Functionalist Sociology Essay

Running Head: CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY 1 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

Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms: Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic interactionism. A paradigm is a set of assumptions that shape and underlie explanations of why society is the way it is (Early Stratification Theory, internet 2003). Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim, Parsons and Merton. Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees society

Of the three major perspectives in sociology, Functionalism is the foremost perspective. Followers of the Functionalist Perspective believe society is a system of interrelated pieces that work together in agreement to uphold social stability for the whole and that sociological matters should be explained with scientific facts. Within functionalist theory, the diverse branches of society are predominantly comprised of social conventions, each of which is intended to satisfy different needs. The parts

and Micro-sociological Approaches Tells Us About Student Under-achievement in School Macro-sociology approaches offer explanations for social phenomena in terms of the way in which social systems work as a whole. Micro-sociology gives explanations in terms of how people make things happen by interpreting their experience and acting on their interpretations. Macro-sociology divides into consensus and conflict approaches. The former view society as similar to the human

fundamental changes which were shattering traditional ways of life in Britain and Europe. Sociology emerged as one of these innovative areas and sought to analyse the nature of society and the complexities within it using collective theories and perspectives. The construction of a sociological perspective can best be illustrated by the application of several fundamental questions, the responses

together. A well known functionalist Parson believe that medical profession is fundamental part of this unit and plays the most important role in the development of the society. Functionalist believes that medical profession possess the highest status in the society. It is because of their strenuous and long period of study, deferred gratification and vital role they play in the society by dealing with sick people, and treating them equally, professionally and ethically. Functionalists emphasized on the

Symbolic interactionism and functionalist approaches are very different. The Symbolic interactionism approach focuses more on interpreting someone’s behaviors for how to act and what their intentions are. The functionalist approach focuses more on the functions they perform because these functions lead to the stability of our society (Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum, R., & Carr, D. (n.d.). What is Sociology? In Introduction to sociology (Seagull 9E. ed., p. 18). New York: W. W. Norton & Company

interaction to survive. From that they created sociology, the study of how humans interact within ones environment and with others. Sociology allows us to understand why people interact he way they do, and how their outside environment can effect that. Sociologist have created four major theoretical perspectives to categorize different forms of social interaction. The death penalty is a huge controversial issue in the United States. The four major theories functionalist, conflict, symbolic interaction, and

There are two sociological theories that are known to share and differentiate on certain perspectives. Conflict and functionalist are those following theories. Conflict theory also known as the Marxist theory consist of social inequality, dominant or elite groups, bourgeoisie, and subordinate groups. Conflict is also a perception towards sociology that accentuate the social, political, and disparity of a group. Functionalism contracts with social order functions, dysfunctions, social institutions

theories, and identify the main differences and similarities between the theories using qualitative and quantitative evidence to support or challenge the main theory. It will also discuss how the evidence contradicts the theories. Sociology is the study of society. Sociology is a study that could help us to understand the relationship between an individual and the institutions and the interdependent roles within the social relationships (Llewellyn et al., 2008). According to Cree (2010) sociological