Theoretical Perspectives Chapter 1, section 3

Theoretical Perspective A set of assumptions accepted as true. A set of assumptions accepted as true. 1. Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons, Merton) 2. Conflict (Marx, Skocpol, Wallerstein) 3. Symbolic Interaction (Blumer, Garfinkel, Goffman)

Functionalism Approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society. Approach that emphasizes the contributions made by each part of society. Ex. family contributes by providing for reproduction & care. Ex. family contributes by providing for reproduction & care. Ex. economy contributes by dealing w/consumption, production & distribution of goods & services Ex. economy contributes by dealing w/consumption, production & distribution of goods & services Ex. Religion contributes by emphasizing beliefs & practices to sacred things. Ex. Religion contributes by emphasizing beliefs & practices to sacred things.

Functionalism Cont. Functionalist see the parts of society as an integrated whole; change in one part leads to changes in other parts. Functionalist see the parts of society as an integrated whole; change in one part leads to changes in other parts. Assume societies tend to return to a state of stability after some change has occurred. Assume societies tend to return to a state of stability after some change has occurred.

2 Types of Functions 1. Manifest functions- intended & recognized consequences of an aspect of society- ex. school teaches you about math, English, science, social studies… 2. Latent functions- unintended & unrecognized consequences of an aspect of society- ex: school teaches you about relationships.

Functionalism Cont. Some aspects are dysfunctional- negative consequences. Some aspects are dysfunctional- negative consequences.

Conflict Approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition and constraint w/in a society. Approach emphasizing the role of conflict, competition and constraint w/in a society. 1. Focuses on the disagreements among groups; they compete as they attempt to preserve & promote their own values & interests.

Conflict Cont. 2. Central focus revolves around power- ability to control behavior of others. As the balance of power shifts among groups, change occurs ex: women’s movement- more women working in powerful places. As the balance of power shifts among groups, change occurs ex: women’s movement- more women working in powerful places.

Symbolic Interaction Approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols. Approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols. Symbol- anything that stands for something else and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it ex: objects, words, gestures, facial expressions Symbol- anything that stands for something else and has an agreed upon meaning attached to it ex: objects, words, gestures, facial expressions

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

Dramaturgy Approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances Approach that depicts human interaction as theatrical performances We have “images” of ourselves we want to present to others We have “images” of ourselves we want to present to others We have assigned roles in our everyday lives We have assigned roles in our everyday lives We use these “images” and roles We use these “images” and roles What we wear, gestures we use, language we use, tone of voice What we wear, gestures we use, language we use, tone of voice