The structural-functional perspective is a sociological theory that views society as a complicated system where components cooperate to generate solidarity and stability. It posits that social systems, which are generally constant patterns of social conduct, control our lives (Gaur). People’s lives are shaped by social institutions, such as our families, communities, and religious groups (Barkan). Yet some traditions, such as a greeting or elaborate religious rites, offer a daily life shape. Each social fabric includes social functions or effects on the overall functioning of society.
“Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both” (Mills). Such a quote follows the essentials of the structural-functional perspective. Mills makes such a statement taking into account that every person is an integrated component of society who shapes the latter’s fundamental pillars multi-dimensionally. Society, in turn, impacts the individual to an equal extent, given that it is an environment in which they exist. Mills stresses the depicted complex structure of person-society interconnection.
The conflict perspective focuses on the rivalry between social groupings for scarce resources. According to conflict theory, societal and commercial institutions are employed to sustain inequality and the power of the ruling class via the battle between groups or classes. According to conflict theorists, competition is a persistent and, at times, overpowering aspect of practically every human connection and encounter (Hayes). Given the premise of conflict scientists that conflict exists between socioeconomic strata, one of the outcomes of this confrontation is a revolutionary occurrence.
“Social reforms are never carried out by the weakness of the strong; but always by the strength of the weak” (Marx). This statement directly reflects the idea of the inevitable revolution resulting from the conflict between social classes. Marx assumes that the lowest classes (weak) are capable of defeating the privileged ones (strong). The latter sooner or later lose their power ties. As a result, the oppressed strata come into force and gain the authority to rule – usually after military riots.
Symbolic interaction theory, also known as the symbolic interaction perspective, is a sociology theory that aims to comprehend the link between persons and their society by emphasizing the symbols that help people give importance to their daily experiences. Social scientists see the symbolic interaction perspective as a foundation for constructing theories that view society as the result of ordinary human interactions (Barkan). This theory examines the way social connections and people’s interpretations of their relationships with others influence how they understand the world around them. Individuals create a sense of their social realities via conversation and social engagement – the interchange of meanings through symbols and language, according to the symbolic interactionist approach.
“Our individual lives cannot, generally, be works of art unless the social order is also” (Cooley). The provided statement is likely to follow the fundamental idea of symbolic interaction and understanding of human relations. Cooley suggests that people’s daily routines cannot be sophisticated and joyful if the social environment in which they exist is not developed to the corresponding degree. It means that society imposes particular perception patterns upon a person, shaping their vision of life. If the mentioned patterns are not significant – not being the manifestation of “art” – individuals will not consider life rationally. This might result in negligence toward natural and obvious beauty that can be seen day to day.
Works Cited
Barkan, Steven. Sociology: Understanding and Changing the Social World. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing, 2016. Web.
Cooley, Charles. “Charles Horton Cooley Quotes.” Az Quotes. Web.
Gaur, Akankha. “Structural Functionalism.” Britannica. 2022. Web.
Hayes, Adam. “Conflict Theory Definition, Founder, and Examples.” Investopedia. 2022. Web.
Marx, Karl. “Karl Max Quotes.” Az Quotes. Web.
Mills, Wright. “C. Wright Mills Quotes.” Az Quotes. Web.