1. Theories of Sociology
“the brain of it all”

2. 3 Perspectives of Sociology
- Conflict Perspective
- Functionalist Perspective
- Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

3. Conflict Perspective
Focus on the forces in society that promote competition and change
View social life as a competing power struggle among competing social groups
Karl Marx – groups in society are engaged in a continuous power struggle for control of scarce resources
Haves vs. Have nots
A few power elite make all the choices….?

4. Conflict Theory
Conflict may occur over differences in values & interests
Conflict may range from hostility, tension, competition, and rivalry to outright violence
Conflict with outside forces binds group members together
Conflict over issues may lead to positive social change

5. Functionalist Perspective
View society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system
Survive on consensus – meaning most people agree on what is good for society, and then work together to ensure that the social system runs smoothly.
Founders – Comte, Spencer

6. Applications – What are the functions of…..
Types of Functions:
Manifest Function –
Intended and recognized
Latent Function –
Unintended & recognized
Applications – What are the functions of…..

7. What is the function of Higher School?
MANIFEST FUNCTION (intended)
Transmission of culture
Facilitating class / racial / ethnic integration
Creates a informed citizenry
Produce cognitive skills
Screening, sorting, selecting talent
Developing new knowledge

8. What is the function of Higher School?
LATENT FUNCTION (unintended)
Delaying entry into the workplace
Babysitting so parents can work
Teaching discipline & obedience
Reproduction of social class

9. Education - Crash & Burn
Miss
South
Carolina
Video Clip

10. Interactionist SYMBOLIC
Focuses on how individuals interact with one another in Society, and the shared meanings they place on their own actions and the actions of others.
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION!!
Primary groups are the most impactful
(family, peer group, school mates, coworkers)
Bottom line – life wouldn’t make sense

11. Symbols in everyday life
Without symbols – there would be no aunts, dads, employers, teachers, or even brothers or sisters.
Symbols define what our relationships are.
Behavior – different among parents, peers, boyfriend / girlfriend?

12. How does this symbol change your mind?
Simple Symbols Scenario:
Suppose that you are head over heels in love with someone and are going to marry this person tomorrow.
The night before your wedding, your mother confides in you that she had a child before she married, and gave it up for adoption.
She then tells you that she has just discovered that the person you are going to marry is this child.
How does this symbol change your mind?

13. Interactionist Perspective contd.
Use of Symbols –
Physical Objects, gestures, words, and events.
Examples?

14. Symbols
United States

15. Symbols with cross cultural meanings
Example:
Meaning?