1. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Different focus = different interpretations 3/5/20161Chapter 1 Sociological Perspective

2. The Importance of Values No bias in research, but values… No bias in research, but values… Difficult to remove Difficult to remove May distort results of research: lack of objectivity. May distort results of research: lack of objectivity. Thus, research should be replicable. Thus, research should be replicable. Apply a theory. Apply a theory. Verstehen – subjective meaning is needed to have comprehension (Weber). Verstehen – subjective meaning is needed to have comprehension (Weber). Social facts – patterns of behavior used to explain patterns of behavior (Durkheim). Social facts – patterns of behavior used to explain patterns of behavior (Durkheim).

3. Symbolic Interactionism Level: micro-level or social interaction. Level: micro-level or social interaction. Symbols = titles, i.e. teacher, boss, lover, aunt etc. Symbols = titles, i.e. teacher, boss, lover, aunt etc. How we define roles, meaning of symbols determines interaction. How we define roles, meaning of symbols determines interaction. Affects our behavior: Affects our behavior: Fiancée becomes sister Fiancée becomes sister Stranger becomes friend Stranger becomes friend See “Applying Symbolic Interactionism” [to divorce] pp. 22 to 23. Do you agree? Explain. See “Applying Symbolic Interactionism” [to divorce] pp. 22 to 23. Do you agree? Explain.

4. Functional Analysis Level: macro-level Level: macro-level Society = organism made up of parts. Like an organism, society seeks a balance, or harmony. Society = organism made up of parts. Like an organism, society seeks a balance, or harmony. Structures and functions. Structures and functions. Manifest function = intention Manifest function = intention Latent function = unintended consequences (+) or … Latent function = unintended consequences (+) or … Latent dysfunction (-) Latent dysfunction (-) See “Applying Functional Analysis” [to divorce] pp. 25-6. Do you agree with the interpretation? Explain. See “Applying Functional Analysis” [to divorce] pp. 25-6. Do you agree with the interpretation? Explain.

5. Conflict Theory Level: macro-level. Level: macro-level. Opposite of Functional Analysis: no harmony in society. Opposite of Functional Analysis: no harmony in society. Competition for limited resources. Competition for limited resources. Exploitative relationships = resentment – then conflict – redefinition of relationships/social institutions. Exploitative relationships = resentment – then conflict – redefinition of relationships/social institutions.