1. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
Marriage
and
Divorce
in American society

3. Marriage is a sacred American institution?
Right?
???????

4. The climbing divorce rate in the U.S

5. Sociologist use three major theories.
Symbolic Interactionism
Functional
Conflict Theory
Each theoretical perspective offers different explanations of social life.

6. We will examine the increase of divorces in the U. S
We will examine the increase of divorces in the U.S. through the three theoretical perspectives of sociology.
First,Symbolic Interactionism
Then, Functional Analysis
Finally, Conflict Theory

7. Symbolic Interactionism.
First, a look at marriage and divorce in the U.S. using
Symbolic Interactionism.

8. Symbolic Interactionism
The theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world, and communicate with one another

9. How people group their experiences into symbols.
For example:
How would you react if you passed one of the following people with your shirt not tucked in?
What symbols have you created through your experiences?

10. Symbols: things in our physical and social environment that we attach meanings to.
Make social life possible.
Define the relationships in our life.
Symbols allow us to coordinate our action with others.

11. Without symbols we would not be able to make plans for a future date, time and place.
Meanings of symbols are constantly changing and evolving as people interact through time.

12. The three premises of Symbolic Interactionism
1. Human beings act towards things on the basis of the meanings these things have for them.
2. Such meanings arise out of the interaction of the individual with others.
3. An interpretive process is used by the person in each instance in which he must deal with things in his environment.

13. Now, we will reach an understanding of the rise in the U. S
Now, we will reach an understanding of the rise in the U.S. divorce rate through the principles of Symbolic Interactionism.

14. We will examine marriage and divorce through these symbols:
Emotional satisfaction
the love symbol
the meaning of children
the meaning of parenthood
marital roles
perception of alternatives
meaning of divorce
changes in the law

15. Good Wife Guide (1955)

16. At one time, marriage was seen as a life long commitment and divorce was seen as...
An immoral act
a disregard for public opinion
an abandonment of adult responsibilities
a shameful act for the entire family

17. Functional Analysis
Society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributes to society’s equilibrium

18. Basics of Functional Analysis
The Structure
The Function of each part.

19. Changing Functions of U.S. Family
Due to industrialization and urbanization
Economic production
Socialization of children
Care of sick and elderly
Recreation
Sexual control of members
Reproduction

20. Rise in the U.S. Divorce Rate
Is related to the dwindling function of the U.S. family.

21. Conflict Theory What is Karl Marx’s view on the social history of man?
Identify and describe Karl Marx’s “two great hostile camps”.
What Role did the discovery of America play in the growth of the
bourgeoisie?

22. Conflict Theory
Describe Marx’s explanation of the relationship between fathers, mothers and children within a capitalistic society.
What is Marx’s explanation for what we currently call the “global community’?

23. Conflict Theory
What does Marx mean by, “It (the bourgeoisie) has converted the physician, the lawyer, the priest, the poet, the man of science into its paid wage laborers”?

24. Conflict Thory
Society is composed of groups competing for scarce resources.
Karl Marx
Bourgeoisie: small group of capitalist who own the means of production

25. Conflict Theory
Proletariat: Masses of workers exploited by the capitalist
Contemporary view: All relationships contain a conflict based on power and control.