1. Theoretical Perspectives

2. What is a perspective?

3. A perspective is the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event. A perspective can be influenced by the beliefs or the values that you hold

4. Theoretical Perspectives
A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about an area of study.
In the case of sociology the theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about the workings of society.
In sociology there is more than one theoretical perspectives that are used by sociologists. These theories are competing and conflicting.

5. Functionalism
Functionalism: is the perspective or approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society
For example, family, economy and religion are “parts” of a society. The family contributes to society by providing for the reproduction and care of its new members.
According to functionalist how does the economy contribute to society?
Economy: By dealing with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

6. Functionalism Continued
Functionalist see the parts of a society as a integrated whole. A change in one part of a society leads to change in other parts.
They also believe after change societies will always return to stability.
A change in economy impacts family, Industrial Revolution, no longer needed to have large families to farm

7. Functionalism
Remember in this theory all parts of society have a function
According to Robert Merton these functions fall into two categories
Manifest Functions: are intended and recognized consequences of an aspect of a society
Latent Functions: unintended and unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society
Not all elements are positive some are negative and result in dysfunction
School
Manifest: teach math skills
Latent: development of close friendships, socialization

8. Functionalism and Values
According to functionalism all of society is in a consensus about values due to a high degree of cooperation.
Values are broad ideas about what most people in society consider desirable.

9. Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition, and constraint within a society.
In Conflict Perspective, groups and societies compete as they attempt to preserve and promote their own special values and interests
Social living is a contest.
It is those with the most power-the ability to control the behavior of others-who gets the largest share of what ever is considered valuable

10. Conflict Perspective and Social Change
There are many conflicting groups in society. When the balance of power among these groups shifts, change occurs.
For example the women’s rights movement set out to change the balance of power between men and women.

11. Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionism is the perspective or approach focuses on the interactions among people based on their mutually understood symbols
A symbol is anything that stands for something else and has a agreed-upon meaning attached (symbols are always observed)
What does a red light symbolize?
Does not focus on social units but instead looks at interactions amongst people
-Red: stop …. If not chaos
-Latin America whistling means that the crowd does not like the music, symbol: whistling

12. Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy: is the approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances
We have assigned roles that we preform on a daily basis
We also may play different role when we are in front of people and when we are alone.
Front v. Back Stage