The Sociological Perspective

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The Sociological Perspective
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Sociology

• Science of society
• Theory
• Basic assumptions
• Provide perspective
• Research methods
• Tests theory
• Empirical
• Systematic

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Theory

• Functionalism macro
• Conflict - macro
• Symbolic Interactionism - micro

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Functionalism

• Focus is on social structures
• Structures meet basic needs of society (perform
  functions)
• Society is integrated, stable, balanced system
• Order is based on consensus of societys members

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Conflict Theory

• Focus is on groups
• Social classes -Genders
• Races
• Groups compete for scarce resources, power,
  authority
• Society constantly changing, experiences
  instability
• Order based on constraint, coercion

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Symbolic Interactionism

• Focus on social interaction between individuals
• Symbols basis of interaction
• Communication
• Socialization (learned)
• Shared definition (social construction) of
  reality is basis of interaction
• Constantly interpreting reality
• Includes definition of self others

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Apply TheoriesWhy do we have poverty?

• Functionalist
• It meets basic needs in society
• E.g., poor people do work others wont do
• Several occupations exist because of poor
• Conflict
• Dominant group controls power and resources
• Controls labor market through political system to
  have a group who will work for very low wages

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Why do we have poverty?

• Symbolic Interactionist
• Poverty is maintained through social definition
• Define the poor as lazy undeserving
• Some learn accept that definition of self
• Becomes a culture of poverty