Sociological Theory

Sociological Theory Introduction

  • Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour.
  • Sociological theories attempt to explain patterns of behaviour and societal structures.
  • The four major theoretical perspectives are Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Interactionism, and Feminism.

Functionalism

  • Functionalism views society as a system of interdependent parts working together to ensure societal stability.
  • This perspective argue that all elements in the society have a function and are necessary for the survival of society.
  • Key thinkers include Durkheim and Parsons.
  • In a healthcare context, functionalism sees sickness as a disruption to societal norms that needs to be addressed.

Conflict Theory

  • Conflict Theory focuses on the inequalities that occur in all societies worldwide.
  • It argues that society is composed of groups competing for resources, creating conflict and constant change.
  • Key thinkers include Karl Marx and Max Weber.
  • Applied to health and social care, conflict theorists might examine the impact of socio-economic status on health outcomes.

Interactionism

  • Interactionism posits that individuals assign meaning to their actions based on their interactions with others.
  • This perspective focuses on micro-level interactions rather than macro-level structures.
  • Key figures include George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman.
  • In relation to healthcare, interactionists might research how healthy behaviours are promoted and discussed within particular communities.

Feminism

  • Feminism is a sociological approach that focuses on the oppression and inequalities based on gender in society.
  • Feminist theorists argue that society is patriarchal and privileges men over women.
  • Critical feminists such as Judith Butler and Bell Hooks underlies this perspective.
  • When exploring health and social care, feminists might delve into gender disparities in healthcare access or treatment.

Evaluating Sociological Theories

  • Distinguishing between the different theories and understanding their pros and cons is essential.
  • Each perspective offers unique insights into societal structures and behaviours, but no single theory holds all the answers.
  • Real-world health and social care issues usually need to be examined from multiple theoretical perspectives.

These are the fundamental concepts in sociological theory, grasp them wisely as they underpin analysis in many areas of sociology.