THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES Chapter 1

Theories Theory: A general statement about how parts of the world fit together and how they work An explanation of how two or more “facts” are related to one another

Symbolic Interactionism Society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another Symbol: The things to which we attach meaning Help us communicate with one another Define what our relationships are

Symbolic Interactionism Analyze how our behaviors depend on the ways we define ourselves and others

Functionalism Society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributed to society’s equilibrium To understand society, we need to look at both structure (how parts fit together) and function (what each part does)

Functionalism Functions: Beneficial consequences of people’s actions Can be manifest (intentional) or unintended Dysfunctions: Consequences that harm a society Can be manifest or latent

Conflict Theory Society is viewed as composed of groups that are competing for scarce resources Karl Marx and Conflict Theory Key to history is class conflict between those who control the means of production (bourgeoisie) and those who are not in control (proletariat)

Conflict Theory Conflict Theory Today Analyze how conflict permeates ever layer of society – small group, organizations, communities, society Struggle to determine who has authority and how far that authority goes Conflict is most likely to happen among people who are in close relationships

APPLYING THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK - DIVORCE

Divorce has become more common and no longer has a stigma attached to it. The government has assumed much of the role of socializing children. Men’s dominance over women has changed and women no longer depend on men to meet their needs. Child rearing today last longer and is more demanding, placing greater strain on marriages. The defined roles of husbands and wives have become more vague, and many couples struggle to divide up responsibilities