1. Schema Activator
Which image do you think is most representative of the functionalist perspective? The symbolic interactionist perspective? Why?

2. Key Concepts in Functionalist Perspective
Manifest function
open stated, conscious functions
Latent functions
are unconscious or unintended functions that may reflect hidden purposes of an institution
EX. colleges – manifest – academic competence, latent – decrease unemployment, social – meet partners

3. Example of Functionalist Perspective
Compared to 150 years ago, the divorce rate and number of single parent households has sky rocketed. Why?
How would functionalist sociologists explain this?
What could be some explanations? Which explanation do you think is most valid? Why?

5. Criticisms Neglects to explain negative functions
Ex. Racism
Justifies status quo and prevents individuals from taking an active role to change their environment
Viewed that societies will naturally compensate for any problems that arise

6. Conflict Perspective
Symbolic Interactionist & Functionalist focus mainly on positive aspects of society and look to explain society through its stability
Conflict Perspective focuses on the negative, conflicting forces in society
Conflict theorists challenge the status quo and encourage social change

7. Conflict Perspective
Assumes that social behavior is best understood in terms of tension between groups over power or the allocation of resources including: housing, money, access to services, and political representation

8. Conflict Perspective
Tension may not be violent; can be negotiations, party politics, competition
Where functionalists see stability and consensus, conflict sociologists see a social world in continual struggle
Our social world is constantly changing due to continuous struggle between groups

9. Examples of Conflict Perspective
Struggles:
Class – Karl Marx - privileged vs. underprivileged
Emphasis on social change and redistribution of sources
Stratification – inequality either economically or through power
Race and ethnicity – W.E.B Du Bois
Challenged stereotypes of black people
Essential to have full political rights
Feminist View – sees inequality in gender as central to all behavior and organization – Gloria Steinem
Ex. studies of violent crimes did not include domestic violence in late 20th century