Theory Cheat Sheet

1. Theory Cheat Sheet Macro – Large scale patterns in society Micro – patterns between individuals Main Theoretical Perspectives… Socio-biologists Psychologists Sociology Symbolic Interactionism Functional Analysis Conflict Theory Social Dawinism Strain Theory (Anomie) Conflict perspective (class conflict) Protestant Work Ethic

2. Theory Review • Sociobiologists(biology) • Explain deviance ‘within’ the individual, • Born that way - Assume genetic dispositions (biology) • *NATUREargument • Psychologists (psychology) • Also focus ‘within’ the individual • Examine personality disorder • Subconscious motives drive people to deviance • i.e. bad mother, or father, trauma • *NURTURE argument • Sociology (society) • Examines factors ‘outside’ the individual • Social influences (i.e. social class, socialization, subculture) • *SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT argument

3. Theory Cheat Sheet • Symbolic Interactionist Perspectives • Considers symbols in daily life • what these symbols mean • How people interact with the symbols and each other • People attach meanings to symbols and act according to their interpretations of them • Language (verbal and written) • Music, clothing, etc. • Functionalist Perspective • Each aspect of society is interdependent • contributes to society’s functioning as a whole. • Held together by social consensus and cooperation. • clarifies moral boundaries and affirms norms • promotes social unity • Does not promotes social change - justifies status quo • Social Dawinism • Thought societies evolvefrom ‘lower’ to ‘higher’ civilized forms • Survival of the fittest - Over time, the most capable survive, while the less capable die out. • Helping the ‘lower’ classes interfers with this natural process and holds back society

4. Theory Cheat Sheet cont. • Strain Theory- (Anomie)differential goals and opportunities • Society tries to motivate everyone for success by Arousing Discontent! (competition) • People feel dissatisfied with what have want better…Cultural goals (wealth, status) • Not everyone has access to legit ways of achieving success (i.e. educationor money) • (Some find path to education and good jobs blocked (i.e. due to poverty, inequality) • Experience frustration (strain) thus motivates deviance (i.e. cheating, crime) • Conflict perspective (class conflict) • Power and Inequality are the main characteristics of society • Powerful and wealthy run society and judicial system • Powerful makes sure laws are pass that protect its position in society • Law used as Instrument of oppression and control the people (i.e. poor, minority, etc.) • Focuses on conflict and change • Dialectics • Challenge the status quo (the way things are) • Encourages social change • Protestant Work Ethic • ideal of self-denying, highly moral life accompanied by hard work and frugality. • Religion is central force. (key factor in rise of Capitalism)

5. Other Perspectives: • Cross-Species • Considers the similarities in differences between human and social behavior and that of other animals. • Cross-Cultural • Compares customs and standards of behavior within a community or system. • Statistical perspective • How often an attitude or practice occurs within any given group. • Historical Perspectives • Deals with social issues from the point of view of historical attitudes, values, practices and contexts. • Religious Perspective • Considers the effects that religious doctrines, scriptures, and spirituality have in individuals and society. • Feminist Perspective • Concerned with gender differences and the limitations associated with traditional , male dominated theories of society. • Integrated Perspective • Combination of theories

6. Use three Theories to explain each: Using Theory Practice Social Stratification Poverty Low Graduation Rate Pledge of Allegiance Sexual Harassment Gender Inequality Terrorism (i.e. 9/11) Gangs Racism Deviance Inequality Political Corruption Child abuse Mass Shootings War Drug Abuse Divorce Police violence Religion Global Warming