Major theoretical perspectives in sociology

1. Major Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology GS 138:Introduction to Sociology New Life Theological Seminary Seth Allen

2. What is a theoretical perspective? Theoretical perspectives are the basic assumptions about how society functions, the role of sociology, and the application of a specific set theories in studying social life.

3. Examples of these basic assumptions: Society is a unified whole that seeks equilibrium Society is composed of groups competing for scare resources Social life can be measured through observing daily interactions Sociology should be used to enact social change Sociology should be value free

4. Why Should I Care about Theory? Explanation from the Dalton Conley ( Lin k ):

5. Three Major Perspectives Structural Functionalism -society is an organic being of interrelated parts that work together in harmony Conflict –society is the competition of a few groups of people for scarce resources Symbolic Interactionism -Society is essentially a set of daily interactions that are guided by symbols

6. Three Perspectives Visualized Perspective Major Tenets Believes that sociology should enact social change: Macro or Micro Focus: Structural Functionalism Society is an organic whole of stable parts No Macro Conflict Society is a set of groups competing for power and resources Yes Macro Symbolic Interactionism Society is the sum of daily interactions guided by symbols No Micro

7. Structural Functionalism Popularized by American sociologist Talcott Parsons in the 1940’s Society is a stable arrangement of parts that fit together Social is glued together by shared values Each part contributes to the overall function Macro-level focus Talcott Parsons,1902-1979

8. Structural Functionalism Visualized

9. Real World Application: Functionalist Perspective and Marriage The traditional family structure in which the husband was a breadwinner and the wife tended children and did housework was ‘functional’. Men could earn more income and women were naturally better at childcare and thus, the traditional family structure worked.

10. The Conflict Perspective Karl Marx, 1818-1883 Originated with the German economist/historian Karl Marx, the ‘father of communism’ Social groups (i.e. workers and capitalists, men and women) struggle for scarce resources and power Conflict is normal, stability and order are not Macro-level focus

11. Conflict Perspective Visualized

12. Real World Application: Conflict Perspective and Marriage The male breadwinner model benefits men in 2 ways (among others): It reduces potential competition from women in the labor market It downplays women's contributions in domestic work This model demonstrates that men have the upper hand in society

13. Symbolic Interactionism Herbert Blumer, 1900-1987 Micro-level analysis of society Society is ‘played out’ through daily interactions between people People interact through shared symbols (physical ones and intangible ones like body language) which gives meaning in social interactions All reality is based on shared subjective agreement

14. Symbolic Interactionism Visualized You respond to your boss’s email Give up your seat on the bus for the elderly woman Move to the next lane on highway for the car on exit ramp Tuck the children into bed Text your friend about the sale at the Gap Smile at the barista at the coffee shop

15. Real World Application: Symbolic Interactionism and Marriage Symbolic interactionists would suggest that couples negotiate their particular roles. Through verbal and non-verbal interactions, they can negotiate things like: If and how many children they will have How domestic chores should be split How will they divide time for themselves from time with other couples and friends

16. In Conclusion…. Questions? Thoughts? Personal observations about the three theoretical perspectives? Which perspective appeals to you the most? Which of these perspectives believes that sociology should be used for social change? Which perspective has a micro-level focus? Which perspective believes that society is comprised of interlocking parts?