Sociological Theories

Sample Solution

     

Structural Functionalism

• Outline: Structural functionalism is a macro-sociological theory that sees society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability. The theory focuses on the functions that different social institutions perform, such as the family, the economy, and the government.

• Discussion: Structural functionalism was developed by Talcott Parsons in the early 20th century. Parsons argued that society is a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability. He identified four functional prerequisites that all societies must meet in order to survive: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and pattern maintenance.

Full Answer Section

     

• Adaptation: This refers to the ability of society to meet its basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Goal attainment: This refers to the ability of society to achieve its goals, such as economic growth and social order.
• Integration: This refers to the ability of society to ensure that its parts work together smoothly.
• Pattern maintenance: This refers to the ability of society to transmit its values and norms from one generation to the next.

Structural functionalism has been criticized for being too simplistic and for ignoring conflict and change in society. However, it remains an important theory in sociology and has been used to explain a wide range of social phenomena, such as the rise of the welfare state and the decline of the family. Symbolic Interactionism

• Outline: Symbolic interactionism is a micro-sociological theory that focuses on the meanings that people give to their interactions with others. The theory argues that people create and use symbols to communicate with each other and to make sense of the world around them.
• Discussion: Symbolic interactionism was developed by George Herbert Mead in the early 20th century. Mead argued that people are not born with a set of pre-defined beliefs and values. Instead, they learn these things through their interactions with others. He called this process of learning "socialization."
• According to symbolic interactionism, people use symbols to communicate with each other. These symbols can be words, gestures, or even objects. When people interact with each other, they interpret the symbols that the other person is using. This interpretation is based on the person's own experiences and understanding of the world.
• Symbolic interactionism has been used to explain a wide range of social phenomena, such as the development of self-identity, the formation of social groups, and the spread of rumors. It is a powerful tool for understanding how people make sense of the world around them and how they interact with each other.

Conflict Theory

• Outline: Conflict theory is a macro-sociological theory that sees society as a system of conflict between different groups. The theory focuses on the power that different groups have and how they use this power to achieve their goals.
• Discussion: Conflict theory was developed by Karl Marx in the 19th century. Marx argued that society is divided into two main classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie are the owners of the means of production, while the proletariat are the workers. Marx argued that these two classes are in conflict with each other, as the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat in order to make a profit.
• Conflict theory has been used to explain a wide range of social phenomena, such as war, poverty, and social inequality. It is a powerful tool for understanding how power relations shape society.

Conclusion These are just three of the many sociology theories that exist. Each theory has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each can be used to understand different aspects of society. By understanding these theories, we can gain a deeper understanding of how society works and how it changes over time.