Introduction to Sociology: Sociological Perspectives

Reading Activities and Notes

Sociological Perspectives Documentary Notes 13/20

1. Sociologists use different theories and ideas to look for different pattern of group behavior in society. These ideas and theories are called sociological and give us a multidimensional view of society.

2. Three main sociological perspectives are: functionalism, conflict, and Internationalism perspectives.

3. Functionalism explores how society is structured. (3:20)

4. The conflict perspective studies how power effects the distribution of resources and how control changes society. (3:40)

5. Internationalism examines how people interact with each other and what expectations this leads to. (4:05)

6. True or False. The sociological perspectives are used one at a time, not in combination with each other. (4:30)

7. Functionalists believe that all parts of society are here because they have a function together . (7:00)

8. The conflict perspective believes that power is normal and natural, even needed for society to function. (9:30)

9. The sociological perspectives explore different question. (13:30)

10.The feminist perspective asks how gender shapes peoples’ social experience. (14:10)

11.The feminist perspective focuses on gender difference and argues that any equality exists today. (15:25)

12.The feminist perspective may also look at race, class, and ethnicity. (16:50) Reading Activities and Notes

Based on the story of Elian Gonzalez, which perspective would be interested in the following statements?

13.The anti-Castro (anti-communist) ideology was more important than economic interests. (Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism)

14. The government upheld laws and values about where children should live. (Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism)

15.The imbalance of power. (Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism)

16. People joined together to have rallies and protests focusing on Elian Gonzalez. (Functionalism, Conflict, Interactionism)

17.Functionalism examines how parts of society work together. Individuals are characterized by the major roles they play.

18.The conflict perspective explores the inequality that exists in most situations: including economic inequality and differences in values.

19.Interactionism is concerned with individuals and society; their beliefs, influences, and interpretation of situations.