Sociological Theoretical Perspectives

Sociological Theoretical Perspectives – Identify and discuss the three major sociological perspectives.

Sociological Theoretical Perspectives – The three major sociological perspectives are Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Each perspective offers a different lens through which to understand society and social behavior:

1. Functionalism

Overview: Functionalism views society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. Each part of society serves a function that contributes to the overall functioning and equilibrium of the whole.
Key Concepts:
- Social Institutions: Such as family, education, religion, and government, each play a crucial role in maintaining societal stability.
- Manifest and Latent Functions: Manifest functions are the intended and recognized outcomes of social activities, while latent functions are the unintended and often hidden outcomes.
Key Theorists: Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton.
Example: Education serves the manifest function of providing knowledge and skills, while its latent function might include fostering social networks or…

1. Functionalism

Overview: Functionalism views society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. Each part of society serves a function that contributes to the overall functioning and equilibrium of the whole.
Key Concepts:
- Social Institutions: Such as family, education, religion, and government, each play a crucial role in maintaining societal stability.
- Manifest and Latent Functions: Manifest functions are the intended and recognized outcomes of social activities, while latent functions are the unintended and often hidden outcomes.
Key Theorists: Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton.
Example: Education serves the manifest function of providing knowledge and skills, while its latent function might include fostering social networks or…

The three major sociological perspectives are Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Each perspective offers a different lens through which to understand society and social behavior:

1. Functionalism

Overview: Functionalism views society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. Each part of society serves a function that contributes to the overall functioning and equilibrium of the whole.
Key Concepts:
- Social Institutions: Such as family, education, religion, and government, each play a crucial role in maintaining societal stability.
- Manifest and Latent Functions: Manifest functions are the intended and recognized outcomes of social activities, while latent functions are the unintended and often hidden outcomes.
Key Theorists: Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, Robert K. Merton.
Example: Education serves the manifest function of providing knowledge and skills, while its latent function might include fostering social networks or…