Theoretical Perspectives Essay
The social world in which human live in has different perspectives that can be explained by the sociology theories. These include the various ways in which people can describe their immediate environment. The approaches help a human being to find explanations to certain phenomena in the world through the designed principles (Harley, 2008). The perspective provided by the theories helps us to predict and explain the events of our contemporary world. Sociologists universally agree on three views. These are; conflict perspective, functionality perspective and interactionist perspectives. The aspects explain the behaviour of human being and their interaction with the social world.
According to the perspective of the functionalists, the societal system is made up of interconnected segments that depend on each other to bring harmony and balance in the society (Wong, 2008). For instance, the family is known for nurturing, production and socializing members of the community. Likewise, educational institutions equip people with knowledge and skills that are essential for survival in society. On the other hand, politics provides governance to the members of the community. Similarly, economics facilitate the forces of manufacturing, supply and consumption of goods and services. Finally, religion imparts morals that influence the behaviour of people in society.
The functionalist perspective is focused on making the society a compact segment that depends on every individual part. The theories address challenges such as the existence of single parents in the community hence contributing to the low academic achievement of students due to lack of adequate care and provision of their immediate needs. Similarly, the increased commitment of parents has also reduced their time with children hence impacting their productiveness in the society. On the other hand, positive development in the community such as technological advancement has encouraged students to improve on their learning strategies hence increasing their knowledge and skills that make them more productive in society. Furthermore, the increased attention on feminism has provided women with the power to fight negative perceptions in the community, such as job discrimination of women and workplace harassment.
In contrast to the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective is focused on the division that members of the society have based on individuality as people seek resources, power and other personal interests. Some members of the community are comfortable with specific societal arrangements since they provide them with ability, among other benefits (Stehr, & Meja, 2011). For instance, the theories of feminism have been focused on campaigns that demand the social, economic and political systems. This is because most women feel that the sectors are male-dominated and requires a change. The theory is based on the need for economic development for every society as established by Karl Marx. Also, the difference needed results from the enhancements of the sectors in the community, such as industrialization that brings class among individuals of the society. This brings a division in the society as some workers earn less money, and hence they remain dependent on their employees. Also, there are religious diversities that bring the difference between people in society.
The perspective of symbolic interactionist analyzes macro sociology. The theory establishes the institutional impact on the problems that are experienced in society (Wong, 2008). In contrast to the other arguments that consider the broader segments of the society, the symbolic interactionist perspective is focused on the small individual groups in society. This theory suggests that individuals are affected by the meaning imparted by others through symbolic interactions. The theory presumes that distinct personal purpose rather than that taught at the institutions. Therefore, real institutions focus on creating meaning to the behavior of individuals. Therefore, our interactions with others impact our personal lives and behavior.
I find the functionalist perspective more appealing due to the unity it tries to bring to society. According to this theory, a functional society that pays attention to all the parts is essential in bringing stability. For instance, this society will have reduced cases of fear, property loss and physical violence. This is because there is increased cohesion in society due to the moral bonds between the people. Furthermore, the theory focuses on both hidden and open elements of society and how they impact the people. A society that fails to pay attention to the small segments is considered dysfunctional and negatively impacts the productivity of the citizens.
I found the other theories less appealing since they focused more on an individual, gains rather than the overall good of the society. The conflict perspective is focused on the acquisition of power hence focused on individualism. Although feminism is useful in bringing gender equality in the society, it brings a division between the political, social and economic systems thus hindering cohesion. Consequently, the social structures encounter division that hinders the efficient provision of services that are beneficial for every individual. Similarly, the symbolic interactionist perspective is focused on small groups of individuals instead of the general society. I consider this theory self-based since it is concerned with building individual behavior.
The theories of sociologists explain the development in the society, interaction, social events and patterns. The approaches have varying scares of focus as they try to solve the problems of society. The functionalist perspective is more appealing since it focused on the unity of the society at large. Therefore, this theory is essential in bringing collaboration between the different sectors of society.
Reference
Harley, K. (2008). Theory use in introductory sociology textbooks. Current Sociology, 56(2), 289-306.
Wong, M. (2008). Studies of educational change from three disciplinary perspectives: Sociology, policy, and human development (Doctoral dissertation, Northwestern University).
Stehr, N., & Meja, V. (Eds.). (2011). Society and knowledge: contemporary perspectives in the sociology of knowledge and science. Transaction Publishers.