Theoretical

Perspectives in Sociology
Henslin, M. J. (2013). Essentials of sociology: A
down-to-earth approach (10th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pears

Chapter 1

Oct 2015-2016
Semester
GSS1004: Introduction to Sociology
2
Learning Outcomes
 Understand the 3 key theoretical perspectives:
 1. Functionalist
 2. Conflict
 3. Symbolic Interactionist

 Compare & contrast between the 3

perspectives

 Apply the theoretical perspectives to different

social issues
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3
Sociology in Practice
Emile Durkheim & Social Integration
 Who are more likely to kill themselves? Why?

 Protestants OR Catholics?

 Male OR Female? ? ?
 Married OR unmarried?

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4
Sociology in Practice
Emile Durkheim & Social Integration
 Who are more likely to kill themselves? Why?

 Protestants or Catholics?

 Male or Female?

 Married or Unmarried?

 Conclusion: People are more likely to commit

suicide if their social ties to others in their
communities are weak.

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What is a Theory?

Theory: A general statement that explains

how two or more “facts” are related to one
another.

Example:
Women are more likely than men to be
caregivers for their ageing parents.

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Why Bother with Theories?
Using theories is like:
looking at a cube from different angle

What colour is the cube?

Who is correct?

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 Theories & Topics: How are they
7
related?
Conflict/Functional/Symbolic
Theories

Make
SENS
E
Social Class Family Culture
Deviance
Gender Socialisation
Education Religion Education

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8
Two Ways to Understanding Society
Macro (Zooming Out)
* Focus on social structures – i.e. groups in society, social
forces larger than the individual
E.g. Gangs are a product of a stagnant economy,
educational system, organisational structure

Micro (Zooming In)

* Focus on face-to-face social interactions – i.e. social
relationships
E.g. Gang members’ relationships with their family &
fellow members
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9
Three Key Theoretical Perspectives

Macro: Functionalist, Conflict

Micro: Symbolic Interactionist

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Functionalist Perspective (i)
 Society = interrelated parts or groups (structure) that
fit together to make it a whole (think of society as a
human body)
 Each group has its own function and contributes to
society

 Society experiences stability when all parts of society

fulfil their functions/work together

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Functionalist Perspective (ii)
– Robert Merton
11

 Functions = beneficial consequences of people’s

actions, help keep a group in balance

 Manifest Functions = intended benefits

 Latent Functions = unintended benefits

 Dysfunctions = consequences that harm a society

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12
Functionalist Perspective (iii)
 Example 1: National Service
 Manifest Functions:
* Provide national defence against external threats

 Latent Functions:
* Promote national identity through shared
experiences
* Provide jobs and profits – Army Market
 Dysfunctions:
* Abuse of power
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13
Functionalist Perspective (iv)
 Example 2: Olympic Games/World Cup
 Manifest Functions:
* Promote international goodwill
* Exposure for athletes
* Boost the prestige of the host city
 Latent Functions:
* Bring in tourism dollar for the host city
* Inspire aspiring athletes

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Functionalist Perspective (v)
 Dysfunctions:

• International animosity (competitiveness)

• Monetary benefits outweighs sportsmanship

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Conflict Theory (i)
Society = tension and conflict between
competing groups

Reason: there are opposing interests at every

layer of society; groups compete with one
another for scarce resources
What are some examples of scarce resources?

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Conflict Theory (ii)
 Beneath the surface of cooperation, there is
struggle for power

 Constant struggle throughout society to

determine who has authority or influence over
resources

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 Political Parties in Singapore
17

Example 1: Common Education in Singapore

Struggle is between those in power (authorities) and those without

power (students)

The authorities use the school setting / curriculum to reinforce

their power i.e.
• Do not question their authority
• Inequality is acceptable
• Those who have more deserves even better

Those who don’t have (weak students) resent the authorities and
struggle against the education system
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18
Symbolic Interactionism (i)
 Focuses on face-to-face interactions, how
people make sense of life and their place in it

 How we behave depends on how we define

ourselves and others

 Through interaction, we adjust our views of

who we are – depends on how we interpret the
reactions of others

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Symbolic Interactionism (ii)
 How people use symbols and meanings during
communication (nonverbal and verbal)

 E.g. Symbol = your handphone (brand &

model)

 Meanings: How does it define you? What does

it say about you?
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Symbolic Interactionism (ii)

Why do people buy

lottery?

Why do people have

children?

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Overview (i)
Functionalist Conflict Symbolic Interactionist

Level of Analysis Macro Macro Micro

Key Concepts Manifest functions Inequality Symbols
Latent functions Power Interaction
Dysfunctions Competition Definitions/
Meanings

View of Society Stable & well- Struggle & Depends on

integrated tensions between interactions between
groups individuals

View of Individual Socialised to Shaped by power, Exercise choices to

perform certain coercion & change things
societal functions authority
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Overview (ii)
 How would you use the theoretical
perspectives to study a TP tutorial group?
 Conflict: power relationships between
teacher-student & student-student
 Functionalist: roles of teachers and students in
class
 Symbolic Interactionist: interactions between
teacher-student & student-student
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Overview (iii)

 So which is better? Conflict, Functionalist

or Symbolic Interactionist?
 These perspectives are complementary,
providing a comprehensive picture of
social life.

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Additional Resources
 Functionalist Perspective
www.boundless.com/sociology/understanding-sociology/theoretical-perspectives-in-so
ciology/functionalist-perspective/

 Conflict Perspective
www.boundless.com/sociology/understanding-sociology/theoretical-perspectives-in-so
ciology/conflict-perspective/

 Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

www.boundless.com/sociology/understanding-sociology/theoretical-perspectives-in-so
ciology/symbolic-interactionist-perspective/

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THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGY
Face-to-Face
Symbols Interactions Definitions
Symbolic
Interactionis
t
Dysfunctions

3
THEORETICAL
Functionalist PERSPECTIVES Conflict

Functions
Power Control over
Manifest Latent Scarce Resources