DISS – LESSON 1

SOCIAL SCINECES
 A branch of science devoted to the study of societies and the relationships among
individuals within those societies. “Social sciences as those mental or cultural
sciences which deal with the activities of the individual as member of the group.

NATURAL SCIENCES
 A major branch of science that deals with the description, prediction and
understanding of natural phenomena, basically based on observational and empirical
evidence.

HUMANITIES
 refers to the study of the ways in which the human experience is processed and
document.
 encompasses the field of philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history and
language.

Things in Common Between Social Sciences and Natural Sciences

 both sciences employ the scientific model in order to gain information.
 both sciences use empirical and measured data evidence that can be seen and
discerned by the senses.
 both sciences’ theories can be tested to yield theoretical statements and general
positions.

DIFFERENCES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND NATURAL SCIENCE

SOCIAL SCIENCE NATURAL SCIENCE

 Deals with subject (human beings)  Deals with object.
 It is spontaneous, unpredictable and  Characterized by exactness,
uncontrollable, as it deals with controlled variables, and
human emotions and behavior. predictability.
 Experiential data  Experimental Data
 Typically involves alternative  The typical method of science is
methods of observation and doing repetitive and conventional
interaction with people within laboratory experiment.
community.

THINGS IN COMON SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

 Both the humanities and social science are concerned with human aspects like, law,
politics, linguistics, Economics, and psychology as well as human lives and nature.
DIFFERENCES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

SOCIAL SCIENCE HUMANITIES

 Social science deals with more  Humanities involved more of a
scientific approach. scientific approach.
 Social Science involves application  Humanities deemed to be more
of an empirical, rational, and philosophical and concerned with
objective methodology (such as the heritage and the question of what
use of validity and reliability test) to makes us human. It comprises the
present facts. application of an interpretative
methodology.

FUNCTION of SOCIAL SCIENCES and HUMANITIES

Social Science
1.To analyze, explain, and possibly predict and produce new knowledge of factual
information.
2.To generate and produce new knowledge or factual information.

Humanities
1.To better appreciate the meaning and purpose of the human experience – both broadly in
the nature of the human condition, as well as within each individual.
LESSON 2: INTRODUCING THE DISCIPLINES WITHIN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Social Sciences Disciplines Etymologies Definitions

Anthropology “anthopos” (human), Scientific study of man or
“logos” (study of) human being and their
societies in the past present.
Demography “demos” (people), Study of human population
“graphein” (description) and dynamics.
Economics “oikanomia” (household Study of what constitutes
management) rational human behavior in
the endeavor to fulfill needs
and wants.
Geography “geo” (Earth), Deals with the study of the
“graphein” (description) relationship between the earth
and people
Linguistics “lingua” (tongue, Study of languages and
language) focuses on the three aspects of
language
History “histoire” (recorded and The study of the past and its
documented events) records about events.
Political Science “politika,” “polis” (affairs Deals with the system of
of the cities) governance.
Psychology “psyche” (mind), Scientific study of the mind
“logos” (study of) and behavior.
Sociology “socius” (people together, Study of groups - how they
associates), “logos” (study of) are
formed, how they change, and
how the group impacts
individual behavior.
hbduhoidw

Structural Functionalism
 Perspective which describes the society as a social system that has a social structure
of its own, made up of different parts which are interconnected which works together
in harmony to achieve social equilibrium.
 Herbert Spencer is an English Philosopher that saw similarities between society and
the human body. Just as the organs of the body work together to keep the body
functioning, the various parts of society work together to keep society functioning.
LESSON 3:

STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM
 is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts
work together to promote solidarity and stability.

Social Institutions

The Social System:

 Politics
 Science
 Education
 Religion
 Family
 Economy

 Emile Durkheim believed that society is a complex system of interrelated and

interdependent parts that work together to maintain stability, and that society is held
together by shared values, languages and symbols.

 Durkheim believes that individuals may make up society, but in order to study
society, sociologist have to look beyond individuals to social facts.

 Robert Merton pointed out that social processes often have many functions. Social
processes that have undesirable consequences for the operation of society are called
dysfunctions.

Functions of Social Institutions

 Manifest functions are the intended functions of an institution or a phenomenon in a
social system.
 Latent functions are its unintended functions.
Two Types of Functions
 Manifest
 Education - for transmission of knowledge and skills to the society.
 Media - for entertainment, information, and news.
 Latent
 Education - use for babysitting, to contain the children while the parents are
busy earning a living or doing other things.
 Media - To escape boredom while at home.

Principles of Social Institutions
 Societies should be examined holistically in an interrelated system framework.
 Social systems are generally in a state of equilibrium.
 The functionalist is less interested in the history of a society, but more concerned with
social interaction.

Strengths
 Remind of the need for order and stability
 Each institutions serves a function.
 Reminds us people have roles to play in society.
 Order and stability are important for society
 Tells us how to create order a stability.

Weakness
 It fails to address big changes in society.
 Does not recognize the differences in society among power.
 Not everyone agrees with order and stability of society.
 Order and stability are important for society.
 Tell us how to create order and stability.

MARXISM
 The political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels later
developed by their followers to form the basis for the theory and practice of
communism.
 Karl Marx (1818-1883) wrote the Communist Manifesto (1848) that shows the
basic struggle between classes and recommends action against the specter of
capitalism (1867).
 Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) He is the Father of Marxist Theory, together with
Karl Marx he wrote Das Kapital.
 Focuses on the struggle between capitalist and the working class.
 Marx wrote that the power of relationships between capitalists and workers were
inherently exploitative and would inevitably create class conflict. He believed that
this conflict would ultimately lead to a revolution in which the working class
would overthrow the capitalist class and seize the control of the economy.
What are the factors of production and the profit in Communism and Capitalism?
 The factors of production in Communism are state owned while Capitalism is
private owned.
 The profit in Communism was shared by all the people in economy while in
Capitalism belongs to the private individuals only.

SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY

 Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory that develops from practical
consideration and suggests to people’s particular utilization of dialect to make
images and normal implications, for deduction and correspondence with others.
 This perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and build
upon in the process of social interaction. The interpretation process that occurs
between interactions helps create and recreate meaning. It is the shared
understanding and interpretations of meaning that affect the interaction between
individuals.
 Symbolic Interactionism was conceived by George Herbert Mead.
 Symbolic Interactionism is a theoretical approach to understanding the
relationship between humans and society.
 The basic notion of symbolic interactionism is that the human action and
interaction are understandable only through the exchange of meaningful
communication or symbol.

The Three Basic Premises by Herbert Blumer:

1. “Human act toward things based on the meaning they ascribe to those things.”
2. “The meaning of such things is derived from, the social interaction that one has
with others and society.”
3. “These meanings are handled in, and modified through, an interpretative process
used by the person in dealing with the things he/she encounters”.
Major Social Science and its Importance in examining Socio-cultural, Economic, and
Political Conditions

Structural functionalism
1. Socio-cultural – Create a wee-integrated members of society and instills common,
traditions, patterns, habits, and beliefs.
2. Economic – Main role is the production of food and other primary goods and
contributes to food security.
3. Politics – Enforce and regulate conflict.

Symbolic Interactionism
1. Socio-cultural – Self – constructed by others through communication and interaction.
2. Economic – Career inheritance of children after learning the norms and values
through their parents, thus having a model career path to follow.
3. Politics – Focuses on figures, problems or individuals that represent power and
authority.

PSYCHOANALYSIS THEORY
 Sigmund Freud is an American neurologist and psychotherapist, he is the founder
of psychoanalysis (clinical method to treat psychopathology)

 Freud believed that individual’s personality had three components: The id, The
ego, and The Superego.

1. The Id
 Little Devil
 Inborn part of personality
 Follow pleasure principle
 Reduce tension
 The first of the key elements of personality to emerge is known as the id. It
contains all of the unconscious basis and primary urges.
2. The Ego
 Buffer with id and the outer world
 Follow reality concept
 Decision making component
 Second part of personality to emerge, this part deals with demands of reality.
Helps to control urges of id.
 3. The Superego
 Represents right and wrongs of society
 Follow morality and ethics
 Final aspect of personality to emerge. Contains our ideals and values. It strives
us to behave according to these morals and values of parents.

RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY

1. Rational Actors – It postulates a utility function, which measures the degree to
which individual’s goals are achieved as a result of their actions.

 The individual is actually the rational actor because every individual is

reasonable and thinking.

2. Self-Interest – Is the idea that the best economic benefit for all can usually be
accomplished when individuals act in their own self – interest.

 Every rational actor creates their own decision and choices driven by their
self – interest.

3. Invisible Hand – Metaphor for how, in a free market economy, self – interested
individuals operate through a system of mutual interdependence.

 Unseen forces that move the free market economy.

 In Rational Choice Theory, self – interest influences the decision making of the
Rational Actor which he/she thinks that is the Best Possible Choice he/she can get
based on its possible benefits (the most beneficial choice).

 So, if we put together the 3 concepts of Rational Choice Theory it states that
individuals use their self - interests to make choices that will provide them with the
greatest benefit. Driven with various self – interests, this will keep the stability of the
society and economy. Like how the demand of people are met and how the shortage
of goods is solved.

INSTITUTIONALISM
 This is an approach that emphasizes the role of institutions.
 It stresses the usefulness of established institutions, often at the expense of the
individuals.
 Institutional Actors – it refers to the people who make up society, whose actions
are controlled and regulated by institutions. Can be individual, group or
organization that create or follow rules.
 Isomorphism – refers to the similarity of the processes, structure of one
organization/ institutions with another.
Key Concepts
1. Formal Institutions – codified rules, policies and norms that are considered official,
originating from state laws, government, and organization.
 Constitutions, official law, regulation, standards enforced by the state.
2. Informal Institutions – equally known rules and norms but are not commonly
written down. Social practices that have been commonly viewed as acceptable.
 Superstitious, beliefs, social norms, attitudes, agreed conditions, self-
enforced morals.
 Social Norms – the unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a
group of society.

Characteristics
 Structure – Formal/ Informal
 Stability – Existence over time
 Regulator of individual behavior- Control one’s behavior
 Shared Values – Shared values and meaning among member
 Legitimacy – It is what makes power rightful

Types of institutions
 Family – the role is to procreates, nurture and teach values.
 Religion – answers the unanswerable, establish morality, deal with death and the
afterlife.
 Economy – concerned with the production, consumption and distribution of
goods and services; supply and demand.
 Government – entrusted in making and enforcing the rules of a society as well as
with regulating relations with other societies.
 Education – where people of different ages gain an education and learn.

Theorist of Institutionalism
David Mitrany – Father of Functionalism State’s authority or institutions lies in
functions.
Jean Monnet – Needs of the state through the principle of supranationality (erased
borderlines.
Max Weber – Presented different essays and boom on institutional theory.
James March – Published a book on rediscovering institutions with Johan Olsen.
Johan Olsen
FEMINIST THEORY
 Feminine theory is a multifaceted intellectual and political movement that seeks to
understand and address the unequal power dynamics and other discrimination
that women and other marginalized group face in society.
 It is not single, monolithic theory but a collection of diverse perspectives, each
offering. unique insights into the social, political, and economic structures that
perpetuate gender inequality.
 Feminist theory encompasses a range of approaches that analyze, critique, and
challenge patriarchal systems and gender – based oppression.
 It seeks highlight how societal norms and structures perpetuate gender inequalities
and advocates for the empowerment and liberation of women and other marginalized
groups.
 Feminist theory has evolved over several waves, each building upon the previous
one.

Wave of Feminism

Proponents of Feminist Theory

 Advanced by numerous scholars and activist, including Simone de Beauvoir, Betty
Friedan, Bell Hooks, Audre Lorde, Judith Butler, Kimberle Crenshaw, and many
others.

Principles of Feminist Theory

1. Gender as a Social Construct – gender is not biologically determined but socially
constructed.
2. Intersectionality – recognizing the interplay of multiple identities in shaping
experiences of oppression.
3. Critique of Patriarchy – identifying and challenging male dominance in various
societal structures.
4. Agency and Empowerment – advocating for women’s autonomy and self –
determination.
 5. Inclusivity – acknowledging the diverse experiences of women and ensuring that
feminism is inclusive of all genders and identities.
Assumptions
Feminist theory assumes that:
 Gender inequality is a pervasive social issue.
 Patriarchal systems reinforce gender hierarchies.
 Social change is possible through collective action.

Applying to Health Care

1. Gender Bias in Medical Research and practice.
 Research Bias – Feminist theory can be used to critique medical research that
historically focused on male subjects, leading to a lack of understanding of how
diseases and treatments affect woman differently.
 Diagnostic Bias – Healthcare providers must be trained to recognize and avoid
gender bias in diagnoses. Women’s pain, for example, has sometimes been
dismissed or underdiagnosed compared to men’s.

2. Reproductive Health and Rights

 Feminist theory advocates for women’s autonomy over their reproductive
choices, including access to contraception, abortion, and fertility treatments.
 It calls for comprehensive sex education and family planning services that
empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive
health.

3. Mental Health and Well-being

 Feminist perspectives can shed light on how societal expectations and gender
norms can contribute to mental health issues.

4. Healthcare Workforce and Leadership

 Emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in the healthcare workforce,
from physicians to administrators and policymakers.
 It supports efforts to address wage disparities and career advancement
opportunities.

5. Intersectionality in Healthcare
 Recognizing the intersection of gender with race, sexuality, socioeconomic
status, and other identities, healthcare providers can tailor their services to
meet the unique needs of diverse patient population.

6. Violence Against Woman and Trauma Informed Care.

 Healthcare providers can apply feminist principles to recognize and respond to
trauma, especially related to gender-based violence, by creating safe and
supportive environments.

7. Inclusive Language and Practices

  Ensuring that healthcare facilities use inclusive language and practices that
respect individuals’ gender identities and pronouns.
 Creating a welcoming environment for transgender and non-binary patients.
8. Policy Advocacy
 Can inform healthcare policy by advocating for equitable access to care,
reproductive rights, maternity leave, and family support policies.

9. Community Engagement and Education

 Promoting community – based healthcare initiatives that empower women and
marginalized groups to advocate for their own health and well-being.

 By applying feminist theory to healthcare, it becomes possible to address systemic

gender-based disparities, promote equitable access to care, and ensure that healthcare
is delivered in a way that respects the autonomy and dignity of all patients, regardless
of their gender identity or expression.

Limitations
1. Diversity of Perspectives – Feminist theory is not a monolithic ideology, and there
are various schools of thought within it, sometimes leading to disagreements and
tensions.
2. Critiques of Essentialism – Some critics argue that feminist theory can sometimes
essentialize gender or ignore the experiences of transgender and non-binary
individuals.
3. Intersectional Challenges – Balancing the recognition of multiple intersecting
identities can be complex and challenging.
4. Resistance – Not everyone accepts feminist theory, and resistance to feminist ideas
can hinder progress.

Conclusion