Sociological Perspectives Of Functionalism, Conflict Theory, And Symbolic Interactionism

This response addresses question four and define the provided theories, which include structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. In doing so, various components of the theories are identified in relation to the topic of social change. In doing so, it is important to point out that in sociology, theories are used to explain the patterns, the way groups of people decide to perform specific actions, and the way societies do certain things or rather experience a change in a different manner. On the other hand, social change implies the growth and development of a social order, which bears some significant consequences.

If one thinks an issue might be a conflict ask these questions and if they can be answered then this would be the correct sociological perspective.

The conflict perspective, or conflict theory, derives from the ideas of Karl Marx, who believed society is a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change driven by class conflict. Conflict theorists generally see social change as abrupt, even revolutionary, rather than incremental (https://courses.lumenlearning.com).

Conflict theory focuses on the inequalities based on social order or class, and those that have more power and resources can influence our society. A conflict theorist would view the use of social networking as a platform in which the powerful can use their resources to promote social change.

Conflict Theory – Macro level – This is built off of resources, status and power that is not evenly distributed throughout groups in our

The Functionalist theory believes that society functions so that each individual plays a specific role. Their perspective of social inequality is the belief that "inequality is not only inevitable but also necessary for the smooth functioning of society."

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.

Identify the four major sociological theoretical paradigms. For each, what are the key tenets? How does each explain how society works?

The three primary theoretical perspectives in sociology are Functionalist Perspective, Conflict Perspective, and Symbolic Interactionist Perspective.

‘In a very large and interesting class of cases the social reference takes the form of a somewhat definite imagination of how one's self--that is any idea he appropriates--appears in a particular mind, and the kind of self-feeling one has is determined by the attitude toward this attributed to that other mind. A social self of this sort might be called the reflected or looking glass self: " Each to each a

ourselves based on what other peoples’ opinions are, but we are influenced by what we THINK

People within society are not seen as equal, there are people who are more privilege and others who will never get ahead (Colomy, 2013, p.37). The conflict paradigm differs from the functional paradigm because it can better explain social change within society, however it is not reliant when explaining social stability (Freeman, 2017, lecture 1). The conflict paradigm poses strengths along with weaknesses. Strengths of the conflict paradigm are that it recognizes the power struggles that occur within society and it acknowledges and challenges unequal power among individuals (Freeman, 2017, lecture 1). The weaknesses that conflict poses are the fact it assumes inequality and that it is hard to apply to interactions (Freeman, 2017, lecture 1). The major benefit society gains from this paradigm is its ability to promote social change. This paradigm is important in Chambliss’s piece on what excellence is and what it takes to be successful. Not everyone has the ability to achieve excellence however if individuals have accesses to the proper resources their achievements are more likely to be pursued (Chambliss, 1989, 72). Competition allows for people to struggle achieving excellence, which creates diversity within the world. In addition, Adler and Adler’s piece on cliques also relates to conflict. Cliques are famously known for the power struggle of social status and

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).

Social cognition is being investigated on how it is linked with social comparison. This perspective is trying see what social cognitive processes are used during social comparison. Selective search is done to analyse people that are most similar for social comparison. Not only contrast but also assimilation with comparison target. Individual differences also make a difference on social comparison. For example self-esteem impacts not only the frequency of social comparison but also the direction (Buunk & Mussweiler,

The structural-functional theory also known as functionalism is sociological theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Functionalists view education as a contribution to the smooth inner working of society. Education is a lifelong process, we are constantly learning new things and deepening our knowledge of things we already know. The education system works to prepare individuals to become fully functioning members of society. It works to teach people certain skills that will help them to be successful in life. However, education not only teaches people the skills they will need to be successful in life, but it also teaches them how to be decent citizens and to work well with others. Many people view education are a service to the overall function of society.