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1 Theoretical Perspectives Essay There are many ways to view the world and everyone has a different way. Sociologically there are three different ways that someone can view society. Studying human social behaviors and how they change over time can alter how one perceives societies role in the world. Sociological theories are ideas on how something works in order for the concept to make sense. There are two sociological theories that look at society at a macro level and how every part of society works together as a whole, and there is one micro level theory. Having different theories influences critical thinking on how people’s social identities form. Symbolic interactionism is the sociological perspective that closely relates to my worldview. Structural functionalism focuses on how society works together and making sure all the needs are met, which means that structures have a major part in society. This theory is one of the macro level theories, meaning it looks at how each role in society balances it out. In structural functionalism, “[t]he parts are studied only in terms of how they function and contribute to the well-being of the whole society” (Claerbaut, 2015). Change is common within structural functionalism because society is dependent on structures, so they all have to accommodate to each other in order to create stability. The other macro theory is conflict theory. This theory has a negative connotation because of the name, but not all conflict has to have a negative outcome. Conflict theory looks at society as a whole and, “sees [it] as composed of a number of groups in constant battle over power, prestige, and economic resources” (Claerbaut, 2015). This theory is different from structural functionalism because society is always changing and is dependent on being flexible with different outcomes and changes of power, whereas structural functionalism is dependent on stability and structures.

2 The last sociological theory is symbolic interactionism. Symbolic interactionism is a micro theory that looks at individuals and their roles in society, rather than how society works as a whole. It is stated in an online article titled, “Symbolic Interactionism Theory”, that, “The basic idea this theory put forward is that people behave based on the meaning they have given to them” (“Symbolic”, 2015). This theory states that every individuals’ experiences alter the way they see the world and every action is based off meaning. Having social interactions and experiences can change one’s perspective on society and can change the role they play in it. The sociological theory that I agree most with is symbolic interactionism. As Faules and Alexander (1978) state, “… symbolic interaction not only integrates, but also highlights the significance of communication in determining human behavior” (p. 7). When studying human behavior, symbolic interactionism can show how everything has different meaning for individuals. I have seen this theory throughout my life in many instances. For example, I went to a spring training baseball game with my roommate last year and each of us had a different experience. I grew up going to baseball fields and watching my brother and dad play out in the field, so I loved the environment. I wasn’t bothered with sitting in the grass under the hot sun, but my roommate did not have the same experiences as me to influence her love for the sport. Watching the game was enjoyable for me because I understood the positions and plays being made, but she didn’t. This is an example of structural functionalism because the meaning of the experience had a different significance for the both of us because of our past interactions. An example of symbolic interactionism in world events is seen throughout the one of the most controversial politic debates happening in society today. As most citizens of the United States of America are aware there is a problem with gun violence and mass shooting in the country. Symbolic interactionism plays a role on what individuals see as a solution to this. Those

3 who have the experiences with weapons, gun control does not seem just in their eyes, well as others who might not have the same experiences are pushing for stricter gun control. While there are many other factors that play into this debate, symbolic interactionism plays a major role in the opinions of American citizens. Conflict theory and structural functionalism relate to most events happening in society, but they are macro theories, which analyzes society as a whole, without looking into the individuals of society and their importance. Symbolic interactionism states that people behave in a way that their experiences have influences them to. It can be see through many examples in society, and even our own personal lives.

4 References Claerbaut, D. (2015). Sociological beginnings. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.) Our social world: An introduction to sociology. Available from http://lc.gcumedia.com/soc102/oursocial-world-an-introduction-to-sociology/v1.1/

Faules, D. F. & Alexander, D. C. (1978). Communication and social behavior: A symbolic interaction perspective. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing. SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM THEORY. (2015, April 20). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/symbolic-interactionism-theory/...