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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Figure 16-1: Social Statuses

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Table 16-1: Sociological Perspectives on Social Institutions14

15. 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?

16. 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?

17. 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?