SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Sociology

study of complex web of human social relationships discussing the diversity of topics - from culture, religion, family, to social classes -focuses on how institutions and social structures affect peoples personal lives

Structural Functionalism

Sees society as a living organism with different parts that function to support the whole structure.

Conflict Theory

Changes that occur in the society are products of the clashing of two or more social classes.

Symbolic Interactionism

Explains the self through the concept of identity.

First underlying assumption in symbolic interactionism 

We act based on the meanings we attach to things.

Second underlying assumption in symbolic interactionism

Each one of us attaches different meanings to things

Third Underlying assumption in symbolic interactionism

The meanings we attach to things change over time

Counter-Identity

Is when we act a particular role expected in society

Looking Glass-Self

Explains how people act and react based on how they see themselves in society

Impression Management 

The goal-directed attempt to influence the perceptions of other people about a person, object, or event by regulating and controlling information in social interaction

Sociological Imagination

Connects personal issues to public concerns. In other words, it is “thinking outside the box” in evaluating yourself as a person in the wider scope of society

Identity crisis

The struggle to find individuality in a social group