Theory Cheat Sheet Macro – Large scale patterns in society Micro – patterns between individuals Main Theoretical Perspectives… Socio-biologists Psychologists Sociology Symbolic Interactionism Functional Analysis Conflict Theory Social Dawinism Strain Theory (Anomie) Conflict perspective (class conflict) Protestant Work Ethic

Theory Review Sociobiologists (biology) Psychologists (psychology) Explain deviance ‘within’ the individual, Born that way - Assume genetic dispositions (biology) *NATURE argument Psychologists (psychology) Also focus ‘within’ the individual Examine personality disorder Subconscious motives drive people to deviance i.e. bad mother, or father, trauma *NURTURE argument Sociology (society) Examines factors ‘outside’ the individual Social influences (i.e. social class, socialization, subculture) *SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT argument

Theory Cheat Sheet Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives Considers symbols in daily life what these symbols mean How people interact with the symbols and each other People attach meanings to symbols and act according to their interpretations of them Language (verbal and written) Music, clothing, etc. Functionalist Perspective Each aspect of society is interdependent contributes to society’s functioning as a whole. Held together by social consensus and cooperation. clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms promotes social unity Does not promotes social change - justifies status quo Social Dawinism Thought societies evolve from ‘lower’ to ‘higher’ civilized forms Survival of the fittest - Over time, the most capable survive, while the less capable die out. Helping the ‘lower’ classes interfers with this natural process and holds back society

Theory Cheat Sheet cont. Strain Theory- (Anomie) differential goals and opportunities Society tries to motivate everyone for success by Arousing Discontent! (competition) People feel dissatisfied with what have want better…Cultural goals (wealth, status) Not everyone has access to legit ways of achieving success (i.e. education or money) (Some find path to education and good jobs blocked (i.e. due to poverty, inequality) Experience frustration (strain) thus motivates deviance (i.e. cheating, crime) Conflict perspective (class conflict) Power and Inequality are the main characteristics of society Powerful and wealthy run society and judicial system Powerful makes sure laws are pass that protect its position in society Law used as Instrument of oppression and control the people (i.e. poor, minority, etc.) Focuses on conflict and change Dialectics Challenge the status quo (the way things are) Encourages social change Protestant Work Ethic ideal of self-denying, highly moral life accompanied by hard work and frugality. Religion is central force. (key factor in rise of Capitalism)

Other Perspectives: Cross-Species Cross-Cultural Considers the similarities in differences between human and social behavior and that of other animals. Cross-Cultural Compares customs and standards of behavior within a community or system. Statistical perspective How often an attitude or practice occurs within any given group. Historical Perspectives Deals with social issues from the point of view of historical attitudes, values, practices and contexts. Religious Perspective Considers the effects that religious doctrines, scriptures, and spirituality have in individuals and society. Feminist Perspective Concerned with gender differences and the limitations associated with traditional , male dominated theories of society. Integrated Perspective Combination of theories

Using Theory Practice Social Stratification Child abuse Poverty Use three Theories to explain each: Social Stratification Child abuse Poverty Mass Shootings Low Graduation Rate War Pledge of Allegiance Drug Abuse Sexual Harassment Divorce Gender Inequality Police violence Terrorism (i.e. 9/11) Religion Gangs Global Warming Racism Deviance Inequality Political Corruption