Theories of Human Behavior - Essay Example

Paradigm Theories of Human Behavior Much of behavior that different individuals portray in the society is highly predictable. Most people always try to conform to behaviors that their society approves to be worthy. The behaviors that are depicted by people are directly influenced by some factors such as the society, environment, and cultural backgrounds. A simple thing like a male and a female holding hand can be perceived in different ways within different cultures, depending on their norms, values, beliefs and ethics. This paper describes the three key theoretical paradigms that dominated the research and study of sociological behavior in the 20th and 21st Centuries. These theories include functionalism, conflict and symbolic interaction theories. As part of this paper, I have also done a personal reflection research on my knowledge about the three theories, and the significance of their principles. The Functionalism Paradigm This paradigm relies on the idea that a society is a complex structure whose different parts work together to promote stability (Muhammad, 2009). The two main components of this perspective include social functions (this refers to the impacts caused by the society’s operation as a whole), and social structure (refers to the comparatively stable patterns of behavior). Structural functions liken society to a human body where every organ performs its unique function different from parts. Early functionalists include Comte, Durkheim and Spencer. Its applications were further facilitated by American researchers Robert K and Talcott Parsons in the late 20th Century (Muhammad, 2009). The researchers believed that mental states (for example, pain, beliefs, and desires) are governed by their functional roles. This means that they are directly linked to other mental states, behavior outputs and sensory inputs. Conflict Paradigm This theory relies on the assumption that the society is a complex system that is comprised of conflict and inequality which causes social change (Macionis & Gerber, 2010). Privilege and power are distributed unequally by gender, social class, age and race. However, these inequalities can be restructured through various institutions such as schools. For instance, placing students in academic and non-academic programs does not depend on the talents of the students, but on their social backgrounds. Karl Max is the pioneer of this theory, and he was not only interested in investigating the structure of the society, but he also opted for change for better societies. This is the theory that is currently being used in societies to achieve gender balance. For example, women in Ontario, Canada, are applying this theory to fight for their rights in the society (Macionis & Gerber, 2010). However, it has a flaw that it does not reveal any sign of social unity, but it stresses on the pursuit of political goals. Symbolic Interaction Paradigm This is a broader framework of sociological theory. It relies on the assumptions that people learn and develop new ideas through the process of social interactions. The origin of this theory traces its roots to Max Weber’s suggestions that people behave in accordance to the way they interpret real world phenomena (Macionis & Gerber, 2010). This theory was officially introduced into the field of psychology by American philosopher, George Herbert Mead, in the 1920s. This theory describes people by analyzing the subjective meaning people impose on behavior, events and objects. Subjective meaning is of significance in this context, since people only trust the things they believe in (Macionis & Gerber, 2010). Psychologists and Philosophers therefore believe society is structured based on people’s interpretations. In the society, different individuals analyze their colleagues’ characters depending on how they interpret these behaviors. This is what forms social bonds among different people. These interpretations are referred to as the “definition of the situation” (Macionis & Gerber, 2010). Case Study: Intra-Cultural Diversity: Some Theoretical Issues Pertti Pelto and Gretel Pelto in this case study are focused to determine the issue of intra-community and intra-cultural diversity other that just focusing on the cultural framework and norms which are considered to be standardized. According to the case study, symbolic interaction and functionalism perspectives aid the understanding of different processes of social change including other theoretical problems (Pelto & Pelto, 2009). The two researchers relate a society system, to the human body, where its various components perform a specific task. For example, genetic diversity among different people participates directly in the on-going processes of human adaptation. The ideas that are presented by these researchers were earlier investigated by Theodore and Nancy Graves. This creative research and the stimulating ideas presented by the researchers help readers to gain a deeper understanding of the principles provided by functionalism paradigm (Pelto & Pelto, 2009). Personal Reflection Learning is the best way of acquiring new information. Before I read through the three theoretical paradigms that are currently dominating the psychology field to describe human behavior, I was only aware of the six modern theories that have also dominated research and studies in psychology. Functionalism, conflict and symbolic interaction paradigms are of significance since they have direct applications in the real world. For example in sports, the functionalism perspective exhibits several dysfunctional and functional impacts that sports may have in the society. A sport is a tool for promoting the desire for success among students (Macionis & Gerber, 2010).). In sport, conflict paradigm is also portrayed in the manner in which competition levels are set. Male and female inequalities are recognized during sports, including racial inequalities. Finally, sport is a social tool (interaction). A person’s perception about a specific player concerning reality becomes the central focus. Considering these paradigms, none of them is better than the other in analyzing any feature of the society. However, I personally prefer functionalism perspective than the other two paradigms. This is because it appears more relevant and efficient in analyzing real world’s phenomena than crisis and symbolic interaction paradigms. It is also particular that a society is a complex system that operates like a human body, and every part has its unique function (Muhammad, 2009). For instance, functionalists are interested in studying mental abilities that enable people to adapt to the environment. Conclusion The three paradigm theories for analyzing the human behavior provide concrete principles that are concrete in analyzing people behaviors. Each paradigm has its own unique principles for analyzing societal issues. For example, the three perspectives successfully explain the relevance of sport in the society, including other societal issues. By considering all the theories, I feel functionalism paradigm explains real world’s phenomena more appropriately and efficiently than crisis and symbolic attraction theories. Despite of the relevancy of these theories in describing human behavior, they are always subject to scrutiny. Psychologists are, therefore, free to chose on the theory that relate to the manner in which they manage their works. References Macionis J. J, Gerber L. M. (2010). Sociology: Fifth Canadian Edition. London: Pearsons Publishers. Pelto P. J, Pelto G. H. (2009). Intra-Cultural Diversity: Some Theoretical Issues. American Ethnologist , 1-10. Muhammad S. (2009). Theory of Functionalism in Education Psychology. Education Awareness and Research , 1. Read More