Mead

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Key tenets of Symbolic Interactionism 37 Through the human process of finding meaning in our surroundings, we define our identities, bodies and feelings, and come to socially construct the world around us. Society as a mosaic of subjective meanings and variable responses : E.g. the meaning of the membership of a gang member: The one perceives being part of a gang as something to be proud of, you get symbolic status in an other part of society, you are appreciated by fellow gang members, they are your family. The other sees gangs as something to be feared, a menace for society, a collection of organized crime, peer pressure and stupidity

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Changing meanings of the concept of beauty for teenagers (1975 vs. 2010):

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Critique on Symbolic Interactions 39 By focusing on day-to-day experience/interactions we overlook the workings of larger social structures

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Conclusion so far 40 Not one single perspective can cover in its totality the dynamic character of society and social experience. A some what more better understanding of society comes from the combination of different perspectives: Sociology examines the social world by looking at functions and dysfunctions, conflicts and consensus, actions and meanings And still, as we will see, some other angles are lacking! Because all 3 traditional perspectives have weakness as well as strengths, they will probably never fully explain the totality of social phenomena, even when taken together

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41 Contemporary, emerging perspectives

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3 new perspectives in Sociology New perspectives will, and indeed must, continue to rise. Changes in society, bring changes in our conceptual way of studying it: Each is linked to a major contemporary social transformation: Changing ideas about gender roles Changing notions of sexual identity Changes associated with a post-industrial, technologically based society 42

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43 Feminist Theory

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First female sociologist 44 I can be considered the first female in sociology. My area of expertise is the study of urban life, I am one of the pioneers of the Chicago Schoo l Jane Addams

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1. Feminist theory 45 Looks at gender inequalities in society and the way gender structures the social world Gender is a social construct

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E.g. A feminist analysis of female fairy tale characters 47

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49 Queer Theory

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2. Queer theory 50 Proposes that categories of sexual identity are social constructs and that no sexual category is fundamentally either deviant or normal

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51 Post-modernism

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2. Postmodern theory 52 Suggests that there is no universal, knowable truth: realities are fluid and diverse The kaleidoscope metaphor

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53 It has all been done. The extreme limit of possibilities have been reached. It has deconstructed its entire universe. So, all that are left are pieces. All that remains to be done is play around with the pieces: that is post-modern Baudrillard

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54 PerspectiveFocus of Analysis Structural- FunctionalismAssumes that society is a unifies whole that functions because of the contributions of its separate structures Conflict theorySees social conflict as the basis of society and social change emphasizes a materialist view of society, a critical view of the status quo and a dynamic model of historical change Symbolic interactionismAsserts that interaction and meaning are central to society and assumes that meanings are not inherent but are created through interaction Feminist theoryLooks at gender inequalities in society and the way gender structures the social world Queer theoryQuestions the basis of all social categories, including but not limited to those involving sexuality Postmodernist theorySuggests that social reality is diverse, pluralistic and constantly in flux

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55 Global perspective in Sociology

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Global perspective 56 The study of the larger world and each societys place in it Importance of interrelations Importance of contexts We will continue with this theme in unit 3 and unit 9

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57 Common methods in Sociology

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58 There is no absolutely objective scientific analysis of culture.or social phenomena independent of special and one-sided viewpoints according to which they are selected, analyzed and organized (Weber, 1949: 72) Max Weber

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60 Distinction between Quantative and Qualitative research methods Quantative: uses data that can easily be converted into numbers, such as a survey or an experiment E.g. Censo 2010

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62 Qualitative: involves data that cannot easily be converted to numbers, such as observation or informal interviews. Most sociological research uses the scientific method This is the standard for acquiring and verifying empirical scientific knowledge: After conducting a literature review, a researcher forms a hypothesis stating a potential relationship between 2 or more variables: The number of friendships at the work & the level of job satisfaction e.g. more friendships at the workplace increases job satisfaction Variables must be clearly defined so that they can be measured Finally data is collected and the hypotheses tested (deductive)

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Steps of the scientific Method 1. Identify a problem or ask a question 2. Conduct a literature review 3. Form a hypothesis: give operational definitions to variables 4. Choose a research design or method 5. Collect data 6. Analyze data 7.Dissemina te findings Starting from 1 to 7 = Deductive research Starting from 5 (4) to 1 = Inductive research 63

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1. Ethnographic methods 64 One way to collect data is through ethnography, a method based on studying people in their own environment in order to understand the meanings they attribute to their activities It involves: Active participation in and observation of a naturally occurring setting and a written account (field notes) of what goes on there. In participant observation the research observes and becomes a member in the social setting Anthropology uses this method often

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Ethnography: 65 Snow white joined the 7 dwarfs in their private homes, here she could observe their social practices

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2. Interviews 66 Involves direct, face-to-face contact with respondents. The researcher identifies the target population that she wishes to study and then selects a sample of people to be interviewed from that population close-ended questions: E.g. Are you for or against the legislation of abortus? (yes-no) open-ended question: What is your opinion about legalizing abortus? please elaborate What do you think of married couples cheating on each other?

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3. Surveys 67 Surveys are questionnaires that are administrated to a sample of respondents selected from a target group population Tend to look at Large-scale social patterns and employs statistics methods of analysis http://www.censo2010.aw/

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68 URL: www.censo2010.aw

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4. Experimental methods 69 Experiments are formal test of whether an independent variable causes the dependent variable that are performed in a controlled setting where all aspects of the situation can be controlled. Comparison between experimental group vs. control group (sample without intervention) Experiments in social science are very difficult to conduct because of ethical questions: Twins separated at birth, one grows-up in a nice family, one in a dysfunctional family?

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Pill to make you dance at a party when you dont like dancing 70 Control: she takes a placebo pill Experiment: she takes the to be tested pill

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5. Emerging research tools: 71 A. Life stories (narratives) B. Diaries C. Logs and time-budgets D. Letters E. Visual sociology: Photography F. Visual sociology: Film and video

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Issues in Social science research 72 Social scientists/researches should be Value-free Code of ethics to avoid bias, protect respondents from harms, privacy issues and unethical behavior in the name of science etc. On the wikispace you can find examples of different code of ethics for social sciences

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E.g. Unethical research 73 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/02 /health/research/02infect.html?_r=1&r ef=todayspaper Article trackback:

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74 Awakening the sociological imagination : Studying = feeling like a space traveler, flying above earth, fascinated by its organizing ecology & exploring its encoded meanings N.D.L.

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75 Social Scientists

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Assignment 2: 76

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Understanding the London Riots 77 See Assignment 2 on the wikispace: Free-styling sociological imagination: Understanding the London Riots. As sociologists-in-training we will attempt to understand the riots carefully. Follow the instructions for this assignment on the wikispace.