Explain Three Major Sociological Perspectives Of Functionalism, Conflict Theory, And Symbolic Interactionism

By definition, self-perception is your interpretation of your own behavior. However, your interpretation of yourself could be influenced by what others think and say about you. Sometimes people find themselves over analyzing who they are and they end up degrading themselves or they try to change who they truly are. As emotional human beings, they seem to find themselves being more judgmental toward their own actions and appearances. When others make assumptions, they only see the outside and make judgements based on appearances rather than looking deeper in order to discover the true beauty that’s exists beneath. “Lonesome, With Snails”, “The Mother”, and “Portrait of My Body” are three essays that will be used to explain how self-perception

According to the functionalist perspective, each part of society is mutually dependent on each other and contributes to a well-functioning society. An example would be the traditional family unit, man works and provides for his family while woman stays at

The conflict perspective, or conflict theory, derives from the ideas of Karl Marx, who believed society is a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change driven by class conflict. Conflict theorists generally see social change as abrupt, even revolutionary, rather than incremental (https://courses.lumenlearning.com).

“Norms are written and unwritten rules that specify behaviors appropriate and inappropriate to a particular social situation (Ferrante, 2015, p. 50).” There are two types of norms; folkways and mores. “Folkways are norms that apply to the mundane aspects or details of daily life (Ferrante, 2015, p. 50).” The folkways included in survivalism involve moving to Idaho, attaining a swimming pool fish farm, and developing a grasp on the language that the survivalists use (Walsh, Vandici, Itz, & Collins, n.d.). “Mores are norms that people define as critical to the well-being of a group. Violation of mores can result in severe forms

Sociologists employ three major theoretical perspectives in sociology today. They are the structural-functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective, and the symbolic interactionism. The structural-functionalist perspective is done at a macro level and its focus is on the relationships between the parts of society. The Conflict perspective is done at a macro level and its main focus is on how the wealthy controls the poor and weak.

Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees society as a shaper of people rather than people shaping society. The functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally.

Values can be a person’s ideal way on how to behave in certain places or their principles, just like ethics, beliefs, or standards (Henslin). Values can vary in cultures or religions as well. For example, when it comes to the LGBT community, which is also known as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, I believe that everyone deserves to be happy

In sociology, there are three major theories. These theories are Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic Interaction. There are many people who have influenced all three of these theories. Although not all of these theories are still used much now, the thoughts and views that emerged from these theories are still referenced to this day. Ideas used in these theories helped shape new theories and teach us a lot about understanding society and what shapes it.

Gloria Irwin April 7, 2018 Principles of Sociology The purpose of this paper is to explore the three primary theoretical perspectives that sociologists have utilized to interpret social life. These include symbolic interactionism, functional analysis and conflict theory. This paper will also explore the debate as to whether the purpose or goal of social research should be only to advance the understanding of human behavior or if it should investigate and reform social arrangements. It will also outline which theory is most useful in studying society today.

G.W.F. Hegel reports that a person’s identity is deeply tied to his interactions with the external world. His self-concept is defined by how he interacts with others and by how he perceives others’ reactions to “him”. This is also known as the Looking Glass Self. A person can fulfill the fantasy image he has of himself through the gaze of the other. In this sense, it seems that other people have a certain amount of power over us. We want them to like us. We want them to see us in a way that is in accordance with how we want to be

The latter point stands on a more reasonable and sound ground. This essay discusses both sides of

Conflict Theory; “provides a third party perspective on social life… conflicts theorist stress that society is composed of groups that compete with one another for scarce resources (Henslin 17). Every one wants to be seen at cooperative, in control, and happy with his or her job, “but scratch the surface and you will find a struggle for power” (Henslin 17). There is an instance in the book about conflict theory on page 19 that talks about how the divorce rate is lower when men control economic life, but when the role is shifted the divorce rate changes. When I think about this I can really relate on a personal level, which helps make it more understanding, and I can comprehend the topic at

Conflict theory is all about the structure side of the two elements of society chart. The structured side includes institutions, social groups, statuses, and roles. This theory is also a macro theory on the level of analysis. Conflict theory focuses on “the way inequalities contribute to social differences and perpetuate differences in power. In addition, conflict theory is also about competition, power, and social change.

In our daily lives we come across different situations and different norm violations. We are programmed by society to act a certain way in different situations and environments. We come across many different people each day, and that is when the norm folkways plays a role in some of our daily lives, since folkways are routines or casual interactions with people around us. Whether if it is by not saying bless you to the person that sneezed, or not helping

Social conflict theory – This theory reasons that the basis of society is social conflict. It suggests that conflict and tension are basic facts of social life. People have disagreements over goals and values. They are involved in struggles over both resources and power. There is a focus on the processes of dominance, competition, upheaval, and social change. This theory holds a very materialistic view of society. The foundation of this theory is that when there is enough tension and conflict to arise about an issue, then it would eventually lead to social change.