Theoretical perspectives

Sociology · Foundations. The idea in plain words, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid and a worked example, written and checked by Mega Lecture.

Test this topic free All Sociology topics

The idea

Sociology has three main perspectives. Functionalism sees society as a system of parts that depend on each other and work to keep order. Conflict theory sees society as groups with unequal power competing for scarce resources, so change comes from struggle. Both are macro views: they look at whole societies.

Symbolic interactionism is a micro view. It studies face-to-face interaction and the meanings people give to words, gestures and objects.

Two further ideas are tested often. Mills's sociological imagination links a person's private life to history and social structure. Merton separated the intended results of a social pattern from its unintended results.

Rules to remember

Functionalism: Durkheim, Parsons, Merton. Parsons's AGIL: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, latency.
Conflict theory: Marx (class), Dahrendorf (authority), C. Wright Mills (power elite).
Symbolic interactionism: G. H. Mead's ideas; Herbert Blumer coined the name.
C. Wright Mills, 'The Sociological Imagination' (1959): personal troubles versus public issues.
Merton: manifest function = intended and recognised; latent function = unintended and unrecognised; dysfunction = a consequence that harms stability.
Merton also asked for theories of the middle range: limited in scope and testable.

Common mistake

A latent function is not a harmful one. Latent means unintended and unrecognised; a harmful consequence is a dysfunction. Decide first whether the result was intended, then whether it helps or harms.

Worked example

Universities exist to teach and to award degrees. They also bring young people together, and many meet their future spouses there. How would Merton classify the two results?

Teaching and awarding degrees are the stated, intended purposes of a university.
Intended and recognised consequences are manifest functions.
Helping people find marriage partners is not an aim of the university and is not usually recognised as one.
An unintended, unrecognised consequence that does not harm the system is a latent function.

Answer: Teaching and degrees are manifest functions; the marriage market is a latent function.

Ask about this

Type what you are stuck on. The helper finds the explanation, worked examples and the notes to read, free and instant.

Keep going

← Nature, scope and founders of sociology Sociological research methods →Take a Sociology test