Theories Ideas, Concepts, and Meaning
1. STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
2. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Proponents
- The study of society should of only concern - Auguste Comte
itself with the things that are observable and
measurable, and that the theories of social life
should be anchored in a linear, rigid and
methodological manner.
- Organic solidarity - in order for a society to - Emilie Durkheim
exist over time, its institutions, such as family,
religion, education, and political system should
function as an integrated whole.
“Functionalist Theory”
- Manifest - intended purpose - Robert Merton
- Latent - unintended purpose
- Function - consequence of social action or
institution that contributes to the
maintenance of the institution
- Dysfunction - consequence of social action or
institution that leads to instability
Pattern Variables - Talcot Parson
1. Ascription vs Achievement (Status)
2. Diffuseness vs Specificity (Role)
3. Affective vs affective neutrality (Favour)
4. Particularism vs Universality (Gratification)
5. Collectivity or Self (Interest)
- An approach focusing on everyday - George Herbert Mead
interactions between individuals - Charles Horton Cooley
- People communicate and interact using a
 common set of symbols, which members of the
group understand

- Social understanding is dependent on the

interpretation of meanings
3. CONFLICT THEORY - a concept that contends that competition for - Karl Marx
scarce resources is the main cause of society's
ongoing strife. According to conflict theory,
dominance and power, not agreement and
conformity, preserve social order.