Sociological perspective.

The classic and modern stages in the development of

sociology

Introduction:
The sociological approach offers a critical prism through which to analyze the
complex interplay between individual experiences and more broad social factors.
Classical sociology laid the foundational theories for understanding social
behavior, institutions, and structures. Its writings can be found in the works of
visionary intellectuals like Auguste Comte, Émile Durkheim, and Max Weber.
These early sociologists emphasized the scientific method and empirical
observation as essential components of analyzing society, while also stressing the
importance of social realities and collective consciousness .
Modern sociology emerged as a reaction to the quick changes brought about by
globalization, industrialization, and technological breakthroughs. Thanks to the
acceptance of many viewpoints and techniques by modern theories, such as
conflict theory, structural functionalism, and symbolic interactionism, the area of
sociological study has grown. Positive approaches are being replaced by more
sophisticated understandings of the intricacies of human behavior based on social
context, thanks to the development of more interpretive and critical frameworks.
We will examine the contributions of notable individuals and schools of thought in
this examination of the classical and modern periods of sociology, following the
development of the discipline from its inception to its diverse present condition.

The purpose of this study is to clarify how sociological perspectives have

changed over time to address the changing social environment and the ongoing
value of sociology in comprehending the intricacies of modern social life.

1. The object and subject of Sociology. Functions of sociology.

2. The systematic study of society, social interactions, and social systems is
known as sociology. Understanding how social contexts and cultural norms
affect people's conduct is its main goal. Numerous social concerns, such as
family dynamics, politics, economics, education, and religion, are examined by
the broad area of sociology. Sociologists research how social interaction
patterns, the effects of social change, and these factors influence both individual
behavior and society structures. Sociology is helpful in a lot of significant ways.
First of all, by identifying social concerns and their root causes, it provides
important insights into how societies function. Sociology studies social
phenomena and uses its knowledge to guide policy choices and initiatives
aimed at resolving issues like crime, inequality, and health disparities.
 Second, sociology fosters critical thinking by challenging people to reconsider
their assumptions about how people interact with one another and to gain a
more thorough understanding of cultural diversity. Furthermore, by offering
conceptual frameworks for complex social interactions, sociology contributes to
the development of social theories. It is vital to education because it equips
individuals with the knowledge and abilities needed to engage with and
navigate a world that is becoming more interconnected. In the end, sociology is
essential to establishing a more just and equitable world because it not only
advances our comprehension of society but also empowers individuals to make
constructive contributions to their local communities.

2. The definitions of main sociological concepts (2 definitions for every

concept).

Social group, social institution, social organization, social process.

Give examples of these concepts.

Social Group:
1. Definition: A social group is an organization of individuals that interact socially
and form connections because they share a sense of identity and belonging.
A family would serve as an example, as its members have close emotional bonds
and frequent encounters.
2. Definition: Members of a social group can alternatively be defined as
individuals who come together with common standards and beliefs and work
toward a common objective.

Consider a book club, where members gather to discuss books and partake in
shared interests.

Establishment of Society:

1. Definition: A social institution is a well crafted set of social norms and

institutions that fulfill fundamental societal functions such as education, religion,
and family.

One example of this would be the information-giving function of the educational

system.

2. Definition: Social institutions are long-standing frameworks that structure norms

and behavior within a community, affecting how people interact with one another.
As an illustration, consider the legal system, which uses laws and regulations to
control conduct.

Social Organization

1. Definition: A social organization is a formal group of people who collaborate to

accomplish particular objectives. They are frequently distinguished by formal roles
and a hierarchy.

Example: A charitable organization or other non-profit with the mission of

supporting a particular cause.

2. Definition: Organizations created for the purpose of managing resources and

coordinating activities can also be considered social organizations.

An illustration would be a company that arranges its workers to produce goods or

services.

Social Process

1. Definition: Over time, societal patterns and behaviors are shaped by the dynamic
and ongoing interactions between individuals and groups. These interactions are
known as social processes.

As an illustration, consider socialization, the process by which people pick up and

assimilate the customs and values of their society.

2. Definition: Interactions and disputes between groups can also lead to

modifications and adjustments in societal structures as a result of social processes.

An illustration of this would be urbanization, the flow of people from rural to

urban areas, which modifies social dynamics and community structures.

3. Formulate main ideas of following sociological paradigms - Functionalism,

Conflict theory, Symbolic interactionism.

Write names of 2-3 main sociologists as representatives of every paradigm.

Do it in the short form in the Table.

Paradigm Main Ideas Key Sociologists

 Functionalism A system of interconnected Talcott Parsons, Robert
pieces, society functions as a K. Merton, Émile
whole to uphold stability and Durkheim
social order. Social institutions
perform tasks that support the
balance of society.

Conflict Theory Inequality and power struggles Max Weber, C. Wright

are features of society. Conflict, Mills, Karl Marx
especially between classes, is
the catalyst for the creation of
social structures, and
competition for resources leads
to change.

Symbolic focuses on the symbols and Herbert Blumer, Erving

Interactionism meanings that people use in Goffman, George Herbert
their daily interactions to Mead
construct reality and
communicate. People's
interpretations of social symbols
and the meanings they assign to
behaviors shape society.

4. Choose 2 suggested sociologists and develop their main ideas.

1. Talcott Parsons (Functionalism)

Principal Concepts:
The AGIL Program: Parsons created a framework based on four functional
imperatives that society must meet in order to survive, which may be applied to the
study of any social system:
Adaptation: In order to meet material requirements and adapt to their surroundings,
societies must perform economic activities.
2. Goal Attainment: As a political function, societies need to create and accomplish
goals.

3. Integration: In order for societies to maintain its social institutions—such as the

family and the law—their members must be integrated.
4. Latency (Pattern Maintenance): Socialization and education play a crucial role
in helping societies preserve their cultural norms and values.
Structural Functionalism: Parsons contends that social structures like the family,
the legal system, and the educational system are essential to maintaining social
stability in a complex system. All facets of society are interrelated and work
together to maintain harmony and order.
Social Action Theory: In accordance with Parsons, societal norms and structures as
well as individual motivations have an impact on social actions. He emphasized
that people act in ways that are consistent with cultural and social norms.
Equilibrium and Change: According to Parsons, while societies are capable of
evolving and changing, these modifications are typically gradual and meant to
restore equilibrium. Change happens when the social system has imbalances or
disruptions that need to be corrected in order for the system to stay in balance.

2. C. Wright Mills (Conflict Theory)

Principal Concepts:
The ability to recognize the connection between larger social forces and personal
experiences is known as "sociological imagination," a term that Mills is most
known for having coined. He believed that structural factors often have an impact
on people's lives and that there is often a connection between personal issues and
larger societal problems.

The "Power Elite": According to Mills, a small but powerful group of people are in
charge of the armed forces, corporations, and other important institutions in
society. These elites, who have enormous influence over the wider people, make
decisions that result in discernible disparities in income and power.
Bureaucracy criticism: Mills argued that as society became more bureaucratized,
people were alienated and dehumanized. He claimed that large bureaucracies, in
both the public and private domains, limit democratic participation by
consolidating power in the hands of a small number of people.
Social Stratification: Mills stressed that institutional frameworks and power
dynamics also play a role in the development of social inequality, in opposition to
Marx's claims. He thought that when the ruling class
3. The Symbolic Interactionism of Herbert Blumer
Principal Concepts:
Blumer coined the term "symbolic interactionism," based on George Herbert
Mead's studies. He emphasized that people's actions are influenced by how they
interpret events, objects, and other people. These meanings are created and altered
by social interactions.
Three Essential Premises
1. Human behavior toward objects is influenced by the meanings they assign to
them. These connotations can apply to people, things, or social institutions.
2. These meanings emerge from social interaction. Through their social
interactions, people negotiate, challenge, and modify meaning.
3. Meanings are altered during the interpretive process. People constantly interpret
and reinterpret meanings as they interact with others, adapting their behavior
accordingly.
Interaction as a Dynamic Process: Blumer highlighted that society is never static
because human interactions and actions shape it constantly. He believed that
society is a process that is shaped by ongoing social interaction and rejected the
idea that society is a fixed structure.
Collective Behavior: Blumer also studied how individuals come together, create
common understandings, and create new standards in response to changing
conditions. Group activities and social movements are two examples of collective
behavior.

Name: POPAL FATIMA

Group: GM 09