Applying the Paradigms

Sociologists use these theoretical perspectives as the basic tools for analyzing social issues. The sociologist’s perspective shows their assumptions about how the world works and how change occurs. It will guide the questions the researcher asks and, in many ways, solutions to any problems that are identified.

Lets compare the paradigms

Theoretical Paradigm	Level of Analysis	Assumptions	Questions	How change occurs
Structural-Functionalist	macro	Society functions as a system of interrelated parts to maintain stability	How does society operate? What functions do the different parts serve?	Evolutionary/ Rebalancing of the system
Social-Conflict	macro	Society is comprised of social relations characterized by inequality and struggle between groups	Who benefits? What is the source of conflict? How it can be resolved?	Revolutionary/Conflict between groups for resources
Symbolic Interaction	micro	Society is created through daily interactions	How do individuals interact?	Re-defining the situation

Glossary

Theory	теория	теория
Paradigm	парадигма	парадигма
Macro/micro perspectives	Макро / Микро перспективы	Макро / Микро перспективалар
Structural-functionalism	Структурно-функционализм	Құрылымдық-функционализм
Social-conflict	Социальный конфликт	әлеуметтік-қақтығыс
Symbolic-interactionism	Символический-интеракционизм	Символдық-интеракционизм
Manifest functions	Декларативные функции	Декларативтік функциялар
Latent functions	Скрытые функции	Жасырын функциялар
Dysfunctions	Дисфункции	дисфункциялар

Topic for Individual Work of Student with Instructor: Present the contemporary sociological theories, in particular, structural-functional, social-conflict and symbolic-interactionist perspectives.

Topic for Individual Work of Student: Provide your opinion on the future of sociology and sociological research.

List of the literature

Main:

• Stolley, Kathy S., The Basis of Sociology, Greenwood Press, 2005

Additional:

• Ritzer, G., Goodman D.J., Sociological Theory, 6th ed., Boston:McGraw-Hill, 2003

• Wallace, Ruth A., and Alison W., Contemporary Sociological Theory: Expanding the Classical Tradition, 5th ed., Upper Saddle River, N.J.:Prentice Hall, 1999