Theory Identification Paper
Jessica Gobin
Wichita State University
October 4, 2016
Theory Identification Paper
Sociologists focus on the environment and the social aspects of human behavior in order to answer why people act the way we do. When observing a society there are different sociological perspectives that can be used, and as people can look at matching things in different ways more than one perspective could be used at any time. In this paper four theories, functionalism, conflict, symbolic interactionism and feminism will be discussed, they will be evaluated for differences and similarities, also the theorist associated with each theory and how conflict theory applies to socialization.
Sociological Theories
What we know about groups has been revealed through the studying of society. Over time sociologist have come up with theories that have added to the understanding of society, relationships, and social behavior. Learning about sociological theories, provides a deeper understanding of sociology's past, present, and future.
Functionalism
The functionalist perspective, also known as functionalism, it interprets each part of society in sections of how it contributes to the stability of the whole society. Society is more than the sum of its parts; rather, each part of society is responsible for the stability of the whole group. This theory evaluates the different parts of society that are primarily composed of social institutions, each of which is originated to fill different needs, and each has consequences that form and shape the society being studies. The parts of the society depend on each other. The main institutions are defined by sociology and are important to understand for this theory. According to functionalism, an institution only exists because it serves a role in the functioning of society. If it no longer serves a role, the institution will disappear. When needs change or appear, new institutions will be created (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).
Functionalism highlights the order that exist in society, focusing on social stability and shared values. This perspective when it lacks proper planning in the system, such as deviant behavior, will lead to change because societies parts must change to create stability. When one part of the system is not working, it affects other parts and creates social issues, which leads to social change. It does not encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment, even when doing so may benefit them. Instead, functionalism sees social change as unwanted because the various parts of society will make up what is needed in a natural way for any problems that may appear (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).
Conflict
Conflict theory states that strains and struggles arise when resources, status, and power are not equally divided among the groups in society and that these struggles become the reason for change. Power can be understood as control of resources and acquired wealth, politics and the institutions that make up society. A person’s social status related to others is not determined just by their class but by race, gender, sexuality, religion, among other things (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).
Symbolic Interactionism
The symbolic interaction perspective, also called symbolic interactionism. This perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. It evaluates society by addressing the meanings that people decide for objects, events, and behaviors. The meanings are given because it is believed that people behave based on what they think and not just on what is true. Thus, society is thought to be socially constructed through human interpretation. People interpret one another’s behavior and it is these interpretations that form the bonds of society (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).
Critics of this theory claim that symbolic interactionism neglects the macro level of social interpretation the “big picture.” In other words, symbolic interactionists may miss the larger issues of society by focusing too closely on the “trees” rather than the “forest”. This perspective also is criticized for the influence of society on individual interactions (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).
Feminism
Feminist theory examines the status of women and men in society. The knowledge gained is used to better women's lives. The theory looks at the differences among women, including how race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, and age interconnect with gender. Feminist theory is concerned with giving a voice to women and stressing the numerous ways women have given to society. The four major areas that are studied: gender differences, gender inequality, gender oppression and structural oppression (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).