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Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interaction ism, The Conflict Theory
Functionalism versus the Conflict Theory versus Symbolic Interactionism
Functionalism, the conflict theory and symbolic interactionism are three distinct and common sociological perspectives that share differences and similarities due to the methods in which they evaluate society. Several sociologists, including Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber, contributed to these extensive, diverse theories. Functionalism, the conflict theory and symbolic interactionism is the study of functions, social inequality and symbolic meanings, respectively.
Theory Origin
Many helped formulate and grow the functionalist, conflict and symbolic interactionism theories. Robert Merton and Emile Durkheim elaborated functionalism. The structural-functionalism perspective views society as a combination of institutions, or functions, to equate societal stability and harmony, which Durkheim theorized. Additionally, functionalists believe that these functions rely on each other, and when one function changes, the others do as well. For example, to restore equilibrium, a product’s price might drop and consequently increase productivity. Merton supported that functions can be of different types, such as dysfunctional or latent. On the other hand, only one man, Karl Marx, is popular for developing the conflict theory, a perspective that emphasizes inequality (Mustapha). Furthermore, he evaluated that the bourgeoisie (capitalists) execute widespread power by harboring numerous resources and manipulating individuals with institutions, such as religion. This leaves the proletariat (workers) with alienation, oppression and a potential motive to overthrow the capitalists and establish a classless society. Lastly, sociologists Max Weber and George Herbert Mead influenced symbolic interactionism, an idea that is stemmed from symbols. Moreover, this theory explains that individuals interact together and set meanings on symbols, which determine society’s behavior. For example, a military group saluting its general can symbolize respect and duty, which can further determine the group’s strict, obedient behavior.
Compare & Contrast
Even though all three sociological perspectives help view society, each one has individual differences and similarities between each other. Theoretically, both functionalism and the conflict theory are macro-sociological insights that widely comprehend society’s larger elements, such as institutions. Conversely, though, functionalism assumes that institutions automatically alter themselves to create stability, whereas the conflict theory notes that institutions, like religion, are used by the capitalists to manipulate others. Also, such an inequality is different from symbolic interactionism’s support of individuals’ believing in similar meanings and symbols. Despite this difference, both theories are evidently successful in grouping individuals together, by class or symbols. Similarly, symbolic interactionism shares a theoretical similarity of dependency with functionalism because functionalism and interactionism assign society’s interdependence on institutions and ascribed communication, respectively. Nevertheless, interactionism attributes situations to humans’ meanings, whereas functionalists would emphasize the general functions that played a role.
Personal Opinion
I appreciate functionalism the most and disapprove some aspects of the other theories. I believe that functionalism explains sociology the best among all three theories because it technically regards sociology as a natural science itself that is based on positivism. In addition, it explains sociology most widely, whereas the other two theories are more limited to individuals and socio-economic classes, respectively. Also, I believe the conflict theory is not well developed and symbolic interactionism, a micro-sociological study, cannot observe wider societal situations.
Overall, all three theories gave influential contribution to sociology. Functionalism observes functions, which exist for social stability. The conflict theory garners most individuals into two classes that stimulate inequality. Symbolic interactionism concentrates on individuals who assign, share and agree on symbolic meanings and mannerisms. The theories’ techniques of observing, defining and analyzing society explain their differences and similarities.
Works Cited
Mustapha, Nasser. “Sociological Perspectives.” Sociology for Caribbean Students. Kingston, Jamaica: Ian Randle, 2009. 25-31. Print
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