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[Darkademic]

Although there are many sociological theories, most fall under one or more of three major theories: Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionism, and Conflict Theory. The latter theory, Conflict, can be further divided into two types; Marxian (or Dialectical/Critical) Conflict Theory and Weberian (or Formal) Conflict Theory. The following is a compilation of characteristics, concepts/terms/issues, and weaknesses/criticisms for each theoretical perspective. They have been compiled from numerous Introductory Sociology textbooks.

Structural Functionalism is derived from Durkheim.

Symbolic Interactionism is derived from Blumer, Mead, and Goffman, originating from Weber.

Marxian/Critical Conflict Theory is derived from Marx.

Weberian Conflict Theory is derived from Weber.

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM

View of Society/Characteristics/Premises:
- "Natural laws" govern society.
- Organicism (biological analogy).
- Synergistic.
- Macro/meso level analysis.
- System of interrelated and interdependent parts.
- Parts must fulfill certain functions for smooth operation of society.
- Society is objective, stable, and cohesive.
- Order = consensus of members on common values.
- Parts have fixed social roles.
- Society has requisite (necessary) needs.
- Inequality is inevitable and functional for society.
- Social change is internal = disorganization.
- Social change = adjustments to return to balance/equilibrium.
- Social change = slow, gradual, and incremental.
- Social change = disruption of balance.
- Dysfunctions are some times functional for society.

Weaknesses and Criticisms:
- Conservative and idealistic view of society.
- Underplays power differences among and between groups.
- Ignores conflict and diversity as inherent aspects of reality.
- Bias toward balance/equilibrium.
- Society is static (ahistorical).
- Micro is only a dependent variable affected by meso/macro structures.

SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM

View of Society/Characteristics/Premises:
- Micro level analysis.
- Ongoing process of social interaction (taking each other into account in discernable ways).
- Individuals in face to face interaction create social consensus of meanings and definitions.
- Like a "stage" where people define and redefine meanings as they interact.
- Collective interaction.
- Perceptions of reality are variable and changing.
- Social construction of reality.
- Subjective --- reality perceived in the minds of people.
- Inequality demonstrated through meaning of status symbols.
- Symbols of communication (language, thoughts, behaviors).
- Change = no shared consensus; developing of new consensus.

Weaknesses and Criticisms:
- Overstates subjective basis of society.
- Weak analysis of inequality.
- Ignores material differences between groups.
- Ignores structure and social forces.
- Not synergistic.
- Limits itself to micro level analysis with no connection to other levels.

CONFLICT THEORY

WEBERIAN/FORMAL
View of Society/Characteristics/Premises:
- System of diverse groups struggling over scarce resources (wealth, power, prestige).
- Macro/meso level of analysis.
- Objective, hierarchical, and fragmented.
- Characterized by social inequality.
- Different benefits for different categories of people.
- Order = coercion/constraints and power.
- Negotiation and compromise.
- Change is inevitable and continuous.
- Conflict promotes social change.
- Inequality is result of struggle over scarce resources.
- Change is internal to system of conflicts; differentiation of parts.

Weaknesses and Criticisms:
- Understates degree of cohesion and stability.
- Little micro level analysis.
- Ignores competition.
- Is a "shadow" structural functionalism.

MARXIAN/CRITICAL/DIALECTICAL

View of Society/Characteristics/Premises:
- Inclusive of most of characteristics of Weberian Conflict Theory (above).
- Conditions giving rise to conflict.
- Includes Micro level with active social actors creating Meso/Macro structures.
- Inclusive of all levels of analysis and reciprocity of them.
- Change is about internal arrangements AND about the system itself.
- Change is historical...temporal...ABOUT the system, not just within it.
- Change can be revolutionary...often quick and total.
- Change is inevitable given consciousness and material conditions.

Weaknesses and Criticisms:
- Appears to be reductionist (I.e. economics).
- Too open ended; appears to lead to chaos.