Theoretical Perspectives

Theoretical Perspectives Theoretical perspective- a set of assumptions accepted as true about an area of study - in this case, about the workings of society. They are viewed as true by its supporters and helps them organize their research. There are 3 major theoretical perspectives in Sociology. Each provides a different slant on human social behavior. Using only one prevents our seeing of other aspects.

3 Different Theoretical perspectives Functionalism Conflict Perspective and Symbolic Interactionism

Functionalism Functionalism- emphasizes contributions made by each part of society For example, family, economy, and religion are “parts” of a society. Functionalists see the world in these parts. A change in one part of a society leads to changes in other parts. Functionalism assumes that societies tend to return to a state of stability after change has occurred.

CNTD. Manifest Functions- intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of society Latent Functions- unintended and unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society These two functions are usually positive! For example, a Manifest Function of school is for students to learn basic math skills. A Latent Function of school is close friendships. Dysfunction- negative consequence of an aspect of society According to functionalism, there is a consensus on values. Functionalists believe there is cooperation found in any society.

Quick Writing (5min) What are three manifest functions of college? What are three latent functions of college? Manifest: Gaining skills and knowledge for employment, make more money, get a degree. Latent: Finding significant other, increasing social network, stabilize employment. 20 million in college today.

Conflict Perspective Conflict Perspective- emphasizes conflict, competition, and constraint within a society Kind of the reverse of Functionalism. Focuses on the disagreements among groups in a society or between societies. Groups and societies compete to preserve and promote their own values and interests. They see social living as a contest. Their goal is power.

CNTD. Many conflicting groups exist in a society all trying to shift the balance of power. For example, the women’s movement. Women are influencing business, politics, medicine, and law. Women are choosing to marry later in life, have fewer kids, and divide household tasks with their spouse. According to the conflict perspective, these changes are the result of women’s increasing power.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic Interactionism- focuses on the interactions among people This approach focuses far more on people interacting instead of large social structures. Symbol- anything that stands for something else and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it A symbol can be an American Flag or a school mascot. To different people it may mean an entirely different thing. If members of a group have a different meaning for a symbol, bad things can happen. Imagine if someone thought a red light meant go.

CNTD. We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others reacting to it. For example, whistling at a concert in Latin America is the same as booing in America. If a musician learned that and heard whistles at his concert, they might avoid doing an encore. Finally we use the meaning of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior. This is crucial because we guide our interactions with people according to the behavior we think others expect of us and we expect of them.

In your own words define the three theoretical perspectives Quick Write (5min) In your own words define the three theoretical perspectives Functionalism- Conflict Perspective- Symbolic Interactionism-

Questions What is a theoretical perspective? Indicate whether the following statements represent functionalism (F), the conflict perspective (C), or the symbolic interactionism (S). A. Societies are in relative balance. B. Power is one of the most important elements in social life. C. Religion helps hold a society together morally. D. Symbols are crucial to social life. E. Many elements of a society exist to benefit the powerful. F. Different segments of a society compete to achieve their own self interest rather than benefit others. G. Social life should be understood from the viewpoint of the people involved. H. Social change is constantly occurring. I. Conflict is harmful and disruptive to society. 3. Analyze the causes of the looting incidents in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Which of the three theoretical perspectives would you use to help you understand this behavior? Explain your choice.

Sociology looks at the internet How would a functionalist view the internet? How does it effect society positively and negatively? Would see it has good and bad consequences. Good: Parents can work at home and spend time with kids. Individuals with disabilities can do work from home. Better access to knowledge. Bad: People can be mean to people they’ll never meet. Can meet people’s social needs so people won’t be as likely to interact in person.

How would a conflict theorist view the internet How would a conflict theorist view the internet? How can it negatively effect workers and poorer people? The internet is contributing to the speed of technological change. Which is good. But people may be let go from their jobs as their jobs can now be done by computers and robots. Could lead to a discussion on how computers are used in different school districts from varying socioeconomic levels. Being able to navigate a computer and find necessary info is becoming an essential skill for some jobs. Thus students that have more access to computers may have an advantage over schools without that access.

How would a symbolic interactionist view the internet? They would be interested in how it could affect a child’s social development. Kids can now have more access to videos that may effect their behavior. For example cartoons are now far more adult and feature kids doing what would be considered unacceptable. Kids are beginning to think that the way cartoons behave is acceptable. These symbols.

Write two paragraphs answering the following question: Writing Assignment Write two paragraphs answering the following question: Would you say the internet is more so helping or hurting our society?