interactionist, consensus, conflict
1. Discuss the different views (I.e., interactionist, consensus, conflict) that influence how crime is defined. Which do you think is the best definition and why? Your “why” should be supported with facts.
2. Discuss two strengths and two weaknesses of each of the various measures of crime. Which method do you think is best and why?
3. Discuss two ways in which you think we can lessen the dark figure of crime.
4. Based on your answers to questions 1-3, propose a new way in which you think crime data should be collected. *Note—this question involves critical thinking and should be your unique idea. You should, however, use course material to back up your thoughts.
Sample Solution
Those are three terms from sociology that refer to different perspectives on understanding society and social issues. Here's a breakdown:
1. Interactionist Perspective:
- Focuses on how individuals and groups interact with each other to create meaning and shape social order.
- Emphasizes the role of symbols, language, and negotiation in everyday life.
- Considers how social identities and relationships are constructed through interaction.
- Examples: symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, phenomenology.
Full Answer Section
2. Consensus Perspective:
- Assumes a generally shared set of values, norms, and beliefs that bind society together.
- Views social order as maintained through cooperation and agreement on basic rules.
- Analyzes institutions and social structures that promote cohesion and stability.
- Examples: functionalism, structuralism, systems theory.
3. Conflict Perspective:
- Highlights power inequalities and competition for resources between different groups in society.
- Views social order as maintained through domination and control by powerful groups over less powerful ones.
- Analyzes how social structures and institutions perpetuate inequalities and conflict.
- Examples: Marxist theory, critical theory, feminist theory.
Comparing the Perspectives:
These perspectives offer different lenses for understanding social phenomena. They are not mutually exclusive, and can be used to complement each other:
- Consensus and conflict perspectives can explain both cooperation and conflict within societies.
- Interactionism adds depth by focusing on how individuals and groups create and maintain social order through their interactions.