People & Perspectives

Foundations of Sociology

Father of Sociology

Auguste Comte1798 – 1857Inspired by French

RevolutionSocial statics

(constants)Social dynamics

(change)

Functionalist Perspective cont..

–Shared beliefs & values = glue that holds society together

–Society = interdependent parts

Functionalist Perspective

Herbert Spencer (1820 – 1903)– Influenced by Charles Darwin– Social Darwinism

Functionalist Perspective

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)– Applied

principles of science

Functionalist PerspectiveModern Theory

Society = interrelated partsFunction = positive Dysfunction = negative

– Manifest = intended consequence– Latent = unintended consequence

Manifest & Latent Functions

Identify the manifest and latent functions of each of the following:

–Birth control–Drinking age–Internet–Fast Food

List 10 goals you have for the future…(long-term)

Do those goals promote competition?

Conflict Perspective

Karl Marx (1818 – 1883)

Society is influenced by the economy

Workers vs. owners

Conflict Perspective

Focus on aspects of society that promote competition & change

Powerful vs. PowerlessCompetition leads to conflict…

conflict leads to social change

Interactionist Perspective

Max Weber (1864-1920)

Focused on the effects of society on individuals

Verstehen = empathy

Interactionist Perspective

Individual interactionRole/Meaning of symbols