SOC-102 Theoretical Perspectives Essay PDF

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Theoretical perspectives essay for principles of sociology at GCU...

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1 Jordann Worth SOC-102 May 17, 2020 Leisha Jones Theoretical Perspectives Essay In sociology, there are three different ways one might view the world sociologically. These theories are based on social facts which are social realities that influence human behavior (Claerbaut, 2015). Sociological theories were developed as an attempt to explain human group behavior at a more complex level. Eventually sociologists came up three theories, two at the macro level and the other at the micro-level and they are structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Structural functionalism is one of the theories that look at society at the macro level and views society as one system with many parts and structures. In structural functionalism, “These structures work together to accomplish purposes or functions” (Claerbaut, 2015, para.9). An important part of the success of structural functionalism is that there needs to be an agreed-upon set of standards that will allow the system to operate but there will always be dysfunctions. Dysfunctions are negative effects on the economy but as long as a society is more functional than dysfunctional it will survive. The second macro-level theory is the conflict theory but it is quite different from structural functionalism. This theory consists of the belief that there are a bunch of groups inside a society that are in constant competition. This competition can be for power, reputation, or resources. This theory emphasizes the fact that groups might change but that doesn't change the battle for power or controlling it. The conflict theory also states that race, gender, and religion

2 play a part in this competition and gives explanations of why women are still fighting for equal rights and minorities are still fighting to end racism. It is a constant negative cycle that is neverending (Claerbaut, 2015). Symbolic interactionism is very different from the previous two and is a micro-level theory. Symbolic interactionism does not look at society as a whole but instead sees all the relationships people create that build a society. The main component of symbolic interaction is to understand, “people are thinking beings, not merely unthinking occupants of structures or conditioned members of competing groups” (Claerbaut, 2015). Another important component of this theory is the belief that people can increase communication skills by interacting with someone that may have a different perspective. The sociological theory that I agree with the most and represents my view of the world is the conflict theory. This particular theory does have a negative connotation connected to it but this world is nowhere near perfect. Richard Simon (2016) says, “Conflict theory impels us to recognize that every dimension of social structure can be conceptualized in terms of winners and losers, and social conflict often causes disastrous and tragic consequences for the losers in the social struggle” (p. 2). This quote explains the conflict theory perfectly because it states that everything in life can be a competition and those that are “losers” get the worst treatment. I did grow up in a home that taught me that you will never be handed anything and the best thing you can in this world is work hard. I will continue to work hard to reach my goals but others take it to another level. Those people think that by putting other people down because of their race, gender, or religion they gain power and sadly those people will always exist. An example of conflict theory in world events today is the very controversial topic of police brutality. Police brutality and the black lives matter movement has brought the attention of

3 many and has impacted so many lives. Brian Chama (2019) says,” … Black Lives Matter movement is part of the long history of movements that have emerged, often at critical times, demanding changes in social policies and exposing the institutional racism that African Americans experience and continues to exist in the United States” (p. 205). I did not choose structural functionalism or symbolic interactionism for multiple reasons. I do believe in certain parts of the structural functionalism theory but our world is not perfect and I do not agree that we work as a system because if we did there would not be as much negativity in the world. I did not choose the symbolic interactionism theory because I did not agree with the belief that our society is solely based on our relationships and communication. Relationships are important in life but they do not make our society function.

4 References Chama, B. (2019). The Black Lives Matter movement, crime and police brutality: Comparative study of New York Post and New York Daily News. European Journal of American Culture, 38(3), 201–216. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1386/ejac_00002_1 Grand Canyon University. (Ed.). (2015). Our social world: An introduction to sociology. Retrieved from: http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/grand-canyon-university/2015/oursocial-world_an-introduction-to-sociology_ebook_1e.php Simon, R. M. (2016). The Conflict Paradigm in Sociology and the Study of Social Inequality: Paradox and Possibility. Theory in Action, 9(1), 1–31. https://doiorg.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3798/tia.1937-0237.16001...