1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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