Transcript Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Theoretical Perspectives
in Sociology
Ms. Rogers
September 2011
What is a perspective?
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A theoretical perspective is a set of
assumptions, about a given area of study,
that is accepted as true
In the case of sociology, these perspectives
would refer to the workings of society
What’s your perspective?
Beautiful young woman or old hag?
What’s your perspective?
A vase or two faces?
What’s our perspective?
As Americans, this map looks strange to us,
no?
Functionalism
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What are the functions of society and what do
they contribute to society?
Examples of functions:
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The family
Religion
Economy
Government
Functionalists may study changes in one part
of society (or one “function”)
What is a major change in society in recent decades that
functionalists may find interesting?
Functionalism
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Manifest functions: intended or recognized
consequences of society
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Latent functions: unintended or “hidden”
consequences of society
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Example?
Example?
Dysfunction: negative consequences of
society
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Example?
Conflict Perspective
A society experiences conflict and
inconsistency everywhere
 A society is constantly changing
 Conflict, competition, and constraint are
constantly affecting society
 “Who get’s what?”: Everything
is a competition or contest
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Conflict Perspective
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“Who has power?”
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Power = the ability to control the behaviors of
others
Some groups have more power than others
Those with the most power have the most
prestige, wealth, etc.
THINK: What sub-groups in our society
have the most “power”??
Conflict Perspective
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How does conflict affect social change?
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As balance of power shifts, change occurs
Example: Women’s movements are attempting to
balance the power between men and women
What are other examples of shifting power in
our society?
Symbolic Interactionism
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Conflict Perspective and Functionalism both
focus on large social units
Symbolic Interactionism focuses on social
interaction
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How do people interact?
Symbolic Interactionism
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In order for people to interact, they must understand
the same symbols
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Symbol: something chosen to represent something
What are some symbols we all agree on as
Americans? (aside from the one pictured above)
Symbolic Interactionism
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Assumptions:
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We learn the meaning of symbols from the way
others see them and react to them
Once we learn the meanings of symbols, we base
our behavior on them
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i.e. If somebody gives you a frown when you bring up a
particular topic in front of them, you know not to bring it
up again
We use the meaning of symbols to imagine how
others will respond to our behavior
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i.e. We think about the symbols before we act
Which Perspective?
Which perspective would you use to best describe and
analyze each of the following historical scenarios and
why?
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The rise of theater in Shakespeare’s time in
England
Looting incidents in New Orleans after Hurricane
Katrina
The advent of the internet
Anti-war protests in the 1960s