Sociological Theory

Part I The Functionalist theory emphasizes the contributions (functions) that all parts of society (e.g., social institutions) make within society. This theory has contributed to sociology by providing a view “which emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain stability.” (Schafer 2013, pg13)

In sociology, functionalism is one of the main theoretical perspective. The father of the sociology Emile Durkheim was the promoter of functionalism. Functionalism mainly focusing on the stability and order of the society. This gives a variety of elaboration about the society or human behaviour. All the parts of the theoretical perspectives connected and influenced each other, this all works together in maintain the society healthy. All of these parts depends one to another, if one of the parts not working properly, that will affect all the system or that all circles.

The functionalist perspective is one of the classical paradigms in sociology and was the prevalent perspective until the 1970s. Functionalism is most closely associated with Emile Durkheim (often referred to as the founding father of functionalism) but has also received crucial contributions from other theorists including Talcott Parsons, Herbert Spencer, and Robert K. Merton. Functionalism offers a macro approach to understanding society and views macrostructures as the pillars of social order. The paradigm views society as a smooth-running system with various parts that possess specific functions, of which can both destroy or maintain social stability. The concepts of manifest and latent functions uphold an important role in the theory,

Sociological Theories One of the sociological theories is conflict theory. The conflict theory deals with people's level on wealth, or class. The conflict theory says that social change is beneficial, contrary to focuses on social order. In the story of the woman and her children, the conflict theory plays a big role on the situation. Police of higher class are threatening the homeless woman. The conflict theory is a constant struggle of people of higher class over powering people of lower class, or the weaker. The police are trying to over power the woman by telling her to leave. Even though the woman and her children were doing nothing wrong, the police used their power to tell her to leave. Also the people of the area showed

Functionalism was founded by Emile Durkheim, who continuously question norms and how society works. Functionalism is based on how society conformed to the daily functions of everyday activity. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are boundaries that are strict between morals and social. Functionalism focus on the natural way society works, it doesn’t try to see how society will work if changed. Functionalism in a society is just one big circle, everyone contributes to one another to keep it going.

As cyberbullying has become a major social concern for school administrators, students, parents, it becomes increasingly important for them to understand the different perspectives people have on cyberbullying in order to be able to offer and work out solutions. Two sociological perspectives, the conflict and functionalist perspectives, can provide crucial

Perspective Paper There are three major sociological perspectives, which include functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction. Emile Durkheim came up with the functionalist theory. Functionalism sees society working together like a system. Society consist of interconnected parts that work together that keeps everything in a balanced state. Herbert Spencer gave the idea that societies are living organisms that grow and evolve. This theory emphasizes how different groups of society influence other parts of society. This could be a positive The two main principles of functionalism; The first would be that society is perceived as a functional system made of intertwining parts/groups. The second function is that each structure its own purpose that contributes to continue societies stability. If something does not contribute to society in a positive way and throws off its balance its considered dysfunctional. An example of dysfunctional would be things such as crime.

Sociology is the research and analysis of the human society; meaning sociologist examine why we behave the way we behave, what affects our behavior, and if ordinary things are more complex than they seem. When developing a sociological perspective it makes the “familiar strange” (Conley, 3). When someone is trying to think as a sociologist it is encouraged to question aspects in your life that you thought were normal, which conveniently can make you feel unsure about what lifestyle you are comfortable living in.  A sociological perspective is gained when you learn to think through a “sociological lense” that challenges your mind to new levels of thought (Godwin, Lecture). When in rhythm with your sociological mind you reflect on new personal

(Turner, p.112) Functional analysis established itself as a way of ‘bringing to light the significance of the institutional order and connecting it with the unintentional consequences of social action. (Turner, p.121) On page 35 of Back et al. it states that Durkheim’s argument is that classification is a process of ‘marking-off’, of showing things that are related, but have distinct points of difference to another. Functionalism assumes that society’s social institutions perform important functions to help ensure social stability. Rapid social change threatens social order, but slow social change is desirable.

I have grown up in church. I have been to church pretty much every Sunday of my life. My family never really missed church, except if we sick. Even when we were on vacation, we would go to church. I also spent a lot of time at youth group. During my time at youth group, there were positive and negative experiences that I had. Even though I do not want to go into youth ministries, I still think my background shapes my opinion on it.

The sociological critique of human societies has helped to outline a profound understanding of community development and the construction of poverty. From this position we think probable the intentional positioning of people to fulfill low wage responsibilities while at the same time assuring that these roles support social synergy.

3) Compare and contrast the three basic sociological perspectives on social problems. How are they similar and how are they different? Which theory do you prefer and why?

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

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

Effects of Mass Media Marilyn Burger November 23, 2015 HUM/186 Allyson Wells Effects of Mass Media Society embraces the systems and symbols created to communicate in the search of belonging. The systems and symbols are used to convey information and assigns meaning and values to our lives. Often culture is defined as the symbols society uses to express themselves as individuals or groups. Culture is the practice that allows individuals to either agree or disagree with the values and ideas that are portrayed and communication helps to circulate these values.