SOC100H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Metatheory
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SOC100H5 Full Course Notes
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A theory is a testable assertion that can be backed with evidence. Helps us see things we might not otherwise see. Unit theory: emphasizes particular problems and makes testable assertions. Metatheory: a way of looking at and interpreting reality. Behavior is governed by stable patterns of social relations. How structures (institutions like marriage, religion, etc. ) contribute to the function of society. According to durkheim, if people learn to stop complaining, stop asking for more, there won"t be any problems. How do you know what to do? this is what functionalists study. Why is there order and stability? we know that we have to come to university, sit on chairs and listen as the professor conveys information. According to functionalists, it"s because it serves as an outlet. If there"s too much prostitution, it would upset the equilibrium. If there"s too little, there would be pent-up aggression and other consequences from the males, families would collapse, etc.
