Chapter 1, Section 3 Theoretical Perspectives Mr. Young Sociology

Essential Question Should we view all three Theoretical perspectives when talking about Sociology or pick one and stick with it?

Role of Theoretical Perspectives Perspective is the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event Theoretical Perspective- is a set of assumptions accepted as true

Perspective Video cVelzyaAF0 cVelzyaAF0

Understanding Perspective

What do you see?

What is this?

1) Functionalism Emphasizes the contributions (functions) of each part of a society See parts of society as an integrated whole Believe that societies tend to return to a state of stability over time They have a consensus (agreement) on values

A) Manifest Function Intended and recognized functions of society School is suppose to teach you math, science, social studies, etc

B) Latent Functions Unintended and Unrecognized consequences in society School is a great place to develop friendships, leadership skills, etc

C) Dysfunction Negative consequences that are in a society Government is suppose to be good but can have corruption

2) Conflict Perspective Emphasizes the roles of conflict, competition, and constraint within a society Focus on disagreements among various groups in a society

Conflict Perspective Cont. Conflict Perspective Cont. See living as a contest, who gets the most Power- the ability to control the behavior of others

What’s wrong with this Picture?

3) Symbolic Interaction Focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols Symbol- something chosen to represent something else Those who create and use the symbols assign the meaning

Different meanings for different countries nternational/2013/02/06/tsr-dnt- sayah-shoe-thrown-at-iran- leader.cnn nternational/2013/02/06/tsr-dnt- sayah-shoe-thrown-at-iran- leader.cnn Throwing shoes in Middle East

Sym. Int. Cont. Herbert Blumer coined the term Dramaturgy- approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances

Three Assumptions of perspective 1.We learn the meaning of a symbol from the way we see others reacting to it 2.We base our behavior (interaction) on the meaning of symbols 3.We use the meanings of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior

Essential Question Should we view all three Theoretical perspectives when talking about Sociology or pick one and stick with it?