0 : Introduction to Sociology
Made @December 29, 2024 3:21 PM
Chapter Chapter 1 - Socialization and the creation of social identity
Paper Paper 1 : Socialization identity and methods of research
1. Structural Perspectives
Every time we play a role we experience the influence of the 'social structures' - rules that shape our
behavior.
Macro-sociology, Positivist, Objective, Quantitative
1. Functionalist Theory : Durkheim (1858~1917)
Society influences individuals.
Social institutions function like organs, working together to maintain societal health and order (Biological Analogy)
Emphasizes consensus than conflict
People’s behaviors are patterned and predictable because… Functions of the social system
Value consensus Socialization into value consensus to maintain order
Culture Social integration to allow collective consciousness
bonds individuals and enables successful interactions Social solidarity allow social connections and help experience
shared identity
shapes roles and identity
Criticisms
Over -deterministic
Dennis Wrong: Functionalism portrays overly socialized individuals.
Social problems like crime and deviance show that socialization is not always effective.
Ignores societal conflicts (rich vs poor, men vs women)
2. Marxist Theory : Marx (1818~1883)
Working class is exploited despite the wealth generated by their labour
Critique of Capitalism: Focuses on inequalities, conflicts in capitalist society
Emphasizes conflict than consensus
Economic systems shape societal institutions, maintaining class divisions and benefits the bourgeoisie.
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Criticisms
Over-deterministic
Dennis Wrong: Marxism portrays over-socialized individuals which identifies fully by social class, social relations of production within
the infrastructure.
Lack of individuality: Overlooks people’s ability to make choices and what proletariat experience
Cultural Zombies
Overlooks worker’s awareness of class inequality
Shown in surveys in Europe
Industrial actions → strikes, riots
Political participation → voting for parties opposing capitalism
Neo-Marxist
Superstructure have more power to resist capitalism
Institutions may inspire workers to resist
Workers aren’t always blind to inequality; they can resist exploitation
3. Weberian Theory: Max Weber
Inequality is from various status and power differences
Critique of Marx’s focus on economic factors: overlooks other factors other than economic factors.
Emphasizes conflict than consensus
Other types of status inequality include: gender, ethnicity, religion etc.
Source of Status Critique of Marxist
Authority → enforces conformity inequality can arise from multiple social groups possessing
power and status, beyond the capitalist class.
parents, teachers, judges
ex. Men dominating women (feminist), Nationalist groups
Charismatic Individuals → inspires obedience
intimidating migrants
political, religious leaders
2. Interactionist Perspectives
society shares a “library” of meanings that creates social order.
Micro-sociology, Interpretivist, Subjective, Qualitative
1. Symbolic Interactionism : Herbert
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How you understand symbols based on your interactions, as meanings are created through interactions.
Action depend on meaning Criticism
Different people assign different meaning of things Misinterpretation of rules or symbols can lead to
confusion.
Meaning of something can change
Ignores socialization of the social institutions →
ex. Norms taught by family may not apply to other
Semiology: The study of signs and symbols to study human behavior interactions
2. Labeling Theory : Becker
Idea that people tend to identify and behave in ways others label them.
Labels influence how individuals identify themselves and how Criticism
they are identified by others. Overlooks other factors of deviance, social structures, personal
choice, individual resistance
3. Dramaturgical Model : Goffman
Metaphorical idea which people’s lives are like a play on stage
Social Actors: People perform their identity to meet expectations Criticism
Impression management: ability to switch “fronts” depending on Ignores genuine emotions and interactions
scene Simplifies identity
4. Social Exchange Theory : Homan
Idea that individuals weigh the rewards and costs of their interactions
Social Capital: Doing a favor may result in help from an Criticism
influential friend
Ignores genuine emotions and interactions
Cultural Capital: A teacher may reward a hardworking student Simplifies human relationship
with knowledge needed for qualification
Focuses on individualism
5. Strengths and Criticisms of Interactionist Perspectives
Strengths Criticisms
Focus on free will Ignores structural forces (ex. Value consensus, social class
inequalities, patriarchy)
Social actors play an active role in constructing society, not passively
conforming to its structures Over-deterministic
Recognizes the importance of micro-level interactions and how it
plays a crucial role in social construction
3. Post-Modernist Theory
theory questioning traditional ideas and claiming that modern societies have evolved into fragmented and
uncertain forms.
Challenges meta-narratives and traditional structures in favor of individual choice and diversity.
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Characteristics
End of Meta-narratives: Rejects universal theories and
explanations.
Fragmentation: Society and identities are fragmented;
traditional structures are breaking down.
Uncertainty and Complexity: No universal truth; all ideas and
perspectives are valid.
Global Village: Communication technology connects the world,
shrinking it like a small village.
Criticisms
Modern societies evolved rather than transformed.
“Post modernism X, High modernity O” - Beck
Individualism led to “manufactured risks” (ex. Climate change crisis)
“Liquid modernity. Societies are constantly changing with uncertainty” -Bauman
“Late-modern societies with reflexibility” -Giddens
Capitalism continues in a global scale. (Marxist Critique)
Late Capitalism: Capitalism remains, intensifies exploitation through false consciousness
ex. Uber offer “choice”, but exploits workers with low wages
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