Historical roots of perspective - Essay Example

Historical Roots of Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionism & Postmodernism Functionalism is a theory in sociology that tries to explain how social order works. It origin can be traced back to Émile Durkheim in the early 1900s (Dillion 35). He explained social structures using the theory where he stipulated that each part of a community or society contributes in some way to the stability of the society as a whole.Marxism is not only considered a social theory, but it is also considered a political and economic theory.

The theory is based on communism and greatly opposes capitalism (Deamato, 55). It views capitalism as the root of all evil. It advocates for communal ownership of property and service to ones nation. The theory was pioneered by Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx during the mid and late 1800s. Marxism is common in Eastern Europe and Asia Over the years famous people like Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin have used the theory to rule their people.Interactionism is also a theory in sociology originally developed by George Herbert and James Parker.

The theory tries to explain social processes like conflicts as a result of interactions between human beings. The theory was later divided into six subdivisions by Herbert Blumer. He broke down the theory into; symbolic interactionism, social action, phenomenology, social constructionism, ethnomethodolgy and verstehen (Dillion 56). Postmodernism can be traced back to the 1870s where it was suggested by John Watkins (Dillion56). It views culture and art in a nontraditional way. It can be viewed as a state of living rather than a theory.

Works CitedDeamato Paul. The Meaning of Marxism. Chicago. Haymarket , 2006. Print.Dillion Michele (2009). Introduction to Socialogical Theory. Heorists, Concepts and their Application in the 21st Century. New Jersey: John Wiley &sons, 2009. Print.