Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Ms. Rogers

September 2011

What is a perspective?

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

What are the functions of society and what do they contribute to society?

Examples of functions: 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

Manifest functions: intended or recognized consequences of society Example?

Latent functions: unintended or “hidden” consequences of society Example?

Dysfunction: negative consequences of society 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

Conflict Perspective

“Who has power?” 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

How does conflict affect social change? 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

Conflict Perspective and Functionalism both focus on large social units

Symbolic Interactionism focuses on social interaction How do people interact?

Symbolic Interactionism In order for people to interact, they must understand

the same symbols Symbol: something chosen to represent something

What are some symbols we all agree on as Americans? (aside from the one pictured above)

Symbolic Interactionism Assumptions:

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 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 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?

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