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Theories of Sociology. “the brain of it all”. 3 Perspectives of Sociology. - Conflict Perspective - Functionalist Perspective - Symbolic Interactionist Perspective. Conflict Perspective. Focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Theories of Sociology“the brain of it all”
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 TheoryO Conflict may occur over differences in
values & interests O Conflict may range from hostility, tension,
competition, and rivalry to outright violenceO Conflict with outside forces binds group
members togetherO 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
Types of Functions:O Manifest Function –
O Intended and recognized
O Latent Function – O Unintended & recognized
Applications – What are the functions of…..
What is the function of Higher School?
MANIFEST FUNCTION (intended)
O Transmission of cultureO Facilitating class / racial / ethnic
integrationO Creates a informed citizenryO Produce cognitive skillsO Screening, sorting, selecting talentO Developing new knowledge
What is the function of Higher School?
LATENT FUNCTION (unintended)
O Delaying entry into the workplaceO Babysitting so parents can workO Teaching discipline & obedienceO Reproduction of social class
Education - Crash & Burn
MissSouthCarolina
Video Clip
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?
O Simple Symbols Scenario:
Suppose that you are head over heels in love with someone and are going to marry this person tomorrow.
The night before your wedding, your mother confides in you that she had a child before she married, and gave it up for adoption.
She then tells you that she has just discovered that the person you are going to marry is this child.
How does this symbol change your mind?
Interactionist Perspective contd.
O Use of Symbols – O Physical Objects, gestures, words, and
events.
O Examples?
Symbols
O United States
Symbols with cross cultural meanings
O Example:Meaning?
