1. The theoretical approaches
SOC 142

2. The Blind Men of Indostan

3. Theories-> Perspectives
Theories are perspectives They are a way of looking at the world Theories often reflect the people who influenced them

4. Functionalist Perspective
Based largely on the works of-
Herbert Spencer
Emile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons
Robert Merton
Clockwise, from left: Spencer, Durkheim, Parsons, Merton- Courtesy: Google Images
Society is a system consisting of interconnected parts
These parts work together in harmony to maintain equilibrium for society as a whole

5. Functionalist Perspective (Contd.)
The functionalist perspective emphasizes interconnectedness
of all parts
Each part influences and is in turn influenced by other parts
For example: World Wars-> Men off to war-> Women work outside the home in larger numbers -> Men come back from war and take over jobs again -> BUT more women in workforce now -> More women go to college/marry later/have children later-> Family structure changes-> More involved role for fathers in parenting -> Establishment of institutions such as day care-> More women in workplace-> Changing gender roles and expectations-> Policies regarding women in the workplace.

6. Elements of Functionalist Perspective
Functionalists –
Function
Dysfunction
Describe the effects of social elements in society
Functional elements contribute to stability and equilibrium
Dysfunctional elements disrupt stability
For example: Crime: Both functional and dysfunctional
Two types of functions
Manifest- Functions of social elements which are commonly recognized and intended
Latent- Functions of social elements which are not commonly recognized and unintended
For example: University- Manifest function
Latent function

7. Functionalist Approach to Pop Culture
“Obsession with ….athletics, celebrity magazines….can be explained in terms of their social uses (or literally their function) in generating solidarity among individuals within large and anonymous communities” (Grazian,2010)

8. Foundations of the Functionalist Approach
Emile Durkheim
The function of religion in social life
Family of Rabbis but non-observant himself
Begins his studies with animistic societies- religions was “central organizing” principle
THE form of social identification
Many religions rely heavily on signs and symbols- what is the purpose (function) of these symbols?
Collective Conscience - represents the people- Collective Effervescence- shared identity
Sacred and Profane- symbols help distinguish between sacred and profane
This in turn helps distinguish between in-group and out-group
Religion is the glue that holds people (and society) together
“The former gods are growing old or dying, and others have not been born.”
Who are the new gods?

9. Religion to Sports
Sports function as providing solidarity and community
Are athletes our new gods?
Sports as an outlet for aggression?
Are celebrities our new gods?
Imagined Community- members of a collective audience sharing simultaneity of the moment
Pseudo Events- happenings held for “the immediate purpose of being reported or reproduced”

10. Sports and Celebrityhood
Both help us reflect on the human condition- on ourselves
Current trend of celebrity babies- babies as accessories
Help us air our thoughts
Helps ensure solidarity through discussion (gossip)
Start trends which ensure solidarity

11. Mad Men- Pop Culture Reflection
What does Mad Men tell us about us?
Set in the 60s
Homophobia, racism, sexism

12. Rituals of Rebellion Max Gluckman 1963 Rituals of Rebellion
Seemingly transgressive rituals
Ultimate purpose is to restore social order
Institutionalized protest- a way to vent without repercussions
Reminder of the dominant norms and values
South Indian Marriage ritual- rice and salt elephant

13. Darker Functions of Popular Culture
The power of popular culture does not benefit all members equally
Popular culture can- and does- reinforce sexism/racism/other –isms

14. Darker Functions of Pop Culture (contd.)
Native American nicknames, logos, and mascots in sports
Do such nicknames reinforce stereotypes about Native Americans or “Indians”?

15. Stereotypes in Popular Culture- functions?
Movie Clip- Crash