Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology

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Theoretical Perspectives of Sociology
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Background

• There are 3 major theories used by sociologists
  - Functionalism
• - Symbolic Interaction
• - Conflict

• Theory a general statement about how some parts
  of the world fit together and how they work
• Perception is the way your brain sees an event,
  how you interpret something

Theoretical Perspective a set of assumptions
about an area of study
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The Functionalist Perspective

• Definition Emphasizes the contributions (the
  functions) made by
• each part of society
• (ie. Family,
  Religion, Education, Economy, Govt.)
• According to Functionalism
• All parts of society are part of the integrated
  whole
• A change in one part of society leads to changes
  in the other parts After upheaval societies will
  return to a state of normalcy
• Members of society cooperate based on a consensus
  on values

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Vocabulary

• Two kinds of functions
• Manifest the intended recognized consequences
  or outcomes
• Latent the unintended unrecognized
  consequences or outcomes
• Apply this to Video Games
• Manifest Function
• ? to have fun be entertained
• Latent Function
• ? obesity violence
• Dysfunctions negative consequences or outcomes

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The Conflict Perspective

• Definition Emphasizes conflict, competition,
  change and
• constraints which exist in
  society
• According to the Conflict Theory
• It is the reverse of functionalism
• A society is composed of groups that
• Engage in fierce competition for resources
  (voting/rights/etc.)
• There is a constant struggle for power and
  control
• Those in power can then constrain those who
  are less
• powerful by limiting their access to
  resources (Inequality)
• As the power shifts between one group or
  another, change occurs!

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Symbolic Interactionism Theory

• Definition the interaction among people is based
  on mutually
• understood symbols
• According to the Symbolic Interationist Theory
• Symbol something observable that represents
  something else
• Members of society have to understand the meaning
  of the symbol or.. there is confusion,
  embarrassment, or chaos!
• We learn meaning of a symbol from watching how
  others react
• Once we learn the meaning of these symbols, we
  base our behavior (interactions) on these symbols
• We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how
  others will react to our behavior and vice versa

Apply this to a person at a party
wearing a wedding ring - What does the
symbol of a wedding ring mean? - How will a
person wearing a wedding ring affect our behavior?
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Levels of Analysis

• Macro Level examination of large-scale patterns
  of society
• Functionalist
• Conflict
• Micro Level examination of small-scale patterns
  of society
• Symbolic Interactionism