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Lesson 2 (Classical Approaches)

The document outlines three key sociological perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism. Functionalism, led by figures like Durkheim and Parsons, emphasizes the interdependence of societal parts and the role of social facts, while the Conflict perspective, particularly Marxism, focuses on power struggles and inequality among social classes. Symbolic Interactionism, developed by Mead, highlights the significance of micro-level interactions and the meanings individuals create through symbols.

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10 views

Lesson 2 (Classical Approaches)

The document outlines three key sociological perspectives: Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism. Functionalism, led by figures like Durkheim and Parsons, emphasizes the interdependence of societal parts and the role of social facts, while the Conflict perspective, particularly Marxism, focuses on power struggles and inequality among social classes. Symbolic Interactionism, developed by Mead, highlights the significance of micro-level interactions and the meanings individuals create through symbols.

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Key Approaches: Functionalism, Conflict, and Symbolic Interactionism

1. Functionalist Perspective
Emile Durkheim
 Durkheim is a key figure in structural-functionalism.
 He stressed the importance of studying society scientifically.
 Social facts, like laws and customs, shape our actions and should be studied as natural
events.
 Durkheim believed society is composed of interdependent parts, similar to how body
parts work together.
 He introduced the concept of organic solidarity, where society's parts depend on
cooperation and consensus.
 He saw the division of labor as central to social change, replacing religion as a source of
unity.
Talcott Parsons
 Parsons, a structural functionalist, viewed social action as a system.
 He identified four elements of social action: goals, situations, norms, and effort.
 Parsons divided social action into cultural, social, personality, and behavioral systems.
 He emphasized that individuals internalize values, norms, and identities from society.
 Parsons saw culture as a force binding element of society together.
 He emphasized that society comprises interconnected parts contributing to its survival
Niklas Luhmann
 Niklas Luhmann discussed why practices or innovations not contributing to society's
survival do not endure.
 He was a prominent sociologist known for his work on systems theory.
 He expanded upon functionalism by developing a theory known as "social systems
theory."
 He believed that society could be understood as a complex system of interrelated parts.
 He argued that social systems, like functionalists, aim to maintain stability and adapt to
change.
Robert K. Merton
 Merton's functionalism introduced concepts of manifest and latent functions.

Classifications of Functionalism
- developed by a sociologist named Robert Merton
1. Manifest functions: intended and recognized consequences
2. Latent functions: unintended and unconscious functions, often hidden
 Merton also highlighted the importance of recognizing dysfunctions, which challenge
social order.
Dysfunctions
 Dysfunctions disrupt society, delay processes, or reduce stability.
 Dysfunctions can be manifest (openly visible) or latent (hidden).

Society is like a human body where organs are interrelated to each other. Despite the
complexity within their functions, if one of them failed to work properly, others would be
greatly affected.

2. Conflict and Marxist Perspective


Conflict Perspective
 The conflict perspective is a broader sociological viewpoint that emphasizes the role of
conflict, competition, and inequality in society.
 It suggests that society is characterized by power struggles and conflicts between
different groups, such as social classes, ethnicities, genders, and institutions.
 Conflict theorists argue that these conflicts arise from the unequal distribution of
resources, including wealth, power, and social prestige.
 This perspective focuses on how these conflicts shape social structures, social change,
and the overall functioning of society.
Marxist Perspective
 The Marxist perspective is a specific subset of the conflict perspective.
 It centers on the conflict between social classes, particularly the owners of the means of
production and the working class.
 Marxists argue that capitalism inherently creates class struggle and exploitation, with
the owners benefiting from the labor of the working class.
 The ultimate goal of Marxism is to transition from capitalism to socialism and eventually
communism, where there is no private ownership, and wealth and resources are shared
equitably among all members of society.
The following needs should be provided among the people for the interest of equality.
1. The support of the government for the vulnerable sectors particularly the disabled and
elderly people
2. Subsidies in housing and other fundamental utilities
3. Public libraries
4. Establishment of roads and highways
5. Emergency services (police and fire department) for the benefit especially the ordinary
people

3. Symbolic Interactionism
 developed by George Herbert Mead
 a school of thought that focuses on the importance of interaction in creating meaning
 examines micro-level social interactions and their meanings
 focuses on how individuals interpret symbols and create social reality
 Interactionists view people as pragmatic actors who adjust their behavior based on
symbolic interactions.
 Erving Goffman introduced the dramaturgical approach, likening life to a stage where
people present different roles or images in various social settings.
Importance of studying this approach:
1. Comprehensive understanding of the society
2. Critical thinking
3. Social Issues
4. Careers in fields related to human behavior and society

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