Need Definitions from a Sociological point of view?

Question

Please define the folowing perspectives. I am having a hard time understanding the book definition. Any help would be great! Please give me sources as well! Thanks!

Symbolic Interactionist Perspective-

Structural-Functional Approach Perspective-

Conflict Perspective-

Answer 1

symbolic interactionist states that all social interaction is conducted through symbols and signs that we almost unconsciously absorb and respond.

Structural functional states that wider forces act to control society in a mutually productive way - so that everyone playing their different roles gets the job done.  Theories are then developed as to why these things happen, but ultimately functionalists believe most things happen for the smooth flowing of society.

Conflict perspective is similar to the functionalist perspective except that it doesn't see these roles as mutually beneficial, but rather than different groups are either advantaged or disadvantaged and so are in competition with each other.

Answer 2

conflict perspective is how it sounds .. conflict.. competetion, power-struggle. A great example of a a conflict theorist is Marx. Conflict is needed to keep a society from dissolving or could be the cause of. survival of the fitest.  other conflict theorist are Weber (my favorite) a great example of him is the " conflict Weber has with Marx.  the belief though is conflict is the cause of change and conflict is not always a negative as change is not always negative. Conflict may even bring people together.. Social change ie, womens rights

Interactionist beleif basicly that every thing in society is created by humans/ interaction. change occurs through interactions.  

symbolic interactionist are even deeper .. we define what is real .. ie, a potatoe is a potatoe because we call it that.

Functionalist feel that everything has it's place.. society is a machine. when one insitution disperses another takes it's place. things happen for a reason as they are supposed to. Everything has it's part and job. when evryone/ thing is doing it's part it's considered balance. Spencer and Durkhiem are functionalists... great example is Durkhiem's " anomie " .

When you think of functionalist think of the human body   .. and how each organ relies on the other to function.

hope this helps.. what has always helped me was to just go online a search and you can get a really good understanding. These definitions can be a little overwhemling, however when you put them in laymens terms they are really simple because the title is the defination ! Good luck

Answer 3

SI...read mead and/or blumer

structural functional....read durkheim

conflict....look into marx

Oh yeah....and remember reading is how you learn and helps do your homework.