1. THE STUDY OF SOCIOLOGY… Theories.

2. CURRENT PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGY
There are three major perspectives today.
1. Structural Functional Theory
2. Conflict Theory
3. Symbolic Interactionism

3. Functionalist Theory Addresses how social order maintained.
When all parts of society function well a society is stable…so this point of view looks at the different structures within society and how they function/ work together.
Assumes that society controls the individual.
Comte, Spencer, Durkheim
Macro Theory

4. Functionalist Theory asks two questions…
1. What patterns exist in the social structure?
2. What are the consequences of the social structure?

5. Positive Consequences
Called functions
Promote Stability
Negative Consequences
Called dysfunctions
Promote change

6. CONFLICT THEORY Addresses the negative…stress and conflict in society.
Three assumptions are
1. Competition is heart of social relationship
2. Inequality in every relationship
3. Change occurs thru conflict…revolution.
Who benefits and how do they maintain power?
Macro theory
Critical, often negative picture of society…associated with Marx.

7. INTERACTIONIST THEORY
Focuses on the individual and interpersonal relationships…less on structure of society.
Sees individual, small scale interactions as controlling society.
Meanings grow out of relationships and relationships are negotiated…both sides give and take.
Micro. Weber.

8. Analysis of divorce w/ the 3 theories
Functionalist Theory Because of social changes the traditional functions of family have eroded and the divorce rate increases.
Conflict Theory When men control economic life, the divorce rate is low because women have few alternatives to a bad marriage. The high divorce rate reflects a shift in the balance of power.
Interactionist Theory Industrialization and urbanization changed the role of the individual in marriage… roles changed which led to a redefinition of love, marriage, and divorce.
As you can see, one social issue/problem can be studied very differently in Sociology.

9. Let’s think together…

10. How would each look at the issue of domestic violence?
Functionalists:
Conflict:
Interactionist:

11. How would each look at the issue of increasing crime rates?
Functionalists…
Conflict…
Interactionist…