Sociological Perspectives In Sociology

A problem that faces many college students face is college debt. This social problem is a continual problem with more students registering at colleges and universities. A social problem is defined as “any condition or behavior that has negative consequences for large numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed (Barkin 6).” Members of the Seton Hall University community along with other students worldwide experience this. Based on people I know, they use loans to pay for school because they can’t afford to pay for it themselves or their parents can’t afford it. Along with that, I know from personal experiences, I have two very close friends who are paying for school

Sociologists develop theories to explain and analyze society at different levels and from different perspectives. Sociologists study everything from the micro level of analysis of small social patterns to the “big picture” which is the macro level of analysis of large social patterns.

After a careful study and a deeper research on an introduction to sociology, I have come to understand that no problem can be solved well enough if one does not have the sociological perspective which is defined as a way of looking at the world through a sociological lens. In fact, there is the need of the lens that will help one to view situations and have the eye to emerge through different views to solve that problem. This mirror has become a doorway that will help one to have a beginner’s mind to approach problems.

In the world of sociology there are many different ways that humans interact with the world. Although we are all human beings, we do not always see the world the same way that others do. Even though not many are aware of the different ways they can see the world, there are three sociological perspectives. Using structural functionalism, the conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism one will be able to decide which view best represents the way they see this world. When asked about my perspective on the world, I view it using the conflict theory due to the examples that society gives us based on events that happen frequently. Even though all three of these theories are socially correct, the conflict theory defines my view of the world more than structural functionalism and symbolic interaction.

The Sociocultural Lens is a group of theories and perspectives that are based on sociology and sociological theory. They focus on broader aspects of society and how these affect human behavior. The premise is that social workers need to understand individuals within their environmental context. C. Wright Mills asserted that most sociological theories reflect the sociological imagination, a term used to describe the relationship between an individual’s personal experiences and the wider society. Sociological models help social workers think more comprehensively and offer a more balanced approach to their work (Rogers, 2016).

In today’s tumultuous world, a person can benefit from different ways to make sense of all the things that happen around them to add perspective and reason. One of these ways is to use a sociological perspective to achieve a greater understanding of both cause and effect. The three major sociological perspectives include: the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective, and the symbolic interactionist perspective. In response to the news article NYC Police Officers Turn Their Backs on Mayor, each of the sociological perspectives will be discussed in relationship to the civil unrest between the New York City police department and mayor’s office in the shooting deaths of two officers during protests.

There are five theoretical perspectives used by sociologists in their research: symbolic interaction, rational choice, structural functionalism, social conflict, and feminist. Actions of the family members in Family Dinner Date video can be explained by each of these theories.

Symbolic interactionism is the first of the three theoretical perspectives in Sociology. This avenue of examining sociological factors looks at more personal interactions than the other two perspectives. Sociologist observe patterns and behaviors of these smaller interactions to define, or redefine, the use and evolution of symbols in society. Some sociologist see this approach as being too focused on one person’s view and take on society rather than trying to understand society as a functioning whole (Turner, "Symbolic Interaction Theory”). One example of symbolic interactionism put forth by Erving Goffman (1974) uses Roger, an engineer, as an example. Even though he and his parents believe that Roger is an amazing engineer, their perspective would not take into account that Roger’s boss found his skills to be insufficient and fired him. Without combining these two perspectives, that of Roger and his parents and of his boss, there is not a complete understanding of Roger and his skills, or lack there of. The following two perspectives in Sociology examine society at a larger scale.

There are three specific ways to view the world from a sociological perspective. The first is symbolic interactionism, which emphasizes the social aspect of society. People develop symbolic meanings through social interactions. This theory analyzes the way society functions by looking at the meanings people place on objects, whether they are physical, social, or abstract. Another perspective is structural functionalism, which states that society is made up of interrelated parts that work together, and is structured to do the greatest good for the benefit of the most people. This theory views society as a complex system that works together to form solidarity and stability. Lastly, there is the conflict theory, which says that society is composed of groups that are involved in a constant power struggle, and even if outwardly it seems there is cooperation, there is always underlying conflict. There is an emphasis in using

Throughout history various social perspectives have been observed in an attempt to explain and classify different types of sociological behavior. Various theories have been made regarding the sociological perspective, which examines the social contexts that people live in and how these contexts effect the individual and society (Henslin 2). Each sociological perspective examines something different and poses a different theory. Discussed here are three sociological perspectives: the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective and the feminist perspective. All three perspectives are forms of social institutions or the ways that a society meets its basic needs (Henslin 104).

What is Sociology and who was the founder of Sociology? When and how did Sociology emerge as a field of study?

Looking through popular magazines has long been a source of reading entertainment for many people. Throughout the years magazines slowly but surely also began influencing their reader’s lives. Readers of all ages, nationally and gender were now looking though magazines for answer on life, fashion, love and even sex. Advertising companies soon began to notice the phenomenon that was happening and began incorporating their ads into magazines. Today, magazines are full of ads. The scary part of all this is that advertising companies are willing to corrupt your mind to convince you to buy their product. The level of influence is unmeasurable since it can come in many forms. Because of this, I’ve

The major social institution I choose to discuss through the lens of the three major sociological theoretical perspectives of (1) structural functionalism, (2) symbolic interactionism, and (3) conflict theory is religion. (1) Structural Functionalism: Functionalists sees society as a system of parts that all serve a function. I think that religion serves a few functions for society. First of all, religion creates this sort of common ground for people to share creating this sense of solidarity amongst them. Also, religion seems to work as a sort of incentive for people to do good in the world. The ideas of religions (such as the idea of an afterlife) helps to put purpose into people’s lives - it gives them a reason to live. To me, this perspective

Sociology allows for each individual to have varying opinions and results based off of their own perspective. There are three main categories by which people follow and live their lives by, almost like a predestination of sorts. The sociological perspectives are structural-functional, social conflict and symbolic interactions. All perspectives differ in the approach taken as well as the success rate for each, but without these classifications society would not function as a whole.

After reading these sections, I had to re-read how to transition into my source, because I sometimes through them in there without context. I should’ve read this before I turned in my midterm paper for my other class, because I got docked for throwing in a quote. But, as I am writing my final research paper, I am prepared. Also, a nice refresher was the common logic section, because as I invest deeper into my discipline, I am having trouble by assuming certain sociological theory is common sense, but it’s not the case. Now I know common knowledge only pertains facts, historical events and geographical locations.