Module 16: Social Interaction and Social Structure Sociology in Modules Richard T. Schaefer 3rd edition

Social Interaction and Social Structure Social interaction and social structure are central to sociological study Social Interaction and Reality: reality is shaped by perceptions, evaluations, and definitions- reflect norms and values Nature of social interaction and what constitutes reality varies across cultures Ability to define social reality reflects group’s power within a society Important aspect of the process of social change involves redefining or reconstructing social reality

Elements of Social Structure All social interaction takes place within a social structure, which can be broken down into five elements: Statuses Social roles Groups Social networks Social institutions

Statuses Status: any of the full range of socially defined positions within a large group or society Person can hold more than one at same time Ascribed and Achieved Status Ascribed status: status one is born with Achieved status: status one earns

Statuses Master Status Status that dominates other statuses and determines a person’s general position in society In U.S., ascribed statuses of race and gender can function as master statuses

Figure 16-1: Social Statuses

Social Roles What Are Social Roles? Role Conflict Role strain Social role: set of expectations for people who occupy a given status Role Conflict When incompatible expectations arise from two or more social positions held by same person Role strain Difficulties that arise when same social position imposes conflicting demands and expectations

Social Roles Role Exit Process of disengagement from a role that is central to one’s identity to establish a new role Ebaugh’s four stages: Doubt Search for alternatives Action or departure stage Creation of a new identity

Groups Group: any number of people with similar norms, values, and expectations who interact on a regular basis Vital part of society’s social structure 9

Social Networks Social network: series of social relationships that links a person directly to others, and through them indirectly to still more people Social networks one of five basic elements of social structure Research indicates that in person and online not everyone participates equally in social networks

Social Institutions Social institution: organized pattern of beliefs and behavior centered on basic social needs Functionalist Perspective Five major tasks: Replacing personnel Teaching new recruits Producing and distributing goods and services Preserving order Providing and maintaining a sense of purpose

Social Institutions Conflict Perspective Major institutions help maintain privileges of most powerful individuals and groups within society Social institutions such as education have inherently conservative natures Social institutions operate in gendered and racist environments

Social Institutions Interactionist Perspective Social institutions affect everyday behavior Social behavior conditioned by roles and statuses we accept

Table 16-1: Sociological Perspectives on Social Institutions 14

Research Today 16-1: Disability as a Master Status Does your campus present barriers to disabled students? If so, what kinds of barriers—physical, attitudinal, or both? Describe some of them. Why do you think nondisabled people see disability as the most important characteristic of a disabled person? What can be done to help people see beyond the wheelchair and the Seeing Eye dog?

Research Today 16-2: Social Networks and Obesity Have you ever tried to lose weight, and if so, did your cluster of friends and family help or hinder you? In your experience, do people who are overweight tend to cluster in separate groups from those of normal weight? Besides public health campaigns, what applications can you think of for research on social networking?

Taking Sociology to Work Sarah Levy, Owner, S. Levy Foods Have you ever thought of starting your own business? If so, what do you think the key to your success might be? Would business have been a more practical major for Sarah? Why or why not?