The Sociological Perspective

Functionalist

Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives Functionalist Conflict Feminist Symbolic Interactionist Postmodernist

Functionalist

Assumption: Society is a stable, orderly system

Basis of society: societal consensus of shared values, beliefs, and behavioural expectations

Society as parts to a whole with each part having a function

Society is like a living organism

Founding Father?

Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)

Contributions: Created a

methodology of studying society

Social facts Anomie Division of labour First to publish a

statistical study (on suicide) (empirical study)

Functionalist Applying a Functionalist Perspective to the

Study of Suicide Durk’s theory: suicide is to be seen as an effect

of social rather than personal factors; that where there is no or little shared sense of community, suicide rates will be higher (Canadian example- among some Aboriginal Communities)

Durkheim (con’t)

Durkheim invented the term “social fact” Social facts are the patterned ways of acting,

thinking, and feeling in a society. These forces shape a person to live their life a

certain way. What are some social “facts” of Canadian

Society? Take 5 minutes and compose a list.

Durkheim (con’t)

Durkheim also believed that when these facts break down an “Anomie” occurs. This causes a division in the society and the

result of a loss in shared values. For example, Quebec separation. Create a Graphic Oganiser of the factors etc

that may lead to Anomie in a young, middle aged and elderly person.

Functionalism Views

Society is made up of social structures or institutions that help it survive.

These include family, education, government, religion, and economy. Take 10 minutes to answer how each one of

these institutions help maintain stability. What would happen if one broke down?

George Simmel (1858-1918)

His Views Society as a web of patterned interactions

Interaction conditioned by size: dyads, triads, etc (the group)

The group dynamics and inter-relation are the keys to society.

He saw that urbanisation / industrialisation was promoting individualism while concern for the group diminished

Talcot Parsons: Role of the Family Parsons believed that people made sacrifices to

ensure societies survival. Roles were created, especially in the family. Men performed the instrumental role in the family.

The husband was in charge of decision making, employment and providing for the family.

Women performed the expressive tasks. This included housework, caring for children, and

providing emotional support. All other institutions were created to support the

family. BQ: formulate a response to the assertion: The break

down of the family unit (nuclear family) has led to the decline of society overall