Applying the Sociological Perspectives
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 4:42 PM
Using the three sociological perspectives to think about social issues is a bit like looking at a
problem from different angles.
Functional Analysis Perspective
Functionalists would ask how education serves society. What are the functions of
education?
• It provides for the transmission of knowledge and skills necessary to be productive
in society.
• It transmits the ideas and values deemed acceptable by the dominant culture to
society.
• It provides an environment to socialize a society's citizens.
• It provides a pipeline of citizens for society's job market.
Conflict Theory Perspective
Conflict theorists would examine how education perpetuates social inequality.
• Are schools designed to transmit the unwritten goals of society such as obedience
and conformity?
• Are schools in place to support the social class structure?
• Does one have to have a degree to succeed in society?
Symbolic Interactionism Perspective
Interactionists would try to understand the interaction between the school and its
occupants, and its outcomes.
• What does it mean to be educated?
• What does having earned a degree symbolize?
• What are the relationship dynamics between a teacher and a pupil?
• What are the relationship dynamics between a school administrator and a teacher?
Lesson 1 Page 1
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 4:42 PM
Using the three sociological perspectives to think about social issues is a bit like looking at a
problem from different angles.
Functional Analysis Perspective
Functionalists would ask how education serves society. What are the functions of
education?
• It provides for the transmission of knowledge and skills necessary to be productive
in society.
• It transmits the ideas and values deemed acceptable by the dominant culture to
society.
• It provides an environment to socialize a society's citizens.
• It provides a pipeline of citizens for society's job market.
Conflict Theory Perspective
Conflict theorists would examine how education perpetuates social inequality.
• Are schools designed to transmit the unwritten goals of society such as obedience
and conformity?
• Are schools in place to support the social class structure?
• Does one have to have a degree to succeed in society?
Symbolic Interactionism Perspective
Interactionists would try to understand the interaction between the school and its
occupants, and its outcomes.
• What does it mean to be educated?
• What does having earned a degree symbolize?
• What are the relationship dynamics between a teacher and a pupil?
• What are the relationship dynamics between a school administrator and a teacher?
Lesson 1 Page 1
