Tim Che

Professor Ortega
Soc 001
14 June 2014
Sociological Perspectives
Functionalist Paradigm
It is an assumption that society is a complex system with many interdependent functioning parts.
These parts work together to make the society stable. Any parts of the society that are dysfunctional
will go away over time or contribute hidden benefits. Functionalist wants to keep the society in balance.
Everyone work together to keep the society stable.
Examples: Food is a necessity in our lives. If not for the many interdependent industries, theres
no way to get food to our tables so easily. In order to get food, we must use money to purchase them.
Money doesnt just grow on trees. We get money from our boss, from our banks, from the economy.
The economy affect food productions. Food production needs land, machine, and labor to create food
product. We need farms to get the basic ingredients for production. These are the interdependent parts
that keep the society stable.

Conflict Paradigm
It is assumed that society is a complex system. Society is made up of inequality and conflict and
they generate social changes. There is an unequal distribution of resources between people of different
class, race, gender, etc. Some people benefit more than others and are kept that way. Conflict creates
an unstable society.
Examples: Men used to dominate women completely on rights. Men had power over women at
work, home, and community. There was inequality between these two genders. Women knew that they
deserve the same rights and treatments of men. They took action and created social changes.
Interactionist Paradigm
Interactionist assume that society is made up of everyday interactions. The interaction that
individuals have with each other would affect society as a whole. People react differently to the same
thing because they interpret things differently. Interaction is not just verbal communication. There are
also symbols and nonverbal communication. There are symbols all around us that communicate with us.
Interactionist is at micro level of analysis but it is in turn to understand on a macro level.
Examples: A billboard ad with text and/or message can communicate a different message to
each person. There is the general message that we are intended to receive but the symbol or text can
remind you of different experiences and thoughts from the past. The symbols could link you different
conclusion.