Social Structure and Social Interaction

Sociological Approaches

Macrosociology Large-Scale Features of Social Life

Microsociology Focus on Social Interaction

Both Approaches Necessary

The Macrosociological Perspective

Examine the framework of society – how all the pieces fit together

Social Structure Our guide for interactions Our location, our place, guides our behavior

Culture Social Class - http://youtu.be/UxB-H6f3crY Snickers? Social Status – ascribed, achieved, master, and status

symbols Roles Groups Social Institutions

Social Institutions

Sociological SignificanceTen Social Institutions in Industrialized

Societies To be explored in detail

Mass Media as an Emerging Social InstitutionComparing Functionalist and Conflict

Perspectives

Social Institutions

Comparing Functionalist and Conflict Perspectives Functionalist

Replacing Members Socializing New Members Producing and Distributing Goods and Services Preserving Order Providing a Sense of Purpose

Conflict Theorist Powerful Groups Control Institutions Preserve the status quo, power and privilege Feminist sociologists – gender relations

What Holds It All Together?

Social Integration – Emile DurkheimMechanic SolidarityDivision of LaborOrganic Solidarity

The Microsociological Perspective

Face-to-face interactionsBehavior and Approach towards life

Stereotyping - http://youtu.be/gspaoaecNAg Boys http://youtu.be/paNiEdFTvuA Girls

Personal space Eye contact Facial expressions and body language

Dramaturgy

The Social Construction of Reality

Our own subjective reality http://youtu.be/myq8upzJDJc Josh Bell in the Metro http://vimeo.com/16329078 Up in the Air

Thomas Theorem How does stereotyping play out?

Using a famous quote known as the Thomas theorem, we can begin to understand the potentially damaging effects of stereotypes: "if [people] define situations as real, they are real in their consequences." In other words, when people accept stereotypes as true, then they are likely to act on these beliefs, and these subjective beliefs can lead to objective results.

Social Structure Activity

Think about 3 or 4 statuses you occupy Are they achieved or ascribed or master statuses Do you display status symbols, what are they

What roles do you play within each status Are there any conflicts between the roles

Think about the larger institutions where these statuses are located What are the functions of these institutions (how do

they hold society together) Which institution exerts the most influence on your

life Are there conflicts among the institutions

Lens Assignment

Think about the different grand perspectives sociologists use to analyze and evaluate the social world – macro and micro

It may be easier to select one perspectiveFrom the macrosociological perspective, look for

different components of social structure (class, status, roles, institutions) and describe how they may be analyzed within the photograph

From a microsociological perspective, look for evidence of Goffman’s Presentation of Self in Everyday life and describe “the stage,” roles, and impression management.