The Three Basic

Sociological Perspectives
Specific objectives:
• Explain sociological perspectives such as
structural functionalism, conflict theory, and
symbolic interactionism as approaches to the
study of culture and society.
• Differentiate the three basic sociological
perspectives through slogan making.
• Recognize that different approaches of
sociology can be applied to a single
phenomenon.
Video clip presentation: Bawal ang Pasaway: Mayroon nga bang
Operation Tambay ang PNP.

Groups will do the following tasks:

• Describe and explain through the slogan
• a. structural functionalism
• b. social conflict
• c. symbolic interactionism
• in the issue of “Operation Anti Pasaway”(PNP
term)/ “Operation Tambay” (Commission on
Human Rights). Group 2 will be the evaluating
• Accuracy ----- 5 points
• Participation ----- 5 points
• Creativity ----- 5 points
• Timeliness ------ 5 points
• 20 points
 Sociological Approaches in the Study of Society

• Structural Functionalism- society is a

complex system whose parts work together
to promote solidarity and stability.
1.a Social structure- entities or groups with stable pattern of
relationship and behaviour.
• Parsons saw society in its
natural state as being stable
and balanced. That is, society
naturally moves toward a state
of homeostasis.
• To him, significant social
problems, such as union strikes,
represent nothing but
temporary rifts in the social
order. According to
his equilibrium theory, changes
in one aspect of society require
adjustments in other aspects.
• 1.b manifest functions- conscious,
intended, and beneficial functions that
society expects of any social pattern.
• 1.c latent functions- unconscious,
unintended but beneficial functions
that society does not expect of any
social pattern.
• 1.d social dysfunctions- social pattern
that disrupts the operation of society.
 Structural Functionalism

• Goal/Conclusion: Societal
equilibrium is maintained by the
social structures.
Social structure- Election
 ELECTION
Manifest function Latent function

• People’s will and • People receive

conscience are money from
reflected in the politicians. As a
result they can buy
election result.
food for their family.

DYSFUNCTION
• Corrupt politicians were elected.
• Social Conflict Approach- society
is an arena of inequality that
generates conflict and change.
People on top try to protect their
privileges while the disadvantage
try to gain more for themselves.
 Social Conflict Approach

Goal/Conclusion: The conflict will

result to change in social relations and
social structures.
• Symbolic Interaction focuses on the
interaction of individuals and on how
they interpret their interaction.
• People rely heavily on symbols such as
words and gestures to reach a shared
understanding of their interaction.
 Symbolic Interactionism
• Goal/Conclusion:
• Understand the individuals involve in
the social issue by analyzing the
people they interact with and the
symbols they used.
• 1. Why should we use different
perspectives in understanding our
society?

• 2. What are the three basic

sociological perspectives?

• 3. How do these perspectives view

society differently?
Societal Issue: “Mandatory Drug testing for Senior High School”

• Groups will provide answers to the table. They

will brainstorm and prepare for 15 minutes and
present for 5 minutes. Group 3 will be the
evaluating team.
• Group 4- Structural functional
• Group 1 – Conflict theory
• Group 2 – Symbolic interactionism
Structural Conflict theory Symbolic
Functional (Macro) (Macro) Interactionism
(Micro)

Manifest function Bourgeoisie Draw a symbol

/slogan of your
personal stand on
the issue.

Latent function Proletariat

Dysfunction Goal/conclusion

Goal/conclusion
Criteria:
• Accuracy ----- 5 points
• Participation ----- 5 points
• Creativity ----- 5 points
• Timeliness ------ 5 points
• 20 points
• Among the three perspectives, which
do you prefer most in your view of
society? Explain your answer.

• In this group activity, state your

action that best describes your
preferred perspective?
 Answer the following:
Societal Issue:Ending the ENDO(Call for Stability of Tenure)

Structural Conflict Symbolic Interactionism

Functional theory (Micro)
(Macro) (Macro)

1. Manifest 5. Bourgeoisie 9. Draw a symbol of your

function stand ang explain it.
2. Latent 6. Proletariat 10. The people you interact with
function and contributed to your stand

3. Dysfunction 7-8. Goal

Retrenchment
4. Goal