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Theories of Sociology
“the brain of it all”
Objectives: At the end of this unit students will be able to:
O Identify and explain the three major sociological theories as well as all important vocabulary associated with those theories. (social darwinism, function, dysfunctional, manifest function, latent function, symbol)
O Identify sociology as a social science as well as be able to explain how it applies to as well as is different from other social sciences.
O Explain what the sociological imagination is as well as its impact our their lives today.
3 Perspectives of Sociology
O- Conflict Perspective
O- Functionalist Perspective
O- Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Conflict Perspective
O Focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change
O View social life as a competing power struggle among competing social groups
O Karl Marx – groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources
O Haves vs. Have notsO A few power elite make all the choices….?
Conflict Theory
O Conflict may occur over differences in values & interests
O Conflict may range from hostility, tension, competition, and rivalry to outright violence
O Conflict with outside forces binds group members together
O Conflict over issues may lead to positive social change
Functionalist PerspectiveO View society as a set of interrelated
parts that work together to produce a stable social system
O Survive on consensus – meaning most people agree on what is good for society, and then work together to ensure that the social system runs smoothly.
O Founders – Comte, Spencer
HUMAN
BODY EXAMP
LENormal vs. Abnormal
Structure & Function
Types of Functions:O Manifest Function –
O Intended and recognized
O Latent Function – O Unintended & recognized
Applications – What are the functions of…..
Interactionist
O Focuses on how individuals interact with one another in Society, and the shared meanings they place on their own actions and the actions of others.
O MEANS OF COMMUNICATION!!
O Primary groups are the most impactful(family, peer group, school mates, coworkers)
O Bottom line – life wouldn’t make sense
SYMBOLIC
Symbols in everyday life
O Without symbols – there would be no aunts, dads, employers, teachers, or even brothers or sisters.
O Symbols define what our relationships are.
O Behavior – different among parents, peers, boyfriend / girlfriend?
Interactionist Perspective contd.
O Use of Symbols – O Physical Objects, gestures, words, and
events.
O Examples?
