Theoretical PerspectivesChapter 1, section 3

Theoretical PerspectiveA set of assumptions accepted as true.Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons, Merton)Conflict (Marx, Skocpol, Wallerstein)Symbolic Interaction (Blumer, Garfinkel, Goffman)

FunctionalismApproach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society.

Ex. family contributes by providing for reproduction & care.Ex. economy contributes by dealing w/consumption, production & distribution of goods & servicesEx. Religion contributes by emphasizing beliefs & practices to sacred things.

Functionalism Cont.Functionalist see the parts of society as an integrated whole; change in one part leads to changes in other parts.

Assume societies tend to return to a state of stability after some change has occurred.

2 Types of Functions1. Manifest functions- intended & recognized consequences of an aspect of society- ex. school teaches you about math, English, science, social studies

2. Latent functions- unintended & unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society- ex: school teaches you about relationships.

Functionalism Cont.Some aspects are dysfunctional- negative consequences.

ConflictApproach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition and constraint w/in a society.

Focuses on the disagreements among groups; they compete as they attempt to preserve & promote their own values & interests.

Conflict Cont.Central focus revolves around power- ability to control behavior of others.

As the balance of power shifts among groups, change occurs ex: womens movement- more women working in powerful places.

Symbolic InteractionApproach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols.

Symbol- anything that stands for something else and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it ex: objects, words, gestures, facial expressions

3 AssumptionsWe learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others reacting to it.Once we learn the meaning we base our behavior on the symbolsWe use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior.

DramaturgyApproach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performancesWe have images of ourselves we want to present to othersWe have assigned roles in our everyday livesWe use these images and roles What we wear, gestures we use, language we use, tone of voice