Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology: Functionalism, Conflict and Symbolic Interactionism, Slides of Sociology

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Theoretical Perspectives in

Sociology

Unit 1

The Theories

• There are 3 major theories used by sociologists: Functionalism, Symbolic Interaction, and Conflict
• Theory: a general statement about how some parts of the world fit together and how they work; it explains how two or more facts are related to one another
• Perception: is the way your brain sees an event, how you interpret something
• Theoretical Perspective: a set of assumptions about an area of study

Functionalism: Robert Merton

• Merton called the beneficial consequences of people actions functions  These functions keep society stable
• There are two kinds of functions: manifest and latent  Manifest are the intended and recognized consequences or outcomes  Latent are the unintended and unrecognized consequences or outcomes
• Consequences that harm society are called dysfunctions

The Conflict Perspective

• The Conflict Perspective approaches sociology by emphasizing conflict, competition, change and constraint in society
• The conflict perspective is the reverse of functionalism
• Conflict theorists state that society is composed of groups that engage in fierce competition for resources. There is a constant struggle for power and control. Those in power can then constrain those who are less powerful by limiting their access to resources

Questions for Thought

1. What is the emphasis of

functionalism in regards to

interactions in society?

2. What is the emphasis of the

conflict perspective in regards to

the interactions in society?

3. What are the similarities and

differences of the functional and

conflict perspectives?

Symbolic Interactionism

• Symbol: something that represents something else; usually a symbol is something observable representing something unobservable
• Members of society have to all understand the meaning of the symbol or there is confusion and chaos
• Symbolic interactionism: approach that focuses on the interaction among people based on mutually understood symbols

Levels of Analysis

• Macro level: an examination of large- scale patterns of society
• Micro level: an examination of small- scale patterns of society
• Functionalists and conflict theorists focus on the macro level
• Symbolic interactionists focus on a micro level

Questions for Thought

1. Why would a mutual understanding of symbols be important to members of a society?
2. Why would symbolic interactionism be considered a micro-level perspective?