This document outlines three major theoretical perspectives in sociology: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony. Conflict theory sees society as composed of groups competing for power and resources. Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by meanings created through symbols and interaction. The document also discusses the key thinkers associated with each theory and some problems with each perspective.

1. Social Theories

2. Social Theories
 Theories in sociology provide us with different
perspectives with which to view our social world.
 Sociology includes three major theoretical
perspectives:
1. Functionalist perspective.
2. Conflict perspective.
3. Symbolic interactionist perspective.

3. Functionalism
 Emile Durkheim.
 According to functionalism, society is a system of
interconnected parts that work together in harmony
to maintain a state of balance and social
equilibrium for the whole.
 Every structure has a function that meets a need of
the society and all structures work together to
maintain the social equilibrium.

4. Functionalism: Types Of Function
 Two types of functions:
1. Manifest functions are consequences that
are intended and commonly recognized.
2. Latent functions are consequences that are
unintended and often hidden.

5. Functionalism: Problems
 Functionalism focuses completely on the
institutions with little regard for the
importance of the individual.
 Functionalism is also largely unable to explain
social change and conflict.

6. Conflict Theory
 Karl Marx
 Conflict perspective views society as composed of different
groups and interest competing for power and resources.
 Unlike functionalists who defend the status quo, avoid social
change, and believe people cooperate to effect social order,
conflict theorists challenge the status quo (the existing state of
affairs), encourage social change and believe rich and
powerful people force social order on the poor and the
weak.

7. Conflict Theory: Problems
 Weak social stability.
 Doesn’t explain how a society is held together.
 Doesn’t support the status quo (the existing
state of affairs).

8. Symbolic Interactionism
 George H. Mead , Herbert Blumer.
 According to the symbolic interactionist
perspective, people attach meanings to
symbols, and then they act according to their
subjective interpretation of these symbols.
 Symbolic interactionism emphasizes that
human behavior is influenced by
definitions and meanings that are created
and maintained.

9. Symbolic Interactionism: Tenets
 Herbert Blumer proposed three tenets to
explain symbolic interactionism.
1. People act, based on the meaning they have
given to something.
2. Same thing can have different meanings for
different people.
3. Meaning given to something is not
permanent, it can change due to everyday
life.

10. Symbolic Interactionism:
Problem
 Symbolic interactionism neglects the macro
level of social interpretation - the big picture.

11. Sociological
Paradigm
Level Of
Analysis
Focus
Structural
Functionalism
Macro The way each part of
society functions together to
contribute to the whole.
Conflict Theory Macro The way inequalities
contribute to social
differences and perpetuate
differences in power.
Symbolic Interactionism Micro One-to-one interactionist
and communications.