Lesson 3 Presentation Modern Perspectives

Main Idea Sociology employs three major theoretical perspectives— functionalism, which focuses on order and stability; conflict, which focuses on power relations; and interactionism, which focuses on how individuals interact with one another in everyday life. Free Template from

Focus Questions 1. In what ways do the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology differ in terms of their focus? 2. How do the theoretical perspectives differ in terms of their levels of analysis. Free Template from

Sociological Perspectives on Free Template from

Major Theoretical Perspectives In effort to explain the social world, sociologists developed theories (explanations) of the relationship among particular phenomena They provide guidance in their work They help to interpret their feelings Free Template from

Major Theoretical Perspectives Sociologists also adopt broad theoretical perspectives to provide a foundation for their inquiries A theoretical perspective (a school of thought) is a general set of assumptions about the nature of social life Outline specific ideas about the nature of social life Free Template from

Major Theoretical Perspectives Three broad perspectives form the bases of modern sociology Functionalist Conflict Interactionists Each one is a lens that presents a slightly different image of society or focuses on different aspects of social life Free Template from

Reading Focus Recall: According to functionalist, what holds society together? Consensus – an agreement by most people on what is best for society. Free Template from

Reading Focus In what ways do the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology differ in their focus. FP – focuses on the structure of society. CP – focuses on the forces of society. IP – focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective Crime→ disrupts the working of society as a whole and create social problems Can lead to social change because to reestablish social stability the various elements of society must adapt and adjust Can be positive or negative→ manifest or latent Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective Is broadly based on the ideas of Comte, Spencer, & Durkheim Sociologists view society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system Focuses heavily on the structure of society→ structural functionalism Society is held together through consensus Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective Most people agree on what is best for society and work together to ensure that the social system runs smoothly Types of interest The functions of family religion education the economy And what they serve in the society Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective Functionalists view the various elements in society in terms of their functions, or their positive consequences for society as a whole Recognize that not everything in society operates smoothly Label certain elements as dysfunction→ is the negative consequence an element has for the stability of the social system Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective manifest function→ is the intended and recognized consequence of some element of society Example: automobile→ provide speedy transportation from one location to another Free Template from

Functionalist Perspective Latent function→ is the unintended and unrecognized consequence of an element of society Example: Automobile – is to gain social standing through display of wealth Free Template from

Teaching Notes How does a teacher in front of a class of students illustrate the functionalist perspective? Functionalists view society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system. One way that school works to produce stability is to transmit accepted culture, values, and accepted behavior to society’s younger members. Free Template from

Conflict Perspective (CP) Focuses on the forces in society that promote competition and change CP theorists are interested in how those who possess more power in society exercise control over those with less power in society Free Template from

Reading Focus Draw Conclusions: In what way is power a key element in social conflict? Because power is essential in establishing rules to control wealth, those in power attempt to gain more, thus creating social conflict. Free Template from

Conflict Perspective CPs do not limit their attention to acts of violent conflict CP also interested in nonviolent competition between various groups in society Men and Women People of different ages People of different racial or national background Free Template from

Conflict Perspective Topics researched Decision-making in the family Relationships among racial groups Disputes between workers and employers Competition over resources is at the basis of social conflict Poverty and wealth are in limited supply - competition Free Template from

Conflict Perspective When in control of society’s resources they tend to establish rules and procedures that protect their interests at the expense of other groups Leads to social conflict which leads to social change – see social change as an inevitable feature of our society Free Template from

Conflict Perspective Feminist Theory (FT) – focuses on the area of inequality – theirs FT involves viewing society as a “sex/gender” system in which men dominate women That which is considered masculine is more highly valued than that which is considered feminine Free Template from

Conflict Perspective FT charge it is created by society and is not the result of biology Is reinforced by social institutions→ family and religion FT argue that the study of sociology has played a role in perpetuating this system of gender inequality Free Template from

Conflict Perspective FT state the experience of women should be central to the study of social life Free Template from

Teaching Notes How does a school principal represent the conflict perspective? Conflict theorists are interested in the ways power and authority are exerted in society. The principal is part of the school’s hierarchy of authority. Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) IP focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society IP are interested in the ways in which individuals respond to one another in everyday situations IP are interested in the meanings that individuals attach to their own actions and the actions of others Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) IP are indebted to the work of Mex Weber→ principle of Verstchen IP is used to study topics such as Child development Relationships Within small groups Mate selection Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) IP are particularly interested in the role that symbols play in our daily lives. A symbol is everything that represents something else Such as Physical object Gestures Words Events Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) 4 th of July and Uncle Sam, the American flag, the bald eagle are examples of symbols gestures→ a salute is accepted as a sign of respect for authority A raised, shaking fist signifies a threat of physical harm Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) IP focuses on how people use symbols when interacting Symbolic interaction – has three essential elements Meaning Language Elements The individual responds to people and things based on the meaning he/she gives to those people/things Free Template from

Interactionist Perspective (IP) Meanings arise out of social interaction, through the vehicle of language that the individual has with others The individual adjusts and modifies these meanings through thought – internal conversation Free Template from

Teaching Notes How do a group of students talking among themselves illustrate the interactionist perspective? Interactionists are interested in the way that individuals interact with one another in society. Interaction among students can influence the way students, teachers, and school administrators behave. Free Template from

Info to Know Feminism – Feminisms as a political movement began in the 19 th century and moved into the 20 th century as women fought for voting rights. A new wave of feminism began in the 1960s when women lobbied for equal rights in the workplace and in education. Today feminism has a global appeal as women throughout the world seek social and political equality. Free Template from

Biography: Betty Friedan ( ) feminist, writer, activist. Friedan wrote Feminine Mystic (1963), which is credited with inspiring women to seek careers outside of the home and take new social roles. Free Template from

Direct Teach: Reading Focus 2. How do the three theoretical perspective differ in terms of their level of analysis? Functionalist and conflict perspective study large-scale systems or society as a whole – the level called macrosociology. (continued) Free Template from

Direct Teach: Reading Focus 2. How do the three theoretical perspective differ in terms of their level of analysis? The interactionalist perspective studies small-scale settings and the everyday face-to-face interactions among group members – the level called microsociology. Free Template from

Levels of Analysis Major difference among the major sociological perspectives is the level of analysis that each one employs FT & CT is called macrosociology→ involves the study of large-scale systems in society as a whole Includes the analysis of long- term processes - industrialization Free Template from

Levels of Analysis IP is referred to microsociology→ involves looking at small group settings and the everyday face-to-face interactions among group members Would be used to measure the impact of teacher expectations on student academic performance Which provides the best explanation of the social world? Free Template from

Levels of Analysis Which provides the best explanation of the social world? The “big-picture” provided by the macrosociology approach is of the utmost value Society consists of individuals interacting with each other Free Template from

Levels of Analysis Define: What is globalization? The development of economic, political, and social relationships that stretch worldwide. Free Template from

Levels of Analysis Each level of analysis can assist you in your study of society globalization→ is the development of economic, political, and social relationships that stretch worldwide this process requires Free Template from

Drawing Conclusion: Why is an understanding of globalization important? The instantaneous nature of trade and communication today extends a country’s social life beyond its physical borders. Free Template from

Levels of Analysis This process requires sociologists to look at social life not only in terms of their own society but also in a global context Free Template from

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