Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives

1
Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives

• Contemporary sociologists view society from a
  variety of perspectives, each of which uses a
  theory

2
Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives

• Theory A set of logically interrelated
  statements that attempt to describe, explain and
  occasionally predict social events
• Theories provide a framework or perspective for
  examining various aspects of social life
• Perspective an overall approach or viewpoint
  toward a subject

3
Functionalist Perspective

• This perspective is based upon the assumption
  that society is a stable, orderly system
  characterized by societal consensus
• Societal Consensus a situation in which the
  majority of members share a common set of values,
  beliefs and behavioural expectations

4
Functionalist Perspective

• According to Functionalism, society is composed
  of interrelated parts, each of which serves a
  function and contributes to the stability of
  society
• It compares society to a living organism (eg. the
  human body)
• It was influenced by Comte, Spencer and Durkeheim

5
Functionalist Perspective

• Societies develop social structures, or
  institutions, because they help society survive
• eg. Family, education, government, religion,
  economy
• If anything happens to one of these institutions,
  all other parts are affected

6
Functionalist Perspective

• Talcott Parsons, a Harvard sociology professor,
  stressed that all societies must make provisions
  for meeting social needs in order to survive

7
Functionalist Perspective

• For example, Parsons said that a division of
  labour between husband and wife is essential for
  family stability and social order
• The husband/father performs the instrumental
  tasks that involve leadership and decision-making
  responsibilities in the home, and employment
  outside the home to provide income for the family
• The wife/mother is responsible for the expressive
  tasks, including housework, caring for the
  children and providing emotional support for the
  rest of the family

8
Functionalist Perspective

• Parsons believed that other institutions such as
  government, school and church must function to
  assist the family
• His work has been criticized for being to
  conservative (eg. regarding gender roles, etc.),
  but it still has a great deal of influence on
  gender roles and the family

9
Functionalist PerspectiveTaking a look at
suicide(p.23-24)

• What does Functionalism emphasize with regard to
  morality?
• What is social solidarity and what did Durkheim
  believe about its link to suicide rates?
• What did Durkheim identify as the 4 distinct
  categories of suicide? Give an example of each.
  
• Why do you think suicide rates have become so
  high in many Aboriginal communities in Canada?