IGNOU BSOC 133 Sociological Theories Study Material (Quick Readable Notes) For Ignou Student.  (Paperback, BMA Publication)

IGNOU BSOC 133: Introduction to Sociological Theories: Sociological theories provide frameworks for understanding and analyzing social phenomena. They offer explanations for social behavior, institutions, and societal changes. Structural Functionalism: Focus: Emphasizes the functions and dysfunctions of social institutions in maintaining social order. Key Figures: Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons. Concepts: Social integration, social solidarity, manifest and latent functions. Conflict Theory: Focus: Highlights power struggles and inequalities within society, particularly related to class, gender, and race. Key Figures: Karl Marx, Max Weber, Ralf Dahrendorf. Concepts: Class struggle, exploitation, domination, alienation, symbolic violence. Symbolic Interactionism: Focus: Examines how individuals construct and interpret meanings through social interactions and symbols. Key Figures: George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer, Erving Goffman. Concepts: Symbols, self-concept, socialization, role-taking, dramaturgical perspective. Social Exchange Theory: Focus: Views social interactions as exchanges of resources, with individuals seeking to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Key Figures: George Homans, Peter Blau, Thibaut and Kelley. Concepts: Rewards, costs, reciprocity, exchange relationships, rational choice. Feminist Theory: Focus: Analyzes gender-based inequalities and advocates for gender equality and social justice. Key Figures: Simone de Beauvoir, Dorothy Smith, bell hooks. Concepts: Patriarchy, gender roles, intersectionality, feminist standpoint. Postmodernism: Focus: Critiques grand narratives and challenges the idea of objective truth, emphasizing the plurality of perspectives and fluidity of identities. Key Figures: Jean-François Lyotard, Michel Foucault, Judith Butler. Concepts: Deconstruction, simulation, hyperreality, reflexivity. Critical Theory: Focus: Applies a critical lens to society, seeking to uncover power structures and promote social emancipation. Key Figures: The Frankfurt School (Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse), Jürgen Habermas. Concepts: Ideology critique, dialectics, communicative action, praxis.