Theoretical Perspective Three Major Sociological Theoretical Pespectives   Theoretical Perspective Level of Analysis Focus of Analysis Key Terms Main Questions Functional Analysis (Also called Structural Functionalism) Macroscoiological: examines large scale patterns of society Relationships among the parts of society. How these parts have beneficial consequences (functions) or negative consequences (dysfunctions) Structure Functions (manifest, latent) Dysfunctions Equilibrium What are the consequences of a social pattern? What contributions do they make for individuals and society as a whole? Conflict Theory (Marxism and Feminism variants) The struggle for control over scarce resources by groups in society, and how dominant groups use power to control weaker groups. Inequality Competition Exploitation Resources (power, wealth, prestige) Ideology False consciousness Class consciousness Who benefits from a social arrangement? Change and struggle considered norm for society. Interactionist Theory (Schools of thought include Symbolic Interactionism and Social Construction of Reality) Microsociological: examines small-scale patterns of social interaction Face-to-face interaction; how people use symbols to create social reality. Symbols Interaction (communication) Meanings Definition of situation Societies consist of many small theaters where people act out the social drama. Shared meanings and understandings basis for understanding society.