MACRO SOCIOLOGY

Macro Sociology: those theoretical approaches to the study of human behaviour that explain phenomena from the vantage point of the whole society.

The individual is of little consequence in determining his/her behaviour and is considered essentially responsive to external stimuli.

Individual meanings bear no significance.

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

The two major theoretical perspectives in Macro Sociology:

1. Functionalism

1. Conflict Theory

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1. Functionalism:

Auguste Comte (1798-1857)

Credited with giving the discipline the name, Sociology

Main ideas:

Human behaviour can be studied as a scientific discipline with the same systematic methods of investigation

Society is ordered – Social Statics

Society changes – Social Dynamics

Society has evolved and so too the explanations of behaviour:

Theological

Metaphysical

Positive (scientific)

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1. Functionalism:

Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)

Drew heavily on Darwin’s Origin of the Species and focused on society as a social organism, the various components of society which are interrelatedand the evolutionary process and survival of the fittest.

Societal evolution based on changes in size, structural complexity and functional differentiation (ie specialised institutions with specific functions in society – the family and the economy)

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1. Functionalism:Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)Considered perhaps the most influential on Functionalism. Focused on:Society is an ordered, stable whole with parts that are interconnected and

interrelated.The individual is a product of society through the work of the social factsThe Collective Conscience which reflects the beliefs and values of the majority

of the members of society, facilitates social stabilitySocial change occurs. Society moved from Primitive to IndustrialSocial solidarity exists in society. Primitive society is characterised by

mechanical solidarity while industrial society is characterised by organic solidarity

Anomie – the failure of society to impact the individual re its values and norms.Sociology is a scientific discipline and the rules of the scientific method can and

must be applied to the study of human behaviour.

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1. Functionalism:

Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) – a modern sociologist.

Addressed the challenges to Functionalism from Marxist sociology and the Interpretative theories.

Emphasised the functional interrelationships of social institutions – the family, education, religion etc.

Society is ordered and held together by value consensus – the development of Durkheim’s collective conscience

Functional prepequisits:

Adaptation’

Goal Attainment

Integration

Pattern Maintenance or Latency

Pattern Variables A and B explain his concept of social change

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

1. Functionalism:

Robert Merton (1910-2003)

Not all parts of society are at all times functional. They are at times dysfunctional and at others, non functional.

Manifest Functions – those expected, intended and open consequences

Latent Functions – unexpected and hidden consequences of social acts

MACRO SOCIOLOGY

Functionalism’s essential elements: Society is a whole social organism made up of interconnected and

interrelated parts which function for the good of the whole Society is an ordered, stable whole The individual is a product of society Human behaviour can only be explained by reference to external stimuli The scientific method is applicable to the study of human behaviour Society changes as a result of growth and complexity of its structure

MACRO SOCIOLOGY