THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES Chapter 1

Theories  Theory:  A general statement about how parts of the world fit together and how they work  An explanation of how two or more “facts” are related to one another

Symbolic Interactionism  Society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another  Symbol: The things to which we attach meaning  Help us communicate with one another  Define what our relationships are

Symbolic Interactionism  Analyze how our behaviors depend on the ways we define ourselves and others

Functionalism  Society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributed to society’s equilibrium  To understand society, we need to look at both structure (how parts fit together) and function (what each part does)

Functionalism  Functions: Beneficial consequences of people’s actions  Can be manifest (intentional) or unintended  Dysfunctions: Consequences that harm a society  Can be manifest or latent

Conflict Theory  Society is viewed as composed of groups that are competing for scarce resources  Karl Marx and Conflict Theory  Key to history is class conflict between those who control the means of production (bourgeoisie) and those who are not in control (proletariat)

Conflict Theory  Conflict Theory Today  Analyze how conflict permeates ever layer of society – small group, organizations, communities, society  Struggle to determine who has authority and how far that authority goes  Conflict is most likely to happen among people who are in close relationships

APPLYING THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK - DIVORCE

 Divorce has become more common and no longer has a stigma attached to it.  The government has assumed much of the role of socializing children.  Men’s dominance over women has changed and women no longer depend on men to meet their needs.  Child rearing today last longer and is more demanding, placing greater strain on marriages.  The defined roles of husbands and wives have become more vague, and many couples struggle to divide up responsibilities