Making Sense of Sociological Theory

Synopsis

Focuses on sociological theories of society - that is general theoretical models of how societies work and change. The video begins by introducing the key sociological problem of the individual and society and the following sections explore three of the major theoretical traditions in sociology from their classical origins to their application to education and health in contemporary society.

1. Societies as Organic Structures: This section begins by explaining the idea of ‘social structures’ and the development of this idea in the work of Durkheim and Parsons. Case study material is used to apply this ‘organic’ model to experiences of education.

2. Societies as Economic Structures: The second section focuses on conflict in society. It examines Marx’s ideas and Durkheim’s functionalist approach. Marxist theories of education are examined in the context of students’ own views of their education. Despite their differences, both Durkheimian and Marxist theories see social institutions as systems which shape how people think and act. The section concludes by asking if people are really just the puppets of societies. What about the individual?

3. Societies as Social Action: Discusses what is meant by social action and asks how the social order we see all around us is to be explained. The ideas of G.H. Mead and interactionism are explained by returning to experiences of education.

4. Case Study: Going to the Doctor: This section is about developing a ‘sociological imagination’ and applying sociological theories. It begins in the doctors’ surgery with the observation that more than half those who visit their doctors are not clinically ill at all, and illustrates how many personal and social problems have become medicalised in contemporary societies. It then asks students to think how Durkheimian, Marxist and Interactionist theories might explain this processes and then illustrates these theories ‘in action’.

Series

Understanding Sociology, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of production

1998

Documentation

Accompanying study guide with teacher’s notes.

Uses

A-level and undergraduate sociology.

Subjects

Sociology

Keywords

conflict; individual psychology; Marxism; contemporary society; sociological theory; Durkheim, Emile; social action

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£49.00 (DVD), £20.00 (1 Year Digital Licence), £49.00 (3 Year Digital Licence)

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

60 minutes

Year

2010

Production Company

Name

Halovine Video

Email

enquiries@onlineclassroom.tv

Web

http://www.onlineclassroom.tv/ External site opens in new window

Phone

0845 505 0664

Fax

0845 505 0664

Address

PO Box 104
Hinkley
Leics
LE10 2WW

Notes

In 2008 Halovine rebranded and became part Online Classroom

Distributor

Name

Classroom Video

Notes

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