Al-Oruba International Schools

Dept.: Social Studies (2018-2019)

Grade: 12
Title: 1st Quarter

Unit (1) Ch. (1) Section (3)

Modern Perspectives
1. In what ways do the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology differ
in their focus?

The functionalist perspective focuses on the structure of society. The conflict

perspective focuses on the forces of society and interactionist perspective
focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society.

2. How does the group in power maintain their control according to

the Conflict perspective?
They tend to establish rules and procedures that protect their interests at the
expense of other groups.

3. How do the three theoretical differ in terms of their level of analysis?

The level used by Functionalists and Conflict perspectives is called

Macrosociology, while the level used by interactionist perspective
is Microsociology.

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Define the Following:

1- Theories:
Explanations of the relationships among particular phenomena.
2- Dysfunction:
Is the negative consequence an element has for the stability of the social
system.
3- Symbol:
Anything that represents something else.
4- Consensus:
What most people agree upon as the best for society and works together to
ensure the social system runs smoothly.

Complete the following sentences:

1- Like Durkheim, Functionalists view the various elements in terms of
their function.
2- Functionalists view society as a set of interrelated parts that work
together to produce a stable social system.
3- According to the conflict theorists, competition over the scarce
resources is at the basis of social conflict.
4- Conflict perspective focuses on the forces in society that promote
competition and change.
5- Conflict Perspective is following the tradition of ………………………….
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6- Functionalist and Conflict theorists tend to focus on society

In general or on large groups, while Interactionist theorists focus on how

individuals interact with one another in society.
7- Interactionist sociologists are interested in the meanings that individuals attach
to their own actions and actions of others.
8- Internationalist sociologists are indebted to the work of Max Weber.
Compare:

Manifest function Latent Function

 Intended and recognized  Unintended and unrecognized

consequence of some elements of consequences of some elements
society. of the society.
 Example: manifest function of cars  Example: the latent function
is transportation. of cars is to display wealth.

Macrosociology
 Involves the study of larger
scale systems or society as a
whole.
 This level is used by functionalist
and conflict perspectives.
Microsociology
 Involves looking at small-group
settings and face-to-face
interaction among group
members.
 This level is used by
interactionist perspective.