1. The Sociological Perspectives

2. Perspective Definition: a way of seeing and interpreting things
Three Sociological Perspectives: Each is based on general ideas about how social life is organized.
Functionalist
Conflict
Interactionist

3. Functionalist Perspective
Based on the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system
Society is composed of parts, each serving a function that contributes to the overall stability of society.
The inter-relation of parts leads to the development of social structures that play a role in helping society survive
Social structures include family, education, government, religion, and economy
If anything adverse happens to one institution, all other parts are affected and the system becomes dysfunctional
The breakdown of traditional structures may result in social problems

4. Functionalism Cont.
When parts function properly, a condition of stability or equilibrium is achieved
When parts fail to function properly, dysfunction occurs
Social structures inherently resist change. If dysfunction occurs, internal mechanisms activate to restore equilibrium (like the thermostat in the human body)

5. Criticisms of Functionalism
Implies that order is more basic than change
Overemphasizes the extent to which harmony and stability actually exist in society
Implies that the status quo is desirable
Overlooks the positive consequences of change

6. Conflict Perspective
Groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle to obtain scarce and valuable resources
This perspective does not deny that certain types of social arrangements are functional, but asks FOR WHOM are they functional?
Change, not stability, is normal

7. Criticisms of the Conflict Perspective
Overemphasizes the significance of power and struggle in social life
The belief that all actions are coerced ignores areas of social life in which people act freely

8. Interactionist Perspective
Focuses on specific cases of how individuals behave in particular social settings
Larger social structures are nothing more than the creations of interacting people
Sociologists should spend time simply observing and listening to people with the objective of gaining an understanding of how they perceive the world

9. Criticisms of the Interactionist Perspective
Overemphasizes the importance of and ignores the variation in the way people react to situations
Mood
Idiosyncracies
motives