Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives

1. Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives Contemporary sociologists view society from a variety of perspectives, each of which uses a theory

2. Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives Theory – A set of logically interrelated statements that attempt to describe, explain and occasionally predict social events Theories provide a framework or perspective for examining various aspects of social life Perspective – an overall approach or viewpoint toward a subject

3. Functionalist Perspective This perspective is based upon the assumption that society is a stable, orderly system characterized by societal consensus Societal Consensus – a situation in which the majority of members share a common set of values, beliefs and behavioural expectations

4. Functionalist Perspective According to Functionalism, society is composed of interrelated parts, each of which serves a function and contributes to the stability of society It compares society to a living organism (eg. the human body) It was influenced by Comte, Spencer and Durkheim

5. Functionalist Perspective Societies develop social structures, or institutions, because they help society survive eg. Family, education, government, religion, economy If anything happens to one of these institutions, all other parts are affected

6. Functionalist Perspective Talcott Parsons, a Harvard sociology professor, stressed that all societies must make provisions for meeting social needs in order to survive

7. Functionalist Perspective For example, Parsons said that a division of labour between husband and wife is essential for family stability and social order The husband/father performs the instrumental tasks that involve leadership and decision-making responsibilities in the home, and employment outside the home to provide income for the family The wife/mother is responsible for the expressive tasks, including housework, caring for the children and providing emotional support for the rest of the family

8. Functionalist Perspective Parsons believed that other institutions such as government, school and church must function to assist the family His work has been criticized for being too conservative (i.e. regarding gender roles, etc.), but it still has a great deal of influence on gender roles and the family

9. Functionalist PerspectiveTaking a look at suicide(p.23-24) What does Functionalism emphasize with regard to morality? What is social solidarity and what did Durkheim believe about its link to suicide rates? What did Durkheim identify as the 4 distinct categories of suicide? Give an example of each. Why do you think suicide rates have become so high in many Aboriginal communities in Canada?

10. Why does prostitution continue to exist in Canadian society? Functionalist Perspective: • The functionalist perspective argues that the presence of a certain amount of deviance in society contributes to its overall stability • Institutions exist in society because they benefit their participants • Institutions contribute to the harmony of society • Women become prostitutes because the profession allows them to earn the money they need to meet their daily needs • Many of them are unskilled and have limited earning capacity; prostitution allows them to earn relatively large sums of money

11. Con’t - Why does prostitution… • Many of the women are unskilled and have limited earning capacity; prostitution allows them to earn relatively large sums of money • Clients buy sex for a variety of reasons • Excess sexual energy, inability to maintain intimate relationships, excitement of buying sex from a stranger • Society benefits from prostitution (as long as it is safe) • Family units are not threatened because there is no emotional bond