1. Introduction to Social Theory and the Study of Social Problems
Corresponds to Chapter 1 of Course Textbook

2. Discussion Outline-The Study of Social Problems
I. Sociological theory
II. Defining and understanding the nature of social problems
III. The Social Problems Perspective and Critical Constructionism

3. Origins of Sociological Thought and Theory
18th century Change: Social and intellectual Forces
Political revolutions
Industrial Revolution and rise of capitalism
Urbanization
The enlightenment
Social theorists set forth to explain the dramatic changes which were taking place

4. Auguste Comte The “father of sociology”
Argued for the empirical study of society

5. The Primary Theoretical Perspectives
Ask and answer the “big” questions
Provide a lens through which to view and understand aspects of the social world and social problems
-Functionalist, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionist, Feminist

6. Functionalism
Society is a complex social system of interdependent parts that work together to ensure a society’s survival.
Based off work of Durkheim
If something exists, it has a function for society in providing cohesion and stability
Crime?

7. Conflict Theory
Conflict theory examines the ways in which groups disagree, struggle over power, and compete for scarce resources.
Based off of work of Karl Marx
Conflict, tension, and competition between groups results from widespread economic inequality
What groups? What resources?
I.e.: Gang rivalries, social classes, families, etc

8. Conflict Theory-Karl Marx
Industrialization leads to two classes: the bourgeoisie, or the owners of the means of production; and the proletariat, or the workers who earn wages.
The bourgeoisie use their power to control the institutions of society to their advantage.
What other institutions might those at the very top of the class structure be able to control?
What did Karl Marx see as the solution to social Problems inherent in a capitalist system?
What groups in society are generally those that want change? Why is change difficult to achieve?

9. Feminist Theories
Feminist theories explain the social, economic, and political position of women in society. Focus is on gender issues.
Maintain that women suffer injustice because of their sex/gender.
Seeks to free women from traditionally oppressive expectations and constraints.

10. Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionism looks at individuals’ everyday behavior and communication through symbols and shared meanings.
It is a micro-level perspective.
Interactionists see society as socially constructed through everyday interaction

11. The Sociological Perspectives
Functionalism
How does structure help society work? How does structure help maintain stability and order?
Conflict
How are resources distributed? Who is benefitting from structure of society? Who is losing?
Feminist
How does life reflect gender? How is power being distributed on the basis of gender/sex?
Interactionism
How do we construct meaning through symbols? How are people constructing reality and creating reality? How are people interpreting and experiencing their environments

12. The Study of Social Problems
Definitions of what is a social problem vary both within a society and across societies and historical time periods.
Examples?
Within a society? Hint: values and beliefs
Across Societies? Hint: Cultural differences
Historical periods? Hint: Changing norms

13. Objective Elements of Social Problems
-Awareness of social conditions through life experiences and through reports in the media informed by evidence and data

14. Subjective Elements of Social Problems
The belief that a particular social condition is harmful to society or to a segment of society and that it should and can be changed.
Certain objective conditions are not considered social problems unless a segment of society believes these conditions diminish the quality of human life.

15. Defining Social Problems
A social problem is a phenomenon regarded as bad or undesirable by a significant number of people or a number of significant people who mobilize to remedy it
Definition allows social scientists to suspend moral beliefs and value judgments
Maintain objectivity

16. Social movement organizations
A group significant in size or composition that mobilizes to remedy a social problem
The sociologist can objectively say that this groups sees a phenomenon as bad or harmful

17. The Social Problems Perspective
Establishing a degree of objectivity over the value-laden phrase: social problem.
Things become defined as social problems not because of the relative harm done by the phenomenon but because of features external to the problem
The social structure
The social movement organization
2 important questions
I.e.: Child Abuse

18. Who defines what social problems are important to address in society?

19. Critical Constructionism
Emphasizes the role of elite interests in the process of problem construction
**The way that problems are constructed, conceived, and presented to the public reflects the interests of the societies elite more than those of the mainstream and often at the expense of those with the least power
What is power?
Do the elite conspire to subjugate the rest of society?

20. Critical Constructionism
Looks at what social problems get a great deal of media attention and how those constructions are influenced by elite interests
Popular constructions sway public and social policy
Social policy refers to formal strategies that affect how society operates.
C.C gives strives to give voice to the powerless

21. Non-Sociological Philosophies
Human Nature Arguments
Free will (non-sociological) vs. determinism (sociological)
A Judeo-Christian ethic-Heaven or hell
Capitalist ideals and a free market-Rich or poor
Individualism and meritocracy

22. Cross Cultural and Global Perspectives
Ethnocentrism limits our ability to understand not just other countries, but our own as well
A cross-cultural perspective (comparative)
A global Perspective

23. Corporate America
U.S. is one of the most capitalist societies in the world
The free market
Are corporate interests and societal interests the same?

24. Media
The media’s role in shaping reality
Media Conglomeration

25. What is the media’s primary goal
What is the media’s primary goal? How is a democracy supposed to operate?