Theories in Sociology

Functionalist Theory Conflict Theory Interaction and Interpretive Theory

FAMR

Functionalist Theory

Introduced by Durkheim (1858) Institutions in a society are interdependent & working together. Society is seen as being structured like a human body with many interrelated parts that function together to maintain a healthy body. Each institutions has its own function.

i.e. Human body : lungs, heart, liver etc Society : family, economy (structure)
2

FAMR

Society must work together to function or it will fall apart. What functionalist study
1. Structure and function of an organisation

i.e. school (what is its contribution to the society in maintaining value?)

2. Functional relationship between education system and other parts of the social system

i.e relationship between education and economy, how does this relationship helps the society?

FAMR

Conflict Theory

Karl Marx & Max Weber Groups in society are always competing with each other in order to achieve their goals. Competition tension conflict Example of conflicts
1. 2.

3.

Students discipline (teachers, parents) School administration constantly threatened by clients Students who are forced to school
4

FAMR

Branch : cultural reproduction & resistance theories

Cultural capital (resources, knowledge, accessibility, literature, art) People with cultural capital has more advantage thus ensuring the same reproduction.

FAMR

Interaction and Interpretive Theory

Focuses on individuals reaction with each other Those with the same culture interpret and define social situations similarly thus creating norm.

FAMR

Differences may also occur bcoz of differences in social class, experience Focus on interaction between teachers & principles, teachers & students, students achievement. Labelling theory and exchange theory (cost and reward)

Why?

Research Methods
Methods in collecting data:
1. Participant Observation

Observer participant Participant observant

2. 3. 4. 5.
FAMR

Survey Secondary Analysis Controlled Laboratory Studies Case Studies

7