Theoretical Perspectives of
Sociology
9‐12.H.2.4 Analyze complex and interacting factors that influenced the perspectives and changes
in ideologies of populations
By: Shelly Webster
What is a theoretical perspective?
 Sociology is a theoretical perspective based on the assumption that social systems such as
society and the family actually exist and that culture, social structure, statuses, and roles
are real. Theoretical perspectives are important because assumptions provide frameworks
for interpreting what we observe.
 A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about how society functions
The Three Main Perspectives
Functionalism
Conflict
Symbolic interactionism
Functionalism
Conflict
Symbolic
Interactionism
Functionalism
 Functionalism interprets each part of society in terms of how it contributes to the
stability of the whole society.
Functionalism
Functionalists believe that when one
part of the system is not working or is
dysfunctional, it affects all other parts
and creates social problems, which
leads to social change.
Emile Durkheim
Conflict
Conflict theory emphasizes the role of coercion and
power in producing social order.
Conflict
 According to conflict theory, inequality exists because those
in control of society’s resources actively defend their
advantages.
Symbolic Interactionism
This perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that
people develop and rely upon in the process of
socializing.
Symbolic Interactionism
Reality is based on what they believe and not just on what is true.
George Herbert Mead
3 theories summarized