Sociological

Paradigms and
Theories
 Paradigm

A point of view or
frame of reference
that determines
what will be
considered
relevant in
developing a
theory
What shapes society?

•Structural –
Functional Approach
•Social Conflict
Approach
•Symbolic Interaction
Approach
Structural-Functional
Approach
• Structural-Functional
• This paradigm envisions society as a
complex system whose parts work
together to promote solidarity and
stability
• Popular approach in the 1900s but
by focusing on structural-
functionalism one ignores
inequalities in social class
All social
structure
function to
keep society
going
In the same way
that the skin
holds the
human body, so
too do norms
and values bind
society together
Societ
y
Manifest Function
• Pertains to open, stated and conscious
functions. They involve the intended,
recognized consequences of an aspect of
society.
• Example:
University or college as a center for
education for excellence
Latent Function

are unconscious or
unintended functions that may
reflect hidden purposes of an
institution.
• Example:
The university becoming a place
Social Dysfunction

refers to an
element or process of a
society that may
actually disrupt the
social system and
Conflict Paradigm
 Conflict Paradigm
• Envisions society as an
arena of inequality that
generates conflicts and
change
• Social patterns benefit
some people while
harming others
Symbolic Interaction
Paradigm
Symbolic-Interaction
Paradigm

Framework that
envisions society as
the product of the
everyday interactions
of individuals.
• It is instrumental in helping
people derive meanings from
social situations
• In social encounters each
person’s interpretation or
definition of a given situation
becomes a subjective reality
• We often assume that what
we consider to be “reality” is
shared by others
 Actions
(Dependent)

MEANING Change

Differences/
Variations

George Herbert Mead

Subjective Reality/ies - - - -> Society “Father of Symbolic
interactionism”
 Cultural Diversity
In Africa, companies Imagine the shock of the
routinely put pictures on Africans when Gerber started
labels of what’s inside, selling baby food in Africa,
since many people can’t they used US packaging with
the smiling baby on the label.
read.