Q1-DISS (GRADE-11)

Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences

Module-6

INTRODUCTION

Society lies in a very broad spectrum. In order to understand and further apply a definition of what society is, the
three Theoretical Approaches in Sociology or the Social Science Theories are relevant. From your previous lesson, you
analyzed the basic concepts and principles of the major social science theories which include Structural-functionalism,
Marxism (Conflict Theory), and Symbolic Interactionism. This learning material will allow you with knowledge and activities
that will aid you apply the three theoretical approaches in Sociology in different social concerns .

TARGET OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the different proponents or contributors from the three theoretical approaches in Sociology.
2. Describe the three theoretical approaches in Sociology.
3. Classify socio-cultural, economic, and political related issues.
4. Interpret and illustrate the three theoretical approaches in Sociology in relation to socio-cultural, economic, and political
conditions.

LET’S TRY
ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Match Colum A to Column B to connect the different proponents or contributors with the
Social Science theories by choosing the letter of the best answer.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Emile Durkheim A. Structural-functionalism
2. Erving Goffman B. Marxism/Conflict Theory
3.George Herbert Mead C. Symbolic Interactionism
4. Karl Marx
5. Max Weber

LET’S DISCOVER

Social Science Theories

Social Science Theories are also known as the Three Theoretical Approaches in Sociology, namely Structural-
Functional Theory, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionist Theory.

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Structural-Functional Theory

Functionalism was first presented by Herbert Spencer wherein he described society as a mechanism involving parts
similar to a human body. These parts of society focus on the different social institutions, like government, education,
family, healthcare, religion, and economy. Thus, Structural-Functional Theory perceives society in a macro level.
According to Emile Durkheim, to maintain stability, people need to work together as an interrelated and interdependent
parts of society. Interdependent 3 parts include values, languages, and symbols. He introduced laws, morals, religions,
and customs as examples of social facts. Alfred Radcliffe-Brown suggests that people should contribute to the society for
stability and continuity. There are two functions of Structural-Functionalism which include manifest and latent functions.
Robert Merton define Manifest Function as something that is sought or anticipated result while Latent Functions are the
unsought consequences. However, in line with the definition of Merton, there are also undesirable consequences which is
known as Dysfunctions.

Conflict Theory (Marxism)

Karl Marx recognized “social classes” as a problem of society that leads to unequal social structure, making Conflict
Theory as an approach in a society at a macro level. The presence of Bourgeoisie which is also known as the Capitalist or
the owner of production and the Proletariat—the working class resulted social conflicts, like economic inequality,
inequality of political power, and unequal social structure. Social conflicts were first addressed by Max Weber and the
factors affecting social conflicts include age, education, income, gender, sexuality, and race. C. Wright Mills identified
“power elite” which includes corporate, political, and military people as the threat to freedom amongst the rest of society.
These imbalances in the society are only believed to be resolved through a revolution.

Symbolic Interactionist Theory

The founder of Symbolic Interactionism is George Herbert Mead and he referred symbolic interactionism as the
relationship among individuals within a society though communication—exchange of meaning through languages and
symbols. Herbert Blumer followed the works of Mead and introduced Three Tenets of Meaning which include (a)meaning
based from action, (b)meaning varies from different people and (c)meaning can change. Meaning can be very specific to
every person making everyone holds different meaning and new meaning will only rise if there is communication.
Dramaturgical Analysis is also included in symbolic interactionism as Erving Goffman described society similar to a
theater wherein the people portray a role a mentioned in the script. These role pertaining to the people addresses society
in a micro level. The roles are generally accepted by most within the society but there are still short deviances.

ASSESSMENT

A. Directions: Complete the table by identifying the different contributions of the proponents in the
Social Science Theories.

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 B. True or False Directions:

DIRECTION: Write True if the statement is correct otherwise false.

1. Herbert Spencer described society as a mechanism involving parts similar to a human body.
2. Alfred Radcliffe-Brown suggests that people should contribute to the society for stability and continuity.
3. Max Weber recognized “social classes” as a problem of society that leads to unequal social structure.
4. The founder of Symbolic Interactionism is C. Wright Mills.
5. Herbert Blumer followed the works of Mead and introduced Three Tenets of Meaning.

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