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
O
Haves vs. Have nots
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 Perspective
O
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
Structure & Function
HUMAN
BODY
EXAMPLE
Normal vs. Abnormal
Types of Functions:
O Manifest Function –
O Intended and recognized
O Latent Function –
O Unintended & recognized
Applications – What are the functions of…..
SYMBOLIC
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
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?