SOCI 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Talcott Parsons, Manifest And Latent Functions And Dysfunctions, Charles Cooley
Document Summary
Different perspectives help us view our social world. Perspective = way of looking at the world. Theory = set of interrelated principles made to answer a question or explain a phenomenon -- gives us perspective. Sociological theories = help us explain and understand the social world we live in three major theoretical perspective: functionalist perspective. Based on the works of herbert spencer, emile durkheim, talcott parsons and. Functionalists believe that society = system of interconnected parts that work together harmoniously to maintain social balance for everyone. Focus on how each part affects other parts and how it is affected by other parts terms functional and dysfunctional = describe the effects of social elements in society. Elements of society are functional if: they contribute to social stability. Elements of society are dysfunctional if: they disrupt social stability. Manifest functions = consequences that are intended and usually recognized.
