1. Sociological perspectives
These are different theories about how society works. It’s a bit like seeing society through different coloured lenses. You will see different things as important depending on what perspective you use.

2. Symbolic interactionism
Sociology
Structural Theory
Action Theory
(Interpretivism)
Consensus
Conflict
Symbolic interactionism
Functionalism
Marxism
Feminism
Theory can be said to be like looking at society through different lenses – each give it a different perspective or appearance.

3. Functionalism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgA8UZ0eG0c
Society is seen as a web of systems which all rely upon each other for example the family, the economy, law and order, politics, the culture of society, all bind together to make it work. If one part fails then society will dysfunction, just like a body would if an organ failed.

4. Consensus Norms Values e.g. marriage, making a fuss of cheaters.
e.g. monogamy.
Values

5. What might these organs represent in British society?
Religion
Family
Economy
Legal system
Education
The FUNCTIONALIST idea is that if all the systems (organs) in society are FUNCTIONNING in harmony it will remain healthy.
Health system

6. So: this is your job today –
You are going to create a large, visual representation of society, according to Comte’s Functionalist perspective.
The brain
The voice box
The lungs
The heart
The liver
The kidneys
The intestines
The bladder

7. 2. In your group work on the following:
Draw the organ you’ve been allocated – ensure it’s in proportion with the size of the body that’s been drawn around.
Label it with a) the FUNCTION in the human body and b) with the metaphorical FUNCTION you think it performs in society.
Then – think critically about what would happen to society if this FUNCTION was removed or began to malfunction (break-down).

8. Marxism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMpxIMlFwDE
To Karl Marx progress and change is driven by a desire for profit in a capitalist system. The richest few at the top (Bourgeoisie) exploit the lower classes (Proletariat) by making a profit from their labour. The Bourgeoisie are a minority in society and fear uprising and rebellion so the masses are controlled through institutions like education, media and religion.

9. Produce your own pyramid of the capitalist system.

10. Feminism
Feminists believe that the main conflict in society is not between social classes but between genders. They believe that society is Patriarchal (meaning males run society in their own interests). Feminists have campaigned since the Suffragettes in late 19th C to gain equality for women.

11. Interpretivism
Interpretivists are different to all the others because they believe that society is created through the actions of individuals and how we interpret the world around us (everyone is unique and has free- will to change society for better or worse).
Interactionists believe that some people become negatively labelled through their dealings with others and this can affect how they live their lives. For example, if a teenager is labelled as a ‘chav’ this might affect how they behave in the future and on a wider scale affect society as a whole.

12. Post Modernism
None of the old perspectives are adequate to explain how society works since it is in constant change. Changes include, multiculturalism, globalisation, changing gender roles, lack of trust in traditional authorities like scientists or politicians, the shrinking of time and space through technology, consumerism and global risks.

13. Plenary What does Functionalism compare society to?
What did Marx call the two classes battling for power?
What was the Feminist name for male dominance?
Which perspective uses the term ‘labelling’?
Changes in modern society can be illustrated by what social network?