Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

1. Functionalism Comte, Spencer, Durkheim – Society is a whole unit made up of interrelated parts that work together Societies tend to seek relative stability Most aspects of society contribute to the society’s well-being and survival – Society rests on the consensus of its members

In order to understand society, we must look at… 1. Structure: how the parts fit together 2. Function: how each part contributes to society and helps to keep stability a. Manifest: actions that are intended b. Latent: unintended consequences c. Dysfunction: negative consequence

Applying the Functionalist Perspective What impact has industrialization & urbanization had on the function of marriage & family? Economic production Socialization of kids Care of sick/elderly Recreation Sexual control Reproduction

2. Conflict Marx – Society is composed of groups competing for scarce resources (Money & Power) – Focused on struggle between bourgeoisie (capitalists) & proletariat (workers) Society experiences inconsistency & conflict everywhere Society is continually subjected to change Society involves constraint & coercion of some members by other

Applying the Conflict Perspective – Feminists stress similar conflict between women and men – Divorce is outcome of shifting balance of power Women have gained power (education, jobs, etc.) They address issues of inequalities in their relationships The men resist changes – which results in conflict

3. Symbolic Interactionism Weber, Mead Views symbols (things to which we attach meaning) as the basis of social life People’s interpretation of symbols are based on the meanings they learn from others – Symbols allow us to: Define relationships Coordinate actions with others Develop sense of self What makes social life possible!

People base their interaction on their interpretation of symbols Symbols permit people to have internal conversations – Thus, they can gear their interaction to the behavior that they think others expect of them and the behavior they expect of others.

Applying Symbolic Interactionism patterns in divorce: – How has the meaning of marriage, Family, and divorce changed? – How have these changes impacted the divorce rate?

Macro v. Micro Level Analysis Macro: focus is on large-scale patterns of society – Used by Functionalists & Conflict theorists Micro: focus is on small- scale patterns of social life – Used by Symbolic Interactionists

Why three perspectives? Each perspective provides a different & contrasting picture of the world No one theory or level of analysis encompasses all of reality