Gender and Society

Sociology
Is the systematic study of human society.

At the heart of sociology is a distinctive point

of view called “the sociological perspective.”
Sociological Theory
1. Structural-functional paradigm
2. Social-conflict paradigm
3. Symbolic-interaction paradigm
 Structural-functional Theory
A macro-level perspective
Is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex
system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and
stability.
The paradigm is based on the idea that;
1. our lives are guided by social structure meaning relatively
stable patterns of human behavior.
2. social structures can be understood in terms of social
functions, or consequences in the operation of society.
Social-Conflict Theory
-is a framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of
inequality that generates conflict and change.
Symbolic-Interaction Theory
Is a framework for building theory that sees society as the
product of the everyday interaction of the individuals.
Both structural-functional and social-conflict paradigms share a Macro-level orientation,
meaning a focus on board social structures that shape society as a whole.

The Symbolic-interaction paradigm provides a micro-level orientation, meaning a focus on social

interaction in specific situations.