Lecture 4: Introduction to Theories.

Action Theory & Interactionism.

Another important micro approach within sociology is ethnomethodology

an approach developed by Harold Garfinkel.
This approach argues that individuals make meanings around themselves
[with others] in order to avoid the ultimate meaninglessness and chaos of
the world around us.
Garfinkel argues that we use the documentary method to associate
certain things [situations, sounds, images] with routine in order to feel
comfortable about existence.
There is no real meaning or truth to these routines that we construct,
but we carry them on as we are afraid and unable to deal with the
unpredictable consequences.
[What routines do you have in your life/what routines regulate your
everyday existence?]
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The British sociologist Anthony Giddens has developed Webers ideas of
how individuals play a major part in shaping social structures and
institutions.
Giddens developed a theory called structuration. This theory argues
[similarly to Weber] that it is counterproductive within sociology to have
a distinction and seperation between macro and micro approaches.
Instead structuration develops the notion that it is more realistic to
have a combination [or an integration] of both micro and macro when
attempting to understand how and why humans create meaning and
society:
Macro (structure)
The system shapes behaviour

Micro (Individuals)
Individuals shape social systems

Structuration
(two opposing views integrated)
A constant and reciprocal interplay
Between social structures and the individuals
Who make them up. This produces stability

East Lancs Institute of Higher Education.

Lecture 4: Introduction to Theories.

Action Theory & Interactionism.

and gradual change as people move on.

According to structuration theory it is too simplistic to say that the

structure dictates individual behaviour, likewise society is more complex
than groups of individuals shaping system.
According to this approach systems undoubtedly influence how individuals
behave but individuals also have the ability and power to change, so as
people adapt and change - so do the structures that they exist within.
People are born into systems, but people alter these systems as their
views and behaviours change.
In order to try and consolidate the above on structuration theory,
consider and respond to the following questions
1. How would functionalism attempt to interpret recent changes in
traditional gender roles?

2. How can we attempt to understand these changes from a

structurationist point of view?

East Lancs Institute of Higher Education.