Schema Activator Which image do you think is most representative of the functionalist perspective? The symbolic interactionist perspective? Why?

Key Concepts in Functionalist Perspective Manifest function open stated, conscious functions Latent functions are unconscious or unintended functions that may reflect hidden purposes of an institution EX. colleges – manifest – academic competence, latent – decrease unemployment, social – meet partners

Example of Functionalist Perspective Compared to 150 years ago, the divorce rate and number of single parent households has sky rocketed. Why? How would functionalist sociologists explain this? What could be some explanations? Which explanation do you think is most valid? Why?

Criticisms Neglects to explain negative functions Ex. Racism Justifies status quo and prevents individuals from taking an active role to change their environment Viewed that societies will naturally compensate for any problems that arise

Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionist & Functionalist focus mainly on positive aspects of society and look to explain society through its stability Conflict Perspective focuses on the negative, conflicting forces in society Conflict theorists challenge the status quo and encourage social change

Conflict Perspective Assumes that social behavior is best understood in terms of tension between groups over power or the allocation of resources including: housing, money, access to services, and political representation

Conflict Perspective Tension may not be violent; can be negotiations, party politics, competition Where functionalists see stability and consensus, conflict sociologists see a social world in continual struggle Our social world is constantly changing due to continuous struggle between groups

Examples of Conflict Perspective Struggles: Class – Karl Marx - privileged vs. underprivileged Emphasis on social change and redistribution of sources Stratification – inequality either economically or through power Race and ethnicity – W.E.B Du Bois Challenged stereotypes of black people Essential to have full political rights Feminist View – sees inequality in gender as central to all behavior and organization – Gloria Steinem Ex. studies of violent crimes did not include domestic violence in late 20th century