Download Chapter 1 Section 2

Reading Activities and Notes
Chapter 1 Section 2
Comprehension Exercise
Directions: Record the notes that are posted around the room. When finished recording the
notes, use these notes and the text book to complete the following items. Answer questions 2-9
in complete sentences.
1. In your own words, define the following terms found in the chart below. In the far right
column, write the perspective that would be most likely to use this word.
Term
Dysfunctional
Manifest Function
Latent Function
Symbol
Symbolic
Interaction
Ideal Type
Definition
Perspective
Function emotionally or as a social unit
The intended and recognized consequence of some
element of society.
The unintended and unrecognized consequence of an
element of society
something that stands for or represents something else,
especially an object representing an abstraction
The interactions perspective is used to study topic such
as child development
Type of the ideal of the feature of society
Verstehen
Social Darwinism
belief in or advocacy of Charles Darwin's theory of
evolution
Functionalist
Functionalist
Functionalist
Integrationist
Integrationist
Integrationist
Integrationist
Conflict
perspective
2. What were the social and political changes that were the result of growing cities?
The rapid growth of urban populations produced a multitude of social problems.
3. How did scientists attempt to understand these rapid changes?
Many scientists rejected traditional religious explanations of the physical world.
4. What were the topics of interests for the five early sociologists?
Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber
5. What do the three theoretical perspectives study, and which of the founders of sociology
is connected to which perspective?
6. How did Herbert Spencer’s belief in the survival of the fittest influence his view of
social unrest?
Believed would survive over time
7. Below is a chart that contains the types of perspectives and issues that sociologists study.
In the appropriate box, explain how that perspective might examine or study the issue.
See page 3 for more description concerning these three issues.
Issues
Functionalist
Conflict
Interactionist
Internet’s effect on Society
Marriage life
Crime
8. Review your answers in the chart above. Are some issues better to study with one
perspective and maybe not as good with other perspectives? Explain.
Reading Activities and Notes
I think a crime is the best because crimes have many crimes to discuss about what kind of that
one of the crimes.
9. Which of the three theoretical perspectives do you think is the best? Explain why you
believe this.
Integrationist because a supporter or activist who works to promote or maintain integration.