THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

The Sociological Perspectives  The Structural/Functional Perspective  The Conflict Perspective  Symbolic/Interactionist Perspective

Society is viewed as a complex system of parts (structures) that interact or function to perform various necessary functions. Shared values, norms, attitudes and beliefs Change is generally viewed as disruptive and gradual Structural - Functional

Functionalists define a function as the contribution the part makes to order and stability within the society. Functionalists define a function as the contribution the part makes to order and stability within the society. “Consider Sports Teams” “Consider Sports Teams”

Loyalty to a sports team transcends individual differences and fosters a sense of belonging to a school, company, city, or country associated with it. Loyalty to a sports team transcends individual differences and fosters a sense of belonging to a school, company, city, or country associated with it.

In the most controversial form of this perspective, functionalists argue that all parts of society – even those that does not seem to serve a constructive purpose, such as poverty, crime, illegal immigration, and drug addiction contribute in some way to the larger system’s overall stability. In the most controversial form of this perspective, functionalists argue that all parts of society – even those that does not seem to serve a constructive purpose, such as poverty, crime, illegal immigration, and drug addiction contribute in some way to the larger system’s overall stability.

Sociologists Robert K. Merton( 1967) introduced other concepts to the functionalist perspective that help us think a part’s overall effect on society, not just its contribution to order and stability. Sociologists Robert K. Merton( 1967) introduced other concepts to the functionalist perspective that help us think a part’s overall effect on society, not just its contribution to order and stability.  Manifest and Latent Functions and Dysfunctions  Read pg- 29

Conflict Theory Views society as a struggle for resources and power Change is inevitable, often beneficial and can be violent Conflict between the classes determines social change Some groups prosper at the expense of others Conflict is universal; social consensus is limited and inequality is widespread

In any society, dominant and subordinate groups compete for scarce and valued resources. Those who gain control of these resources strive to protect their own interests again the competing interests of others. In any society, dominant and subordinate groups compete for scarce and valued resources. Those who gain control of these resources strive to protect their own interests again the competing interests of others.

Exploitation is disguised by a façade of legitimacy- an explanation that members of dominant group give to justify their actions. Two of the most common façade of legitimacy are :  Blaming the exploited the proposing the that character flaws impede their chances of financial success  Emphasizing that the less successful really benefit from the system established by the powerful.

Symbolic Interactionism Studies society through interactions within individual and small groups Interaction between individuals is negotiated through shared symbols, gestures and nonverbal communications Humans are social animals and require interaction Asks the questions” “How do individuals experience one another?” “How do they interpret the meaning of these interactions?” and “How do people construct a sense of self and the society as a whole?”

In contrast to the functionalist perspective and the conflict approach, symbolic interactionists focus on social interaction. Social Interaction: Everyday events in which people communicate, interpret, and respond to each other’s words and actions.

Symbolic interactionist draw upon the following concepts to help them address the concept of social interaction: 1) Self awareness\ reflexive thinking 2) Symbols 3) Negotiated order

Self awareness takes place through reflexive thinking, the process of observing and evaluating the self from another’s view point. Symbolic interationists maintain that people interpret others’ actions, words, and gestures first and then respond based on their interpretations. This interpretation- and- response process suggests that interaction between people depends on shared symbols.

A symbol is any kind of physical phenomenon to which people assign a name, meaning, or value.