The Three Sociological Perspectives - Essay Example

The three sociological perspectives: Part one There are various theories in sociology that seek to better comprehend society. Numerous things influence a person’s lifestyle, behavior, relationship and so much more. In order to comprehend how all this fits society, this paper is going to discusses three methods that are undertaken during sociology studies and through analysis will contrast as well as compare these three differing perspectives, as well as their applications in life. When carrying out studies within the field of Sociology everybody is going to approach the topics in different ways. No, two persons will have the same opinion on a specific subject. However, there are three main categories through which people could choose to approach the topics. The methods are known as sociological perspectives and include Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, & Symbolic Interaction. These perspectives state different methods by which different individuals choose to analyze a topic, and how they perceive society. The ensuing paragraphs compare as well as contrast the three areas, identify key characters and applications of each. The Structural Functionalism method of sociology highlights the way that sections of society are organized in order to maintain stability (Stolley 30). The Conflict Theory accepts that social behavior is best comprehended in terms of tension or conflict among various groups (Bartos and Wehr 1). Symbolic Interaction generalizes fundamental or daily social interaction forms (Blumer 2). Structural Functionalism perceives society in a positive way and perceives it as being stable, with each section working in unison. In contrast, of the Structural Functionalism perception regarding stability, conflict theorists view society as being in a continuous struggle. The notion of conflict is not violent; it could simply be disagreements that can be resolved through a moderator (Platt 835-865). This is not as per the Symbolic Interaction, which focuses on how lesser groups behave, in order to comprehend the general functionality of society. Under the Structural Functionalism outlook, every social facet within a society contributes to the survival of the society, and failure to do so, that facet is not passed on onto the next generation. This is different as compared to the symbolic Interaction, which involves the study of people in their daily behavior and observes their reaction in particular surroundings. Such surroundings may encompass material things, other people, symbols, and actions. When approaching a topic with a Structural Functionalism perspective, latent and manifest functions as well as dysfunctions are studied and analyzed. A function manifest of an institution is that which is stated as well as expected. Whereas a latent function is that which is unexpected or can illustrate a hidden purpose of the institution, as well as a dysfunction being a component of an unstable society (Rothman, 1998). These functions, as well as dysfunctions, are used in analyzing the society. This is in contrast with the Conflict Theory perspective, which views society as that which is full of struggle and tension among groups. Just like Structural Functionalism, it analyzes society on the macro sociological level. Moreover, this reveals a disparity with the Symbolic Interaction perception of society, in which people influence each other’s daily social relations. In differing with Structural Functionalism as well as conflict theory perspectives, societal studies regarding Symbolic Interaction perspective are carried out at micro sociological levels. Put differently, the studies are done on a lesser scale to comprehend the larger scale. Two individuals were primarily responsible for the growth of the Structural Functionalism perspective; they were Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. Durkheim’s contribution towards Structural Functionalism perspective was when she was studying region, and its responsibility for the people’s feeling of solidarity, as well as unit within groups. Whereas, Parson, a Harvard University sociologist, was largely influenced by Emile Durkheim. In response, Parsons affected sociology by controlling the area, with his Structural Functionalism opinions, for forty years (Korpi et al. 4). Two key contributors regarding the Conflict Theory perspective formation were Karl Marx as well as Du Bois. Marx described that conflicts among society classes was unavoidable since workers always are exploited because of capitalism. Through Karl Marx’s work expansion that sociologist are able to apply conflict theory in all areas of society. Despite the fact that there are matches between Marxist theories as well as conflict perspectives, they differ. A significant feature of Conflict Theory perspective is the encouragement it gives sociologist to view society through the population’s eyes of whom do not affect decisions. Du Bois’s contribution to conflict theory perspective was by way of studying the society concerning race, particularly blacks, and their struggles in the society (Platt 835-865). George Herbert Mead has been credited with being the founder of Symbolic Interaction perspective, and Charles Horton Cooley has shared his views. George Herbert was the a university of Chicago professor who focused on the one to one situational analysis as well as other small groups. Herbert closely observed body language such as facial expression, body posture as well as voice tone. He also asked queries on how other group members’ gestures were effected. George Herbert’s students presented his opinions after his death, because of his lecture hearing (Platt 835-865). Part two Crime is a social phenomenon that relates to human behavior. A sociologist based on the Structural Functionalism perspective will use a method of studying a society at the macro sociological level. This sociologist will be interested in the aspects of the community itself. The perception of an individual within the Structural Functionalism perspective is that they are socially shaped and not forced to carry out any societal functions. Societal order, as perceived by a Structural Functionalism, is upheld when members of society cooperate with each other, for example, when communities or society come together to fight crime. Structural Functionalism sees social change as being positive as well as predictable (Blumer 78). The main notion of the functionalist perspective is stability. The sorts of questions this sociologist might ask will be what can the society do to change criminal activities? The conflict theory perspectives core idea is that of competing interests among groups and existence of social inequality, hence the need to always have some form of conflict. Regarding the crime, these activities are seen as being shaped by authority and power. Social order is perceived as being maintained through force and not cooperation, for example, authoritarian rule, protests and military rule. In addition, social change is unpredictable and is continuously ongoing. The sorts of questions this sociologist might ask will be how can the criminals be punished? The believe among Symbolic Interaction is that a person can develop their own world socially through their forms of interaction. It is alleged that social order is kept when individuals share their daily behavioral understanding on crime. Sociologists based on Symbolic Interaction perspective will go on to claim that social change happens when communication, as well as the positions with each other changes. The key notion of Symbolic Interaction sociologist is to observe nonverbal communication, as well as small groups while paying close attention to symbols and objects. The sorts of questions this sociologist might ask will be how can communication be effected in the society to reduce crime? In summary, all three varying methods concerning the study of sociological issues attempt to give meaning and sense as to why people do the things they do, and that neither perspective is superior to the other, yet they just approach the same goal in different ways. Most of the things people know concerning societies as well as social behavior have come from various theories of sociology. Some theories have failed while others have worked and been accepted. Therefore, by learning more about applicable theories, we stand to gain a richer and deeper understanding of the past, present, and future of sociology. Works cited Bartos, Otomar J, and Paul E. Wehr. Using Conflict Theory. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print. Blumer, Herbert. Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1986. Print. Korpi, Walter, Julia S. OConnor, and Gregg M. Olsen. Power Resources Theory and the Welfare State: A Critical Approach : Essays Collected in Honour of Walter Korpi. Toronto: Toronto University Press, 1998. Print. Platt, Jennifer. A History of Sociological research methods in America 1920-1960, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999, pp 835-865 Stolley, Kathy S. The Basics of Sociology. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2005. Print. Read More