Sociology Unit 1 Mrs. Gosnell

Perception---how your brain interprets an image or event Perspective—a point of view o the way you interpret the meaning of an image or event Your perspective comes from your beliefs and values and it influences how you see things (perception) Different people see things in different ways

Perspectives of Sociology Functionalism--society as an integrated whole Conflict Perspective—looks at class, race, & gender issues Symbolic Interaction---examines how group members have shared symbols

 Parts of society (e.g. family, economy, religion) contributes to the whole  If one part breaks down, the other parts are affected  E.g. Functionalist may blame an increase in teen crime to a breakdown in the family

 Conflict, competition, change, & constraint  Disagreement between different groups in society  Each want to promote their values & interests  Struggle  Those groups with the power control others  E.g. Race & Gender Issues

 Focuses on the interaction between people  We learn the meaning of symbols from how we see others reacting to the symbol  We then base our behavior on the signals  We use the meaning of symbols to imagine how others will respond to our behavior  E.g. Burping after a meal is considered rude in the US but in other countries it is a compliment to the cook In the US, we stand & face the flag during the national anthem

FunctionalismConflictSymbolic Interactionism

A. Societies are in relative balance. ____ B. Power is one of the most important elements in social life.________ C. Religion helps hold a society together morally.____ D. Symbols are crucial to social life.________ E. Many elements of society exist to benefit the powerful.______

F. Different segments of a society compete to achieve their own self-interest rather than cooperate to benefit all ___ G. Social life should be understood from the viewpoint of the individuals involved. __________ H. Social change is constantly occurring. ________ I. Conflict is harmful and disruptive to society. ______

 Examine the idea of perspectives by identifying an issue that you look at one way and your parents or other adults look at in a different way. Write about the issue from both sides.  2 paragraphs minimum