Microsoft Word - sociology_body.doc

Table 1.1. Summary of sociological theories

S.
No. Name of the theory What does it state? Key concepts Its weaknesses

1. Structural
   Functionalism

Sees society as a

complex system

whose parts work

together to promote

solidarity and

stability

Consensus,

social order,

structure and

function in

society.

Emphasis on

stability and order

while neglecting

conflict and

changes which so

vital in any society

2. Social conflict
   theory

Sees society in a

framework of class

conflicts and

focuses on the

struggle for scarce

resources by

different groups in a

given society

Class conflict;

alienation;

competition;

domination

For its

overemphasis on

inequality and

division, for

neglecting the fact

of how shared

values and

interdependence

generate unity

among members of

society; it is also

criticized for its

explicit political

goals.

3. Symbolic
   interactionism

Stresses the

analysis of how our

behaviors depend

on how we define

others and

ourselves. It

concentrates on

process, rather than

structure, and

keeps the individual

actor at the center.

Symbols;

processes;

interaction;

meaning

Too much

emphasis on micro-

level analysis;

neglect of larger

social processes