Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Ms. Rogers September 2011

What is a perspective? A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions, about a given area of study, that is accepted as true In the case of sociology, these perspectives would refer to the workings of society

What’s your perspective? Beautiful young woman or old hag?

What’s your perspective? A vase or two faces?

What’s our perspective? As Americans, this map looks strange to us, no?

Functionalism What are the functions of society and what do they contribute to society? Examples of functions: The family Religion Economy Government Functionalists may study changes in one part of society (or one “function”) What is a major change in society in recent decades that functionalists may find interesting?

Functionalism Manifest functions: intended or recognized consequences of society Example? Latent functions: unintended or “hidden” consequences of society Example? Dysfunction: negative consequences of society Example?

Conflict Perspective A society experiences conflict and inconsistency everywhere A society is constantly changing Conflict, competition, and constraint are constantly affecting society “Who get’s what?”: Everything is a competition or contest

Conflict Perspective “Who has power?” Power = the ability to control the behaviors of others Some groups have more power than others Those with the most power have the most prestige, wealth, etc. THINK: What sub-groups in our society have the most “power”??

Conflict Perspective How does conflict affect social change? As balance of power shifts, change occurs Example: Women’s movements are attempting to balance the power between men and women What are other examples of shifting power in our society?

Symbolic Interactionism Conflict Perspective and Functionalism both focus on large social units Symbolic Interactionism focuses on social interaction How do people interact?

Symbolic Interactionism In order for people to interact, they must understand the same symbols Symbol: something chosen to represent something What are some symbols we all agree on as Americans? (aside from the one pictured above)

Symbolic Interactionism Assumptions: We learn the meaning of symbols from the way others see them and react to them Once we learn the meanings of symbols, we base our behavior on them i.e. If somebody gives you a frown when you bring up a particular topic in front of them, you know not to bring it up again We use the meaning of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior i.e. We think about the symbols before we act

Which Perspective? Which perspective would you use to best describe and analyze each of the following historical scenarios and why? The rise of theater in Shakespeare’s time in England Looting incidents in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina The advent of the internet Anti-war protests in the 1960s