Functionalism

Review Parts of a social system work together to maintain a balance –Functions are actions that have positive consequences –Dysfunctions are actions that have negative consequences, undesirable –Manifest functions are intended –Latent functions are unintended and unrecognized

Using a functionalist perspective, society is seen as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability.

Functionalism Various parts (social institutions and processes) in society exist to serve some important (or necessary) function to keep society running. Focus: how things function Functionalists ask: “What is the function of…?” and “How does this create stability and security?”

Rube Goldberg Machine: 607 takes to function right Qo

What are the possible functions? Orange peel functions to protect the orange. It functions as food for a person. Provides vitamin C And prevents scurvy! That person functions to teach sociology (scurvy-free!) Great for juggling! Dysfunction: pelting someone with an orange 

Conflict

Driving force of all social change is the conflict over scarce resources and the conflict created by competing interests. Focus: inequality, competition, power Conflict theorists ask: “Who benefits from this?”

Review Society is held together by who has power at a moment in time –Power allows some to dominate others –Dominance leads to conflict –Conflict and change are inevitable –Conflict holds society together as new alliances are formed and others fail

Sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change.

Interactionism

Focus: How we use symbols (language, images, etc.) to interact with others and create an understanding of reality An interactionist asks: “What is someone giving and giving off? What does _______ symbolize (mean)? (saying) (nonverbal )

Review Individuals construct the nature of their social world through social interaction Social life is possible only because humans can communicate through symbols All human communications take place through the perception and interpretation of symbols How people define situations is important There is a general consensus on how situations are defined We do not respond directly to reality but to the symbolic meanings we attach to the real world

Interactionists see society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.

Gender through 3 Perspectives

Functionalism: division of responsibilities between males and females exist because it benefits living conditions.

Conflict: it is to the advantage of men to prevent women from gaining access to political, economic and social resources.

Interactionism: focuses on how boys and girls learn to act the way "they are supposed to." Society defines the behaviors of males and females based off of many different symbols. Ex: Symbols on the outside of bathrooms in public places mark the appropriate one to use based off of gender.

3 perspectives: Coffee

Functionalism People drink coffee because it has caffeine, which lets them stay awake or energized.

Conflict Starbuck’s dominance in society and in the economy: it’s popular, visible, a “better” place to get coffee (vs. Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s) Competition & conflict with independent coffee shops

Interactionism Coffee is not just a drink; it has symbolic value as part of day-to-day social rituals. This coffee drinking ritual can be more important than the act of consuming the coffee. Meaning: When 2 people meet “to have coffee” together, they’re more interested in chatting than in what they drink.

3 Perspectives: Education You can be creative, think outside of the box

Level of Analysis: Micro vs. Macro Micro refers to specific events (small social patterns) Macro refers to the “big picture” (large social patterns) Looking at: individual interaction vs. society as a whole What’s the level of analysis for the 3 perspectives?

Which perspective do you most identify with? Why? (What mindset makes the most sense to you?)

Refresh Your Memory:

Using Sociological Perspective: Gender Roles Gender Role: set of social and behavioral norms that are generally considered appropriate for either a man or a woman Are there certain things that only men or women should be allowed to do? Why?