INTRO TO SOCIOLOGYUnit 1: The Different Perspectives

Why does it matter?• Everyone has their own way

of viewing the world. • That view could be

dependent upon position of life, both chronologically or from social standing.

• Or dependent upon how others view you.

• Understanding how people view the world can help with trying to change it.

• Some people may not want to change the world.

• These are seen through 3 major perspectives.

The Two Opposing Views

FUNCTIONALISM CONFLICT THEORY

Functionalism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v48kAslT-cY

Emile Durkheim and The Organism

1858-1917 Durkheim viewed

society as an organism with many small, differentiated pieces that work together to form a cohesive body.

When one part fails, it becomes “dysfunctional”.

The Five Tenants of Functionalism

Order Consensus Equilibrium Function Evolutionary

Change

Next Time…Conflict Theory!