Page 216 - Sociology and You

186 Unit 2 Culture and Social Structures
Figure 6.2 Focus on Theoretical Perspectives
Illustrating Types of Social Interaction. A type of social interaction is illustrated below from the viewpoint of a particular theoretical perspective. Each concept can be viewed from either of the other two perspectives. Associate a type of social interaction with a different theoretical perspective and make up your own example.
Theoretical Perspective
Conflict Theory
Type of
Social Interaction Example
Coercion Conflict in prisons is kept in check by the superior power of the guards.
Functionalism Conformity Team integration is promoted when basketball
players accept their roles on the floor.
Symbolic Social Exchange Two neightbors share Interactionism recipes and ideas so
each benefits.
Section 3 Assessment
Match terms a–e with the appropriate numbered example.
1. Blood donors expect payment.
2. Students read what a teacher assigns.
3. Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait.
4. Flood victims help each other.
5. Employees are forced to work
overtime or be fired.
a. cooperation b. conflict
c. social exchange d. coercion
e. conformity
6. Solomon Asch’s experiment demonstrates the positive consequences of group pressure. T or F ?
7. Why is conformity essential for the development of social structures?
Critical Thinking
8. AnalyzingInformation Describeanexampleofgroupthinkinyour
school. Analyze this situation in terms of its positive or negative consequences.