1. Theoretical Perspectives Objective: To compare the three perspectives sociologist use to view our social world and apply these perspectives to a sociological problem

2. Use of Sociological Imagination What is Sociological Imagination? *What is happening in peoples’ lives *social forces surrounding them (sexual orientation, race, gender, social economic status, ect.) *connection between our personal lives and the social world in which we live.

3. What is a Social Problem 1. must effect a large # of people 2. Threat to values 3. needs to have a social cause 4. Needs collective action to fix

4. Let’s try an example Use your sociological imagination to explain why Hispanics at Chelan High School usually score lower on standardized tests then Caucasian (white) students 42% Hispanic54% White

5. Some other must knows Private troubles vs. Public Issues Macro sociology vs. Micro Sociology

6. Now Let’s look at the 3 Theoretical Perspectives What is a theory? – Tells/ “attempts” to explain why something occurred Assumptions about nature and operations of society

7. Theoretical Perspectives Quick summary What is the driving forces which influence our behavior Explains some kind of relationship A way of looking at the world

8. Structural-Functionalist Perspective Interactive elements, like how your body works How does each part contribute to the society as a whole? Trying to bring everything back to a state of balance

9. Structural-Functionalist Perspective Functional or dysfunctional Manifest function vs. latent function Social pathology vs. social disorganization (anomie)

10. Structural-Functionalist Perspective Let’s try an example Internet – Identify the manifest function vs. latent function – Identify the functional vs. dysfunctional

11. Structural-Functionalist Perspective What social problems have be created as a result of the internet?

12. Conflict Perspective Different groups struggle with one another- one group benefits over the other– interest groups attain scarce, societal resources Power, money, prestige, authority

13. Conflict Perspective Bourgeoisie vs. proletariat “haves” vs. “have nots” Marxist (alienation) vs. non-Marxist

14. Conflict Perspective Using the conflict perspective, identify the groups and reasons for opposition to gay marriage.

15. Symbolic Interactionist Everyday social interaction – Effect it has on individuals How our individual identity or sense of self is shaped by social interaction

16. Symbolic Interactionist Labeling Theory-meanings / definitions attributed to people and situations Vs. Social constructionism- interpret the social world around them *social creation, you are what you are around

17. Symbolic Interactionist Why are people who live in Seattle so rude and materialistic?