Running Head: CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
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CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to discuss the three basic theories of sociology. The three basic theories of sociology are functional, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. These theories are studied on the micro or macro level. The micro level is the sum of interactions between people and groups. The micro level analysis is based on small groups and individuals versus the macro level which is viewed on a larger scale and looks at society as a whole. In the functional theory members of society share a common interest of values, beliefs, and behavioral expectations. In the conflict theory there is a constant struggle between resources and
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One change or shift in society can either make optimal opportunities to the community or create the start of a downward spiral. I have found that all three theories are based on society and how an individual person or a group of people acts or behaves greatly affects each of these theories. It is amazing the amount of changes that a person can go through by having to deal with social changes.
Lastly, in order to explain which theory best describes our social reality we need to define what social reality means. Social reality is basically created through social interactions, individual motives, and actions. It is a little difficult for me to choose one theory that relates to our social reality that we live in today. I feel that we could easily fall under each theory depending on the circumstances. The functionalist theory is made up of different parts that all work together like a puzzle to build stability or a strong foundation. This theory involves
CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY
families and large communities that have a strong bond formed to support one another. We must support and invest in our schools and churches to make a difference in our community. If we lose our church due to lack of finances then our community could lose its faith. The conflict theory is generally when there is a struggle for resources. Let’s face it, today we as a society are struggling with obtaining resources needed as the
Which sociological perspective generalizes about everyday forms of social interaction in order to understand society as a whole?
The functionalists approach explains or support the idea that each part is important for the progress and function of the society as a whole.
Functionalism sees society as a whole. It is often referred to as the consensus theory as it doesn 't choose to see the issue of conflict in society. It looks at the important factors which make up society such as the economy, the family, the political system and the educational system. It is how these all function together as a whole to create society that functionalists look at. If you think of society as a human body, and the factors functionalists see as important and the organs. If one does not work then it prevents the others from working. In order for society to run smoothly everyone must see these factors as critical and work to keep them going as smoothly as possible. To understand how any part of society, for example education, the functionalists would look at how education in terms of its contribution to the maintenance of the social system as a whole works. All the key institutions in society need to be well integrated for society to survive and operate efficiently.
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,
The first sociological theory is functionalism. A functionalism perspective is a “sociological approach that emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.” (Schaefer, 2009) This simply means for in the instance of a family that the family in a whole is
Gloria Irwin April 7, 2018 Principles of Sociology The purpose of this paper is to explore the three primary theoretical perspectives that sociologists have utilized to interpret social life. These include symbolic interactionism, functional analysis and conflict theory. This paper will also explore the debate as to whether the purpose or goal of social research should be only to advance the understanding of human behavior or if it should investigate and reform social arrangements. It will also outline which theory is most useful in studying society today.
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
According to the University of North Carolina, “Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions” (http://sociology.unc.edu/undergraduate-program/sociology-major/what-is-sociology/). Sociology is science practiced by everyone in the world, whether they realize it or not. It is not only an incredibly important social science but also a beautiful art to study how society works. Now, an educated sociologist will realize that there are different perspective to view the world through from a sociological perspective. There are three specific views: Structural Functionalist, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. Each has valid points of view, and not completely exclusive to the other, but in this case one is more correct and valid than the others. Conflict theory is the most credible theory in psychology because it factors in the problems of power and broken systems.
them to behave in that manner. Sociologists focus on the three basic concerns of the
Topic: Discuss the meaning and significance of social fact. In your paper, discuss why the concept of your choice may be considered as important for understanding the works of the theorist concerned. In addition, you may also discuss the border significance of the concept in helping you to understand the nature of Modern Society and of Modern sociology.
The three primary theories of Sociology are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. These theories have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to explaining society and individuals as a part of society. Symbolic interactionism focuses on people’s perceptions and ideas on a case by case basis. It elaborates symbols and the methodology with which they are interpreted by societies. Functional analysis broadly paints society as a system with working parts. It promotes the concept of human solidarity and independence as well as interdependence. Conflict theory dives right into the problems that arise in a society and is bent on correcting them. It paints a picture of inequity and disparity among societies that no other perspective dares to match. Each offers a distinct lens with which to view society. Sociology as a science has the ability to advance human knowledge. Additionally, it can be used to address societal problems. It is my intent to prove functionalism is the best tool for the advancement of
In this paper, I will describe sociology and the three main idea of sociology such as social forces, culture and social structure that I think will best explain the goals of sociology. Sociology is like the mother science which has amalgamated into it every aspect of human life. These different facets of social interactions have developed into different disciplines or subjects. Therefore, sociology is the foundation of the social sciences. All the human behavior and response are social and the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to religious; from the divisions of race, social class to the shared beliefs and values of general culture.
The three major theories used by sociologists to interpret social life are: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. None of these theories are the absolute answer, sociologists may use one, or all of these theories to understand what variables led to a particular behavior and help the understand how certain events or facts affect each other.
Sociology includes three major theoretical perspectives: the structural-functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective, and the symbolic interactionist perspective. Each perspective offers a variety of explanations about the causes of and possible solutions for social problems (Rubington & Weinberg, 1995).
Concepts and ideas discussed in sociology has helped me to understand more about others and our surroundings. Agents of socialization are associated within our daily lives; Family, culture, schooling, religion, and media all has a meaning and plays a major role in society influencing who we are. No matter how wealthy or poor one might be. Everyone has influence over each other through the glass looking self, an individual have multiple perceptions of himself uniquely created form one person to the next. In certain situations individuals tend to put on acts to retain professionalism, through the theory of dramaturgy it is safe to say people are not what they seem to be. No individual is a loner everyone is connected directly and indirectly in a way. For instance money a Social Construct that we of society all agree upon and given it a universal meaning. The existence of the word racism points out that every individual belongs somewhere.