Sociology Functionalist Perspective Conflict Perspective Interactionist Perspective

What is Sociology? the study of the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human society; the science of the fundamental laws of social relations, institutions, etc.

Functionalist Perspective view society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system people agree on what is best for society and work together to ensure that the social system runs smoothly

Functionalist Perspective Auguste Comte “father of sociology” focused on social order and social change social statics – holds society together social dynamics – social change through definite process

Functionalist Perspective Herbert Spencer influenced by Darwin organic analogy – people are to society like body organs are to the body believed social Darwinism – weak parts of society will die off

Functionalist Perspective Emile Durkheim social order believed society was a set of interdependent parts that maintain the system through time believed only observable phenomena which can be tested social facts – facts cannot be derived from nor explained solely by the study of separate individuals

Conflict Perspective focus on the forces of society that promotes competition and change competition over scarce resources is at the basis of social conflict social change is an inevitable feature of society

Conflict Perspective Karl Marx believed the structure of society is influenced by how its economy is organized society is divided into 2 classes: bourgeoisie – the capitalists, the haves, the owners of production proletariats – the workers, the have-nots, the producers

Conflict Perspective Karl Marx cont. imbalance in power would lead to conflict between the two classes the proletariats would revolt and overthrow bourgeoisie. Then the proletariats would build a classless society

Interactionist Perspective focus on how individuals interact with one another in society interested in the meanings that individuals attach to their own actions and to the actions of others

Interactionist Perspective cont. interested in how individuals respond to one another in everyday situations interested in the role symbols play in our daily lives

Interactionist Perspective So…what is a symbol? A symbol is - anything that represents something else. meaning is given to symbols by society

Interactionist Perspective Max Weber interested in separate groups within society rather than society as a whole Verstehen – an attempt to understand the meaning individuals attach to their actions. (Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes) Ideal type – essential characteristics of a feature of society