The Sociological Perspective

How much influence do groups have on your life? Some Little None

The study of human behavior and social structure What is Sociology? The study of human behavior and social structure

A particular point of view ex. babies What is a perspective? A particular point of view ex. babies

What is the sociological perspective? Sociologists always focus on the group, not the individual

Is it important to examine behavior on a group level? Very Important Somewhat Not very important Not important at all

Sociologists generally look for patterns in society

Social structure - The patterned interaction of people in social relationships

Sociologists are interested in group behavior Sociologists are interested in group behavior. They will examine behavior of individuals in terms of the roles they have in the group.

All groups encourage conformity. Does the size of the group matter?

What does the sociological imagination help us do? Ability of individuals to see the relationship between events in their personal lives and events in their society

Why is the sociological imagination important? It helps us to question the world around us

People with Sociological Imagination ask themselves 3 questions: What is the structure of this society? How is it different from the past and how will it be in the future? How does society influence people?

Theoretical Perspectives (Think of the babies)

As you have grown older, has your perspective of school changed? Much A Little Not at All

Is it important to have different perspectives? Yes No Depends on the situation

What is a theoretical perspective? A set of assumptions about the workings of society

Functionalist Perspective Emphasizes the contributions of all parts of society Economy Family Religion

Functionalist Perspective A change in one part of society leads to a change in another Society seeks stability

Functionalist Perspective Two functions manifest latent Intended consequence of society unintended consequence of society

Emphasizes conflict, competition, and change Conflict Perspective Emphasizes conflict, competition, and change Is based on a contest for power

Which of the following do you feel is most associated with power? Wealth Prestige Ideas Physical ability

Believe that those with power have the most privileges Conflict Perspective Believe that those with power have the most privileges The powerful control the powerless

Symbolic Interactionism Focuses on the interaction among people Places a lot of emphasis on symbols in society (ex. Traffic lights, language)

Symbolic Interactionism We learn the meaning of symbols by watching others react to it We base our behavior on those symbols

Symbolic Interactionism Dramaturgy – human interaction as a theatrical performance