Functionalism Paradigm

Sociology has its unique perspectives and each perspective makes sense on its own basis. From the three perspectives which are called conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and functionalism the one that makes most sense to me is symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism as stated in the book is, “[A] theoretical perspective in which society is viewed as composed of symbols that people use to establish meaning, develop their views of the world and communicate with one another.” The sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism was developed by Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead. Symbolic interactionism is analyzed at a microsociological level unlike conflict theory and functionalism.

The second sociological perspective is functionalism and it just like conflict has a macro view on issues. When thinking about functionalism break the word up and it will help to give you a clear definition. Each part of the problem with function individually and then they will work together to cooperate. Functionalism like conflict has three questions that need to be answered. “ What parts of society are involved? What functions do the parts play? How are they related to one another/ or how do they impact one another” (Halperin, 2/13/15). If these questions can't be answered then it doesn't fall under the perspective of functionalism.

Theories have been composed and exposed by various philosophers to clarify their reasoning about the mind. Dualism, Behaviorism, and Identity Theory, are well-known theories supported by well-written explanations. A modern theory, Functionalism provides ample insight to the main problem philosophers deal with, the mind/body problem.

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.

There are varying perspectives that give sociologists different views on the purpose of sociology. For conflict theorist, their view of society is less of a system that works together, but rather a macro competition of power struggles and conflict. The purpose in this view is that conflict affects the human condition; as a result of a conflict, something like wanting to further get power and wealth, or anything else that is in short supply, will arise in institutions that will serve the interests of the powerful. The functionalist perspective views that the overall macro function of society is structure and agreement. For instance, institutions, such as religion, education, and family, each result in a different order as well as overlapping

Conflict theory is the second major school of thought in sociology. It is a macro-level type of approach to understand social interactions in social life, just like functionalism. A difference in conflict theory is that our society is viewed as always being in a constant struggle, unlike functionalism which theorizes that our society is stable. Conflict theory is a paradigm that sees social conflict as the basis of society and social change, and emphasizes a materialist view of society, a critical view of the status quo, and a dynamic model of historical change. Some sociologists may believe that if these tensions, stresses, and struggles never existed in our society people may be more driven to achieve greatness in education, or simply more motivated to set higher goals. Just like functionalism, the conflict theory viewed society on a macro sociological level, but the individual person in our society are having their lives shaped by the economy, control and power. The conflict perspective's main idea is that there are opposing interests

As a resent graduate of sociology I am presenting the need to protect Lake Champlain West Bay, Grand Isle water quality, tourism capital, and maintain property taxes. The study would conclude in a stormwater system being put in place along both East and West Lake Shore Drive. Not approving this project will prove to be economically negative by lower tourism, lower property value, and increasing property taxes. There are a number of other negative effects like the environment and ecosystem (also mentioned in the presentation) but the focus is on the economic effect because the research is being done focuses on functionalist paradigm.

Theories are meant to explain an unknown phenomena. Scientific laws are statements or equations that accurately describes a recurring process. Grand theories explain large-scale relationships why societies form and change. Micro-level theories explain small-scale relationships between individuals or small groups. There are three main theoretical perspectives in sociology, which are functionalism, conflict theory, and interactionism. They all attempt to explain how society functions through ideals that have formulated to be true. And, for each perspective, the ideas are different and conflicting, but they attempt to explain society. Functionalists see society as an integrated system of cogs that are all relevant to the constant progression of society. If an outside social force effects one, it will halt all the other parts. Functionalism encourages stability, and dysfunction cause instability. There are two types of social functions; manifest and latent. Manifest function is the intended or anticipated effects that a part has on the existing social order. Latent function is the unintended or unanticipated effects that a part has on the existing social order. Conflict theory tries to explain society through instability. A conflict theorist looks at

Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives: Symbolic Interactionism, Social Conflict, and Structural Functionalism. Each perspective presents a variety of explanations about the world and human behavior. One of the major theoretical perspectives is symbolic interactionism which is a “framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals.” This approach is different from the next two.

In our society today, there are three theoretical perspectives that act as ways to view our lives. Symbolic Interactionism , Functional Analysis, and Conflict Theory. All of which are centered around the people they derived from who are : George Herbert Mead, Charles Horton Cooley, Robert Merton and Karl Marx. With these theories being a major part of sociology, the research that is collected to study the people in these societies should be looked at as a whole ,for, sociology comes in many forms.

Sociology is the scientific study of humans, and interactions with people in the society. Sociology makes it easier for us to gain knowledge about ourselves, and our social interaction with the world. Sociologists use theory which is a logical consistent statement that also endeavors to clarify, define, and predict social events. Each theory helps create a frame work and structure in which observations will be logically organized. The two theories I chose to discuss is the Functionalism theory, and conflict theory

The three main perspectives of sociology include the following: Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Functionalism emphasizes the contributions, or functions, that come from each part of society, such as family, economy, and religion. Functionalists see society as an integrated whole, wheres if one part of society changes, then that leads to other parts changing. For example, if there is a major change in the economy, then there is a possibility that family-life may change as well.

Functionalism is the philosophy of science to which Behaviourism belongs too. According to Farrell, p.g. 364 "For functionalists, mental states had to be understood in terms of the functions that they performed, and these functions were a matter of allowing an organism to survive in its environment." Behaviourism was founded upon this philosophy and focused on observable behaviour. This paper will examine how behaviourism was able to stand up to the strict philosophy of science of functionalism and the reasons it did not prevent the fall of behaviourism.

This was the first writing assignment of the course, and I had only read the first two chapters of the textbook. The concepts of sociology were for the most part new to me, so I did not believe that I fully understood the material. I felt like I understood the definitions of the three different perspectives; however, creating my own examples was quite difficult. Finding examples for the conflict paradigm was quite simple, but I had the most difficulty finding examples for the functionalist perspective. As mentioned, I had only read a portion of the textbook, so I felt as though the book did not provide sufficient examples for me to completely understand the different perspectives. In order for me to complete this assignment, I had to resort to online resources to further my comprehension. I found several websites that provided me with different examples of the different perspectives. After reading the information, I felt I had a better understanding of the perspectives, an understanding adequate to make the connections to real life. I am glad I was assigned this assignment, because it made certain that I understand important concepts relevant to the rest of the textbook’s

I think my value reflects the theory I have indicated in from my previous blog response because in the discussions, “Functionalists examine how sports contributes to the development of individuals, believing that sport teaches youth basic values and desirable characters such as team work, discipline, hard work, accepting authority, which help us get along in society, in the world.” (Buchanan 2017). In relation to the response, if it is something that I am passionate about, then I would continuously work with it to become a better productive person. For instance, I have failed many volley ball games but I accepted it by increasing effort to get the good results wanted, having the team look down on me, dependently.