The document discusses interpretive sociology and the study of culture. It outlines that interpretive sociology focuses on how meaning and interpretation shape social life, as opposed to external observable factors. Culture is a central factor for interpretations, as it involves shared meanings and values. While Weber advocated for value-neutral sociology, he recognized that meaning and cultural systems matter. The study of culture draws from fields like anthropology, literary studies, and history. It treats culture as a system of shared meanings that shape identity and social practices.

1. Interpretive Theories

6. A Framework for Comparing Theoretical Approaches Relation-ship between the individual and society; how do social exp. Create identity How do different hierarchies work hand in hand to oppress some and privilege others Who is treated as ‘other’? How do the marginalized find power Relative positions of men and women, meanings of gender What does race mean? How is it organized What are the beliefs and values of a society Who rules? How is strat-ification reproduced What need is served by institutions What are the norms, goals, and means? Key Questions Agency Matrix of Domination Dispersed Patriarchy White supremacy; racial dictatorship Hegemony Ruling class, bourgeoisie and capitalists Power important for social cohesion Neutral Implication for Power Social Psychology Comb-ination of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. Sexuality; social boundaries; mainstream Gender Racial hierarchy Systems of Meaning Economics Purpose of every social institution How society is organized; resources and schema Focus of Explan-ation Social Self Inter-sectional Queer Feminist Theory Racial Conflict Inter-pretive Class Conflict Function-alism Structur-alism