Why Do Guns Symbolize Violence?

Sociology has different sociological perspectives for example symbolic interactionism and functionalism. Symbolic interactionism studies individuals and small groups within society and how they behave, interact and believe about how society is what it is. Symbolic Interactionism was created by Herbert Blumer. He based symbolic interactionism on three things which were that people act on the meanings of things, social interactions build meanings and meanings depend and are modified by people interacting with each other. Functionalism is the belief of

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.

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2010), Sociology is referred to as “.the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings” (para. 1); however, the transformable qualities of this science are not represented by this definition, as they should be. To best understand these changes, we must first consider changes within people as study objects; for as previously stated, Sociology changes in ways which are commensurate to changes in the world around it.

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.

In order to understand gun violence in America, we should get an understanding of our history of guns and how they came to into existence and their purpose. The main purpose for guns was to kill, intimidate, and take by force. As far back in time as we can go, in order to survive, whether for food or protection, our ancestors have always had a need for weapons. And as time evolved simple arrowheads for protection and hunting would change into something more lethal. Although guns were first manufactured in china the 1300’s, the first guns came to America around the 1400’s on ships

Sociology is the study of the way groups of humans interact with one another and the way social institutions such as banks, hospitals and schools act within themselves. In order to understand sociology one must first understand that different societies have different traditions and cultural norms. What is normal in Canada may not be the same for places like Europe or Japan. In different cultures they eat different foods, have different laws and preform different rituals, methods of adornment as well as having different religious beliefs. In society there will always be outliers or people who deviate from the social norm. Through these outliers sociologists are able to help in solving crimes and change the world for the better. Through these

American history is an overflowing river filled with gun accounts. Guns have made a major turn in our society. The right to own a gun is one of the First Ten Amendment in the Constitution. This right is for protection, however, some people have and continue to misuse the right. In early history guns were much more used for protection purposes than they are today. Gun violence is occurring very often in the US. Not only violence, but accidents also occur with guns too. Numerous people feel insecure living in a society where many people can own a gun. Guns should not be an item permitted to be owned by common people. The influence of guns has greatly made a negative effect on our society.

Since the beginning, guns have always held an important, and constantly evolving, place within the culture of the United States. During the revolutionary war, firearms served a crucial role in securing independence from Great Britain. Though the nation had achieved victory, several states were aware that another foreign power could launch an invasion or that their own government could become a tyranny. Thus they specifically demanded an amendment to include the right to own guns, who they viewed as a “potent symbol of freedom and democracy” (Huffpost). Thus on its ratification in1788, the United States Constitution included the second amendment. The symbol of guns further evolved during the westward expansion of the 19th century. Faced with the threats of nature, bandits, and hostile Native Americans, the gun became as important of a tool as an axe or a plow (CBS). Thus the image of the frontiersmen, with gun in hand, is symbolized as the “American tradition of individualism, which is this value or belief that ultimately Americans need to rely on themselves…” (Huffpost). Flash forward to the present, guns still hold prominence in the American culture. Through its media, guns have embedded themselves in film, with icons such as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood portraying the gun as a tool for the ‘good guy’, to video games such as Call of Duty,

Guns have played a major role in America from the American Revolution, to the constitution and the “right to bear arms,” and in recent years the political debate over gun control and mass shootings. The strong feelings on either side of the gun control debated are tied to how Americans view guns. Guns are symbols and can stand for many different things, and what guns symbolize is particularly important to many pro-gun advocates.

As one of the major purposes of sociology is to comprehend ways human actions and ideologies are formed by the social structures and cultural environment,

In order to understand have theory of Sociological perspectives you must first define the three major philosophies. The first sociological perspective will be the symbolic interactionist perspective which focus on the everyday details of life. They look at how people interpret different signs and symbolic images that have a specific meaning to the originator but sometimes loses meaning to the receiver. Since words are not concrete and can sometime be manipulated to another person to justify why they thought this was the correct interpretation. The second sociological perspective I would like to address is the Functionalist perceptive which focus on how we are held together by adapting to social consensus. The majority

Sociology is the study of society. Through the centuries, sociologists have tried to provide an explanation as to why and how humans interact with each other on a social basis. Sociologists have divided sociology into two levels, microsociology and macrosociology (Sociology). The level of microsociology studies is on a smaller perspective, as macrosociology is the study of society on a larger analysis. Today, sociology has three major theories: symbolic interactionism, functionalism and conflict.

Hundreds of thousands of people die from gun wounds in America. According to BBC News in 2015 there were 372 mass shootings America, killing 475 people and wounding 1,870. Bringing awareness of guns allows citizens to know how much harm is done by them. Guns have caused the same amount of deaths as cars. Years ago, it was a difference because cars were 8-14% higher death rates. This year the death rate difference is 4% at the maximum. Although there are things in the world I can’t change, I know I can change the damage of the violence by bringing awareness of guns.

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

Sociological perspectives is an echoed term, which is divided into three major factors: “…symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory” (Chambliss & Eglitis, n.d.). Conflict theory is a theory that claims society is in a state of perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources. It holds that social order is