Socioctionalism, Conflict Theory, And Social Subactionism

Sociological Imagination

Sociologists analyze human society and interaction using varied ideas and trends. There are three main thought processes used when deciphering social interactions. Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are used to understand how society works. There are strengths and weaknesses that are attributed to each of the theories. Structural functionalism is the macro-analysis of society that supports the assumption that society is a stable and orderly system. This approach sees society as a complex structure that works together to function properly. The society shares a common set of beliefs, norms, values, and behavior patterns called a societal consensus. The society will institute social

It does not recognize change or progress in society as a positive thing but more of a deviation. Also not recognized are inequalities due to race, gender, and social class. Conflict theories are perspectives that focus on the inequality of classes and the power struggle for scarce resources. This macro-analysis theory focuses on constant conflict and change in society unlike functionalists. It is comprised of multiple theories involving gender, race, and economic inequalities. These theories support the idea of a ruling elite enforces social order on the weak and poor. The constant conflict and competition between classes cause society to keep changing. Karl Marx is considered the father of the conflict theory. Marx focused on the socioeconomic tension between classes and the exploitation of workers. Max Weber came to the conclusion that economic conditions, power, and prestige created inequality and conflict in societies. C. Wright Mills provoked sociologist to get involved in social reform as well as observe inequalities in

This theory observes how people interact with each other and consider symbols and details of daily life. Theorists of this perspective support the idea that people associate symbols with a subjective meaning. Different people who see the same symbol will interpret it differently thus peoples perceived realities are different. George Herbert Mead is credited with introducing the symbolic interactionist perspective. Herbert Blumer, a student of Mead, first coined the term symbolic interactionism. He stated that a persons reaction to a symbol was determined by that persons previous social reactions and their environment. Symbolic Interactionist theory is often criticized for having too narrow of an observation field, meaning that this theory often neglects the big picture and larger social problems. It disregards the effects of social forces and institutions The private issue I picked is obesity. I personally do not suffer from obesity but I do have family members and friends who struggle with it so I do understand their situation. Structural functionalists, conflict theorists, and symbolic interactionists will attempt to relate obesity to society each in their unique