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Theoretical Perspectives
What is a
perspective?
A perspective is the way
you interpret the meaning
of an image or event. A
perspective
can
be
influenced by the beliefs
or the values that you hold
Theoretical Perspectives
A theoretical perspective is a set of
assumptions about an area of study.
 In the case of sociology the
theoretical perspective is a set of
assumptions about the workings of
society.
 In sociology there is more than one
theoretical perspectives that are used
by sociologists. These theories are
competing and conflicting.
Functionalism
Functionalism: is the perspective or approach that
emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society
 For example, family, economy and religion are “parts”
of a society. The family contributes to society by
providing for the reproduction and care of its new
members.
 According to functionalist how does the economy
contribute to society?
Functionalism Continued
 Functionalist see the parts of a society as a integrated
whole. A change in one part of a society leads to change
in other parts.
 They also believe after change societies will always
return to stability.
Functionalism
 Remember in this theory all parts of society have a
function
 According to Robert Merton these functions fall into two
categories
1. Manifest
Functions:
are
intended
consequences of an aspect of a society
and
recognized
2. Latent Functions: unintended and unrecognized consequences
of an aspect of society
 Not all elements are positive some are negative and
result in dysfunction
Functionalism and Values
According to functionalism all of society is in a
consensus about values due to a high degree of
cooperation.
 Values are broad ideas about what most people
in society consider desirable.
Conflict Perspective
The conflict perspective approach emphasizing the role of
conflict, competition, and constraint within a society.
 In Conflict Perspective, groups and societies compete as
they attempt to preserve and promote their own special
values and interests
 Social living is a contest.
 It is those with the most power-the ability to control the
behavior of others-who gets the largest share of what ever
is considered valuable
Conflict Perspective and Social Change
 There are many conflicting groups in society. When the
balance of power among these groups shifts, change
occurs.
 For example the women’s rights movement set out to
change the balance of power between men and women.
Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionism is the perspective or approach
focuses on the interactions among people based on their
mutually understood symbols
 A symbol is anything that stands for something else and
has a agreed-upon meaning attached (symbols are
always observed)
 What does a red light symbolize?
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy: is the approach that
depicts human interaction as
theatrical performances
 We have assigned roles that we
preform on a daily basis
 We also may play different role
when we are in front of people
and when we are alone.