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Major Sociological Theories - JSON

The major sociological theories include three main paradigms: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalism views society as a stable, integrated system; conflict theory focuses on power and inequality; and symbolic interactionism emphasizes everyday interactions and the construction of meaning among individuals. These theories complement each other, providing multiple perspectives for analyzing social phenomena.

sociology social theory functionalism conflict theory symbolic interactionism Durkheim Marx Mead

[
  {
    "code": "01",
    "slug": "functionalism",
    "name": "Functionalism",
    "description": "A theory that views society as a stable system of interrelated parts, similar to a living organism.",
    "keyTheorists": [
      "Emile Durkheim",
      "Talcott Parsons",
      "Robert K. Merton"
    ],
    "analysisLevel": "Macro (large-scale structures)",
    "coreConcepts": [
      "manifest functions",
      "latent functions",
      "dysfunctions",
      "organic solidarity",
      "mechanical solidarity",
      "anomie"
    ]
  },
  {
    "code": "02",
    "slug": "conflict-theory",
    "name": "Conflict Theory",
    "description": "A theory that views society as characterized by inequality and domination based on class, gender, race, and other factors.",
    "keyTheorists": [
      "Karl Marx",
      "Friedrich Engels",
      "Max Weber",
      "Ralf Dahrendorf"
    ],
    "analysisLevel": "Macro (large-scale structures)",
    "coreConcepts": [
      "class struggle",
      "bourgeoisie",
      "proletariat",
      "exploitation",
      "alienation",
      "cultural hegemony",
      "false consciousness"
    ]
  },
  {
    "code": "03",
    "slug": "symbolic-interactionism",
    "name": "Symbolic Interactionism",
    "description": "A micro-level theory focusing on everyday interactions and the construction of meaning among individuals.",
    "keyTheorists": [
      "George Herbert Mead",
      "Herbert Blumer",
      "Charles Cooley",
      "Erving Goffman"
    ],
    "analysisLevel": "Micro (individual interactions)",
    "coreConcepts": [
      "self",
      "looking-glass self",
      "role",
      "shared meaning",
      "dramaturgy",
      "impression management",
      "labeling theory"
    ]
  }
]