All four sociological perspectives focus on different aspects of work and its related socially problems. Pick two of these perspectives, explain their focus as it relates to work, and explain what social problems they help us see. Which of these two do you think is most important to the problems you may encounter in the workforce and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Vary but students should be able to identify the major points of the perspectives and what types of social problems they emphasize. They should also be able to point out how one of these perspectives will apply to them and provide evidence from their experience or anticipated experience.
•          Functionalists examine the functions and dysfunctions of work and employment. They point out the benefits and challenges of technology and bureaucracy.
•          Conflict or feminist theorists focus on how economic, ethnic, and gender inequalities are perpetuated in the economy and the workplace. They focus on the inequities of capitalism and point out worker alienation.
•          Interactionists investigate how our work experiences are created through interaction and shared meanings. They can also show how jobs are valued or devalued based on labelling.