Ch. 1 Section 3 Modern Perspectives

Key Perspectives Theoretical Perspective: A general set of assumptions about the nature of things.

Key Perspectives Functionalist Perspective: A view of society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system. – Example: Schools- Educate members of society.

Using Functionalist Perspective How would functionalist perspective view the Armed forces?

Key Perspectives Conflict Perspective- Focuses on the forces of society that produces competition and change.

Using Conflict Perspective How would conflict perspective view the music industry?

Key Perspectives Feminist Perspective- view society as a ‘sex/gender system in which men dominate women, and that which is considered masculine (male) is more highly valued then femininity (female).

Using Feminist Perspective How would feminist perspective view teachers? How would feminist perspective view the way teens dress? How would feminist view rap music videos?

Key Perspectives Interactionist Perspective- Focuses on how individuals interact with each other in society.

Using Interactionist Perspective How would interactionist perspective view people sagging their pants? How would interactionist perspective view people view tattoos?

Key Perspectives Questions 1. Do you think that feminist theory should be seen as a separate theoretical perspective? Why or Why not? 2. How might a sociologist’s theoretical perspective affect the types of issues he or she might study?