Theoretical Perspective

Functionalism Emphasizes the contributions of each part of a society Looks at the elements of society A change in one area affects the others (Globalization) Industrial Revolution

Functionalism Functionalists always believe that society will return to original state. 1960s: Many Americans became suspicious of the federal government’s foreign policy Schools and universities became more responsive to students’ needs and goals Environmental protection became an important political issue

Functionalism Latent vs. Manifest functions School: Latent – unintended and unrecognized Manifest – intended and recognized School: Dysfunction – results of elements with negative consequences Bureaucracy?

Conflict Perspective Emphasizes conflict, competition, change, and constraint in society Complete opposite of Functionalism We are motivated by self-interest!!!!!!!!!! Power determines life!!!!! Change in Women?????

Symbolic Interactionism Focuses on the interactions of people base on mutually understood symbols Symbol – something chosen to represent something else Symbols can have multiple meanings

Symbolic Interactionism Basic Assumptions We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others reacting to it Once we learn the meanings of symbols, we base our behavior on them We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior

Can just one theory be Used? NO!!!!!