Theoretical Perspectives

1
Theoretical Perspectives

• Chapter 1, section 3

2
Theoretical Perspective

• A set of assumptions accepted as true.
• Functionalism
• Conflict
• Symbolic Interaction

3
Functionalism

• Approach that emphasizes the contributions made
  by each part of society.
• Ex. family contributes by providing for
  reproduction care.
• Ex. economy contributes by dealing w/consumption,
  production distribution of goods services
• Ex. Religion contributes by emphasizing beliefs
  practices to sacred things.

4
Functionalism Cont.

• Functionalist see the parts of society as an
  integrated whole change in one part leads to
  changes in other parts.
• Assume societies tend to return to a state of
  stability after some change has occurred.

5
2 Types of Functions

• 1. Manifest functions- intended recognized
  consequences of an aspect of society- ex. school
  teaches you about math, English, science, social
  studies
• 2. Latent functions- unintended unrecognized
  consequences of an aspect of society- ex school
  teaches you about relationships.

6
Functionalism Cont.

• Some aspects are dysfunctional- negative
  consequences.

7
Conflict

• Approach emphasizing the role of conflict,
  competition and constraint w/in a society.
• Focuses on the disagreements among groups they
  compete as they attempt to preserve promote
  their own values interests.

8
Conflict Cont.

• Central focus revolves around power- ability to
  control behavior of others.
• As the balance of power shifts among groups,
  change occurs ex womens movement- more women
  working in powerful places.

9
Symbolic Interaction

• Approach that focuses on the interactions among
  people based on mutually understood symbols.
• Symbol- anything that stands for something else
  and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it ex
  objects, words, gestures, facial expressions

10
3 Assumptions

1. We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we
   see others reacting to it.
2. Once we learn the meaning we base our behavior on
   the symbols
3. We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how
   others will respond to our behavior.