Theoretical Perspectives

What is a perspective?

A perspective is the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event. A perspective can be influenced by the beliefs or the values that you hold

Theoretical Perspectives A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study. In the case of sociology the theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about the workings of society. In sociology there is more than one theoretical perspectives that are used by sociologists. These theories are competing and conflicting.

Functionalism Functionalism: is the perspective or approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society For example, family, economy and religion are “parts” of a society. The family contributes to society by providing for the reproduction and care of its new members. According to functionalist how does the economy contribute to society? Economy: By dealing with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

Functionalism Continued Functionalist see the parts of a society as a integrated whole. A change in one part of a society leads to change in other parts. They also believe after change societies will always return to stability. A change in economy impacts family, Industrial Revolution, no longer needed to have large families to farm

Functionalism Remember in this theory all parts of society have a function According to Robert Merton these functions fall into two categories Manifest Functions: are intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of a society Latent Functions: unintended and unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society Not all elements are positive some are negative and result in dysfunction School Manifest: teach math skills Latent: development of close friendships, socialization

Functionalism and Values According to functionalism all of society is in a consensus about values due to a high degree of cooperation. Values are broad ideas about what most people in society consider desirable.

Conflict Perspective The conflict perspective approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition, and constraint within a society. In Conflict Perspective, groups and societies compete as they attempt to preserve and promote their own special values and interests Social living is a contest. It is those with the most power-the ability to control the behavior of others-who gets the largest share of what ever is considered valuable

Conflict Perspective and Social Change There are many conflicting groups in society. When the balance of power among these groups shifts, change occurs. For example the women’s rights movement set out to change the balance of power between men and women.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interactionism is the perspective or approach focuses on the interactions among people based on their mutually understood symbols A symbol is anything that stands for something else and has a agreed-upon meaning attached (symbols are always observed) What does a red light symbolize? Does not focus on social units but instead looks at interactions amongst people -Red: stop …. If not chaos -Latin America whistling means that the crowd does not like the music, symbol: whistling

Dramaturgy Dramaturgy: is the approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances We have assigned roles that we preform on a daily basis We also may play different role when we are in front of people and when we are alone. Front v. Back Stage