1. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
Symbolic Interactionism
Functional Analysis
Conflict Theory

2. To Make Sense out of life…
We use our common sense
We take our experiences (or facts) and place them into a framework or related ideas
Sociologists place their observations into a conceptual framework called a theory.

3. Theory IS:
A general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work.
It is an explanation of how two or more “facts” are related to one another.

4. Symbolic Interactionism
Individuals evaluate their own conduct by comparing themselves with others
Studies how people use symbols (the things we attach meanings to) to develop their views of the world and to communicate with others
Without symbols our social life would be no more sophisticated than that of animals
Think about symbols for relatives, significant others, teachers, employers, friends

5. Without Symbols There would be no way of defining our relationships
We would not know to whom we owe respect and obligations or from whom we can expect privileges
ALL things that human relationships are made up of symbols

6. Functional Analysis
The central idea is that society is a whole unit, made up of interrelated parts that work together
Also known as known as functionalism
It is rooted in the origins of Sociology
Comte, Herbert, and Durkheim- living organism
If society is to function smoothly, its various parts must work together in harmony.

7. Merton and Functionalism
Dismissed “organic analogy”
But maintained essence of functionalism
Parts of the whole working together
Merton used the term functions to refer to the beneficial consequences of people’s actions
Functions help keep a group in equilibrium
Dysfunctions are consequences that harm a society—they undermine a system’s equilibrium

8. Merton & Functionalism cont
Latent Functions
Unintended consequences that help a system adjust
Ex: Birthrate is low—gov’t offers a bonus to married couples for every child born
Diaper and baby furniture sales are up
Latent Dysfunctions
Unintended consequences that hurt a system
Ex: Gov’t failed to issue ‘stopping point’ with bonus
Larger families become more common and poverty increases

9. Conflict Theory
Stresses that society is composed of groups that are competing with one another for scarce resources
Karl Marx
Founder of conflict theory
Industrial Revolution
On avg--poor dying at 30; wealthy living until 50
He was shocked by suffering and exploitation
Decided that the key to human history was class conflict
A small group controls the means of production and exploits those who are not in control

10. Marx and Conflict Theory cont.
The struggle is between
The bourgeoisie—the wealthy capitalists
They control the politics
If workers rebel, they can all the authorities to subdue them
The proletariat—the mass of workers being exploited
Conflict Theory & Feminists
Marx claimed similar conflict between men & women
Historical, contemporary, and global inequalities—traditional dominance of men can be overcome