When studying Sociology, you learn to start viewing the world “sociologically”. Reading chapter two of this book, breaks down the three major theories which were started from Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and George Herbert Mead. There are three main types of sociological views which are structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Taking a closer look at structural functionalism and conflict theory, they both function on a macro level while symbolic interactionism functions on a micro level. The sociological perspective that most closely represents my view of the world is structural functionalism. This theory is macro-level which sees society as a whole unit. Many parts and systems are used to make this theory work. …show more content…
His theory is based on societies always being in competition with one another to be able to gain power, wealth, and prestige. This theory also used on a macro level since it affects everyone in the society. Karl Marx focused on class conflict like the elites gaining wealth and power, while the others worked in the factories for meager wages. There was nothing to spare the workers from exploitation. This theory is more based on past times when racism and sexism was a huge conflict perspective. Like history of white dominance over another racial group and how women were referred to as second-class citizens who were not allowed the right to vote. There is a few issues we are still facing but our society today is not communist but a country who has their system like that is China and other …show more content…
This theory works on the micro level which is different from the first two theories. Symbolic interactionism looks at society based on a collection of relationships between people which have a common meaning and significance. People view social life as a stage with roles and how there is expected behaviors in the situation. The metaphor of drama and script is a part and they think people create roles in the drama of human life. People are able to relate to one another based on the basis of perceived roles. People imagine how the particular role will think and try to relate, if they are correct, interaction will be smooth. Each has an identity which is called “self”. Self is created with the process of interaction with another. Mead believed that each person had an “I” and a “Me” which is also referred as generalized other. This was a set of collected values and attitudes learned from others. “I” is the subject form and “Me” is the object. Mead’s theory focused on roles and interactions in the social drama. This is not how I view the world with the mindset of roles. The one theory that I had similar viewpoint was with structural functionalism. This theory that Emile Durkheim came up with view societies as a system with parts. I was able to connect this theory with today’s society. The other two theories I did not have any similar viewpoints with. I feel that there is balance in the United States system and that
Structural Functionalism as defined by Functionolists such as Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer, believe that society is a whole unit made up of many related parts, each having its own function. In order for society to maintain equilibrium or balance all parts must fulfill their function. If their function is not performed society is in an
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.
Karl Marx believes that a capitalistic society separates the rich from the poor. corporations that holds the money hold the power to dictate whether certain fucntions of society.
Chapter six brings a different approach at introducing the importance of sociology. This chapter, focuses upon the historical significance of American sociology as society knows of it today. It discusses many different aspects of sociology, but it intentionally focuses on these important aspects that include: “The Chicago school”, sociologists whom attributed to American sociology, and the rise of female sociologists. These three fundamentals establish the overall history of American sociology.
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.
Explain the three major sociological perspectives of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Identify which perspectives use a macro level or a micro level of analysis. Apply each perspective to socialization.
If Sociology is the systematic study of human society, then sociological imagination is what we perceive or think about how people work and or think in a more personal and bias matter. C.W. Mills believes that merging two different theories of social reality of the “individual” and “society”. Mills challenges readers and learners by arguing many basic terms and definitions from what “we” believe are right. Chapters one and two talks about how society portrays what we know rather then the facts. Our bias opinions and beliefs often go against what science has proven.
In this assignment I will be explaining some of the different sociological perspectives in today’s society. The sociological perspectives which I will be explaining will be Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, and interactionism, Collectivism, Postmodernism and The New Right.
There are three different theoretical perspectives. Functionalist perspective, which emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability. Functionalists see the contribution that it makes to society. The conflict perspective, assumes that social behavior is best understood in terms of tension between groups over power or the allocation of resources, and political representation. The interactionalist perspective, which generalize about everyday forms of social interaction in order to explain society as a whole (Schaefer).
Social conflict also focuses on macro-sociology. Symbolic interaction paradigm says society functions well through interactions. Communication is spreaded through symbols created by society. Social interaction is important, because it causes social change. Many variables such as behavior events are explained through social contact with others. The people are the ones who determine what is reality, and what is not reality. Life works in a dramatization point of view. Symbolic interaction paradigm focuses on the small issues that affect communities in society, therefore making it a micro-level orientation. Functionalist paradigm sees society as a well integrated, self-regulating system that meets people’s needs. While Social conflict views society having many groups that are self reliant, with their own goals and needs. Symbolic interaction explains society is shaped, and constructed through interaction, and communication with others.
Explain the three major sociological perspectives of functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Identify which perspectives use a macrolevel or a microlevel of analysis. Apply each perspective to socialization.
Sociology is the function of the human society, and social problems among us. There are three different theories that I will be discussing in this essay. The theories are symbolic interactionism, The conflict theory and functional analysis perspectives. These perspectives help make up the way society thinks as a whole. All three of these perspectives are alike, as much as they are different.
"Functionalist Perspectives” also known as "Structural-Functional Paradigm”- “The sociological approach that views society as a stable, orderly system. According to this perspective, a society is composed of interrelated parts, each of which serves a function and (ideally) contributes to the overall stability of the society. Societies develop social structures, or institutions that persist because they play a part in helping society survive. These institutions include the family, education, government, religion, and the economy. If anything adverse happens to one of these institutions or parts, all
One sociological perspective is the Functionalist theory. Functionalism is one of the earliest sociological theories. Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) was a professor and was interested in how society was possible and how society remains stable. This theory focuses on the macro-level of social structure rather than micro-level of everyday life. Functionalism sees society in parts which form a system, the parts depend on each other. Functionalist theory looks at the parts of society such as
What are the three major sociology perspectives in regards to social issues? They are Symbolic Interactionism perspectives, Functionalism perspectives, and Conflict Theory perspectives. These perspectives offer sociologists abstract examples for explaining how society affects people, and vice versa. Each perspective individually theorizes society, social forces, and human behavior.