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Theories of Sociology

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

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Theories of Sociology

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  1. Theories of Sociology “the brain of it all”

  2. 3 Perspectives of Sociology • - Conflict Perspective • - Functionalist Perspective • - Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

  3. Conflict Perspective • Focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change • View social life as a competing power struggle among competing social groups • Karl Marx – groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources • Haves vs. Have nots • A few power elite make all the choices….?

  4. Conflict Theory • Conflict may occur over differences in values & interests • Conflict may range from hostility, tension, competition, and rivalry to outright violence • Conflict with outside forces binds group members together • Conflict over issues may lead to positive social change

  5. Functionalist Perspective • View society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system • 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. • Founders – Comte, Spencer

  6. Types of Functions: • Manifest Function – • Intended and recognized • Latent Function – • Unintended & recognized Applications – What are the functions of…..

  7. What is the function of Higher School? MANIFEST FUNCTION (intended) • Transmission of culture • Facilitating class / racial / ethnic integration • Creates a informed citizenry • Produce cognitive skills • Screening, sorting, selecting talent • Developing new knowledge

  8. What is the function of Higher School? LATENT FUNCTION (unintended) • Delaying entry into the workplace • Babysitting so parents can work • Teaching discipline & obedience • Reproduction of social class

  9. Education - Crash & Burn Miss South Carolina Video Clip

  10. SYMBOLIC Interactionist • 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. • MEANS OF COMMUNICATION!! • Primary groups are the most impactful (family, peer group, school mates, coworkers) • Bottom line – life wouldn’t make sense

  11. Symbols in everyday life • Without symbols – there would be no aunts, dads, employers, teachers, or even brothers or sisters. • Symbols define what our relationships are. • Behavior – different among parents, peers, boyfriend / girlfriend?

  12. 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?

  13. Interactionist Perspective contd. • Use of Symbols – • Physical Objects, gestures, words, and events. • Examples?

  14. Symbols • United States

  15. Symbols with cross cultural meanings • Example: Meaning?

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