Major Theoretical

Perspectives in
Sociology

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.

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

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

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

Structural Functionalism
Popularized

by American
sociologist Talcott Parsons in
the 1940s
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

Structural Functionalism Visualized

Religion

Judicial
System

Society

The
Family

Education

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.

The Conflict Perspective

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

Karl Marx,
1818-1883

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

Symbolic Interactionism
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

Herbert Blumer,
1900-1987

Symbolic Interactionism Visualized

Text your
friend
about the
sale at the
Gap

Give up
your seat
on the bus
for the
elderly
woman

Smile at
the barista
at the
coffee shop

Move to the
next lane on
highway for
the car on exit
ramp

You
respond
to your
bosss
email

Tuck the
children
into bed

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

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?