Sociology

3. Lesson 1:

4. Overview:
• Proponents of the structural-functional
theory state that human society is unique
and complex organization composed of
different structures that are interrelated
with interdependent on one another. The
dynamic features of human society have
allowed social structures to improve and
develop themselves for growth and
development.

5. Meaning of Society:
• Sociologists traditionally define society as
relatively organized, self-sufficient, and
enduring association of large number of
people with a distinct culture and shared
institutions.
• Frank and Wagnalls (in Garcia et.,
1984) – defined society as the system of
community life which individuals form a
continuous life and regulatory association
for their mutual benefit and protection.

6. • Social groups maybe; families, communities,
economic, political, or religious organizations,
ethnic groups, and other types of formal and
informal groups.
• Kornblum 2003 – “Society refers to population
that is organized in a cooperative manner to carry
out the functions of life, including reproduction,
sustenance, shelter and defence.”
• Society is a systematic network of social relations
and it is the venue where the dynamics of
cooperation and conflict occurs. It is in society
where man can define his cultural identity, and see
the structures that exerts expectations and orders
in him.

7. • Kendall(1998) – “Society is a large social
grouping that shares the same geographical
territory and is subject to the same political
authority and dominant culture expectations”.
• Mcnall (Garcia 1992) – stressed that
boundaries, similar government or institutional
framework, and a population represent society.
• At present, Philippine Society is composed of 87
million Filipinos occupying 300,000 square
kilometers of territory and bound together in a
complex network of social relations, sharing and
maintaining a common culture.

8. Sociological Theories and Perspective of
Society:
1. Structural-functional perspective – also
known as “Consensus Theory”.
– addresses the question of social organization
and how it is maintained.
– stresses the idea that relations among
individuals, groups, and societies, follow well-
defined patterns of social organization.
– Functionalism views social organization as a
system composed of interrelated parts.

9. Structural-functional Model
Social structures
provide pre-set
patterns which evolve
to meet human needs
Stability, Order and
Harmony
Maintenance of
Society

10. 2. Conflict Theory – This theory sees the
world in terms of conflict and change.
– this theory addresses the point of stress
and conflict in society and the way they
contribute to social change.
– Conflict theorists view a society’s legal
system as a political instrument used by
the wealthy and powerful to protect and
extend their own privileges, rather than a
rational tool for the resolution of conflict
and preservation of order (Delton, 1985).

11. Conflict Model
Social structures produce
patterns of inequality in
the distribution of scarce
resources
CONFLICT
Reorganization and
Change
This model is concerned with the stresses and conflicts
that emerge in society because of competition over scarce
resources. It focuses on the inequalities that are built into social
structures rather than those that emerge because of personal
characteristics.

12. 3. Symbolic – interaction Perspective
– This theory addresses the subjective
meanings of human acts and the
processes through which people come to
develop and communicate shared
meanings.
– it directs attention to the analysis of
the interactions of persons in face to face
communication.

13. Symbolic – Interaction Model
Interaction IndividualIndividual
Analysis of the
interaction by
other persons
Model Conceptualized by Leano, Roman

14. Concept Summary
Structural-
Functional
Perspective
Conflict
Perspective
Symbolic-
Interaction
Perspective
NATURE OF
SOCIETY
BASIC OF
INTERACTION
FOCUS OF
INQUIRY
LEVEL OF
ANALYSIS
Interrelated social
structure that fit
together to form
an integrated
whole.
Consensus and
shared values.
Social order and
maintenance
Social structure
Competing
interest group
with each group
seeking to secure
its own.
Constraint, power
and conflict.
Social change and
conflict.
Social structure
Interacting
individuals. Social
networks and
groups.
Shared meaning
regarding
symbols.
Development of
self adaptation of
individual to
society.
Interpersonal
interaction