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Sociology Theory Summary

The document summarizes key sociological theories from four prominent theorists: Talcott Parsons' Social Action Theory emphasizes the integration of individual behavior with social systems, Erving Goffman's Dramaturgy likens social interactions to theatrical performances, Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann's Social Construction of Reality highlights how reality is shaped through social interactions, and Herbert Marcuse's Critical Theory critiques capitalist society for suppressing individuality. Each unit includes core ideas, key concepts, and recommended readings for further exploration. The document serves as a concise overview of foundational sociological theories and their implications.

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13 views3 pages

Sociology Theory Summary

The document summarizes key sociological theories from four prominent theorists: Talcott Parsons' Social Action Theory emphasizes the integration of individual behavior with social systems, Erving Goffman's Dramaturgy likens social interactions to theatrical performances, Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann's Social Construction of Reality highlights how reality is shaped through social interactions, and Herbert Marcuse's Critical Theory critiques capitalist society for suppressing individuality. Each unit includes core ideas, key concepts, and recommended readings for further exploration. The document serves as a concise overview of foundational sociological theories and their implications.

Uploaded by

b95152480
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Sociology Theory Summary Notes

✅ Unit I: Talcott Parsons – Social Action Theory


🔹 Core Idea:

Parsons aimed to create a general theory of social action that integrates individual behavior
with the social system.

🔸 Key Concepts:

• Social Action: Action that is meaningful and directed toward others.

• Voluntaristic Action Theory: Humans act voluntarily, guided by norms, values, and goals.

AGIL Scheme (Functional Prerequisites of a Social System):

1. Adaptation (A): Adjusting to the environment.

2. Goal Attainment (G): Setting and achieving objectives.

3. Integration (I): Coordination and cohesion of system parts.

4. Latency (L): Pattern maintenance and motivation (e.g., socialization, norms).

📘 Readings:

• Turner, J.H. (1987), The Structure of Sociological Theory, pp. 57–86.

• Parsons & Shils (1951), Towards a General Theory of Action, Routledge, Ch. 1 & 2.

✅ Unit II: Erving Goffman – Dramaturgy


🔹 Core Idea:

Society is like a stage; individuals are actors performing roles.

🔸 Key Concepts:

• Dramaturgical Analysis: Social interaction is a theatrical performance.

• Presentation of Self: Individuals present themselves based on social context.

• Front Stage: The public persona shown to others.

• Back Stage: Where individuals relax and be themselves.

• Impression Management: Efforts to control how one is perceived.

🔸 Example:
A teacher maintains authority in class (front stage) but is relaxed with friends (back stage).

📘 Readings:

• Goffman, E. (1956), The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, pp. 13–162.

• Goffman, E. (1979), Gender Advertisements, Chapter 1, pp. 1–9.

✅ Unit III: Peter Berger & Thomas Luckmann – Social Construction of Reality
🔹 Core Idea:

Our understanding of the world is shaped through social interaction, language, and
institutions.

🔸 Key Concepts:

• Social Construction: Reality is produced and maintained through interaction.

• Institutionalization: Repeated actions become norms and structures.

• Objectivation: Institutions appear natural, even though they’re created.

• Internalization: Individuals absorb and act according to these structures.

🔸 Example:

Marriage as a social institution: learned, accepted, and seen as “natural.”

📘 Reading:

• Berger, P. L. & Luckmann, T. (1991), The Social Construction of Reality, pp. 3–162.

✅ Unit IV: Herbert Marcuse – Critical Theory


🔹 Core Idea:

Modern capitalist society suppresses true freedom and individuality by promoting false
needs and consumerism.

🔸 Key Concepts:

• One-Dimensional Man: People in advanced industrial societies lack critical thought due to
media and consumer culture.

• False Needs: Artificial desires imposed by capitalism (e.g., brand obsession).

• True Freedom: The ability to think critically and act independently — suppressed in
capitalist society.

🔸 Goal of Critical Theory:


To uncover ideological control and empower individuals to resist domination.

📘 Reading:

• Marcuse, H. (1964), One Dimensional Man, Introduction, pp. xi–xxxviii.

📚 Bonus: Contemporary Context Reading


• Giddens, A. & Sutton, P.W. (2022), Sociology (9th ed), Chapter 12: Social Interaction and
Everyday Life, pp. 958–1023.

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