Sociology Symbolic Interactionism, Functional, And...

There are three main theoretical perspectives in sociology: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. These theories serve as an approach to the formulation and solution of social problems. Each theoretical perspective defines specific touch to the study, interpretation, and evaluation of social objects. Despite the fact that these theories use different approaches to research, all of them can be applied together to any aspects of a social life to better understand the nature of human relationships and to give a bigger picture of studying subject. The main idea of symbolic interactionism lies in the statement that human interactions take place through the interpretation of symbols and signs. Human actions and relationships are defined by symbols, which had been created and fulfilled with meaning by human beings themselves. And that makes symbols the essential part of any society. American sociologist George Herbert Mead, one of the founders of this theory, considered human actions as social behavior based on communication. He believed that people respond not only to the actions of the others but also to their intentions, and interpret them on the basis of the analysis and actions of our past experience in similar situations. For example, a reached out hand can symbolize one of the following: a greeting, attack, or a plea for help. Only by interpreting a symbol, we can react to it, as to shake hands with the other person, firmly grasp or leave.Show MoreRelatedThe Major Theories of Sociology Essay1221 Words   |  5 PagesSymb olic Interactionism In the field of sociology, sociologists use many different theories to base their ideas and observations on; however, the three major theories that are used are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. It is these three theories that will be the focus of this paper. To begin with, we will start with symbolic interactionism. Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead developed symbolic interactionism. In order to understand what this theory isRead MoreCritical Theory, Functionalism And Symbolic Interactionism Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesIn sociology, there are three major theories; critical theory, functionalism and symbolic interactionism. These theories express the structure of society in which each theory looks at a different aspects of sociology. Sociologists apply these theories in the study of society, but it becomes difficult if only one theory is applied. For that one applied theory, would only look at the aspect to which it is confined to. To successfully study sociology all three theories must be applied together. CriticalRead Moretheories of sociology1205 Words   |  5 PagesRunning Head: CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY 1 CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY Abstract The purpose of this essay is to discuss the three basic theories of sociology. The three basic theories of sociology are functional, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. These theories are studied on the micro or macro level. The micro level is the sum of interactions between people and groups. The micro level analysis is based on small groups and individuals versus the macro level which is viewedRead MoreFunctionalist Theory And Conflict Theory1597 Words   |  7 PagesEmily Harris Sociology 409 Exam #2 Group A FUNCTIONALISM AND CONFLICT THEORY Functionalisms reign was dominant through earl 1950s through late 1960s. August Comte, Herbert Spencer, and Emile Durkheim played important roles in the development of the theory. 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Structural Functionalism, Functional Analysis, Positivism): Until relatively modern times the prevalent sociological perspective was Functionalism, a paradigm which analyzes social structures (such as religion, schooling, or race relations) to deduce what social functions (such as marriage conventions, college attendance, or hiring practices) derive from them. This theoretical approach views society as a system of inter-dependentRead MoreSoc/100 - Applying Sociological Perspectives1063 Words   |  5 Pageswebsites impact society? Above all, this is the question that is the central focus shared by all three of the primary sociological perspectives (Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and, Symbolic Interactionism) when studying and performing research on the topic. Otherwise, the three paradigms of sociological theories are differentiating interpretations of how they perceive social networking sites. Namely, I find this subject intriguing because humans are perpetually seeking innovationsRead MoreThe Theoretical Perspectives Of Sociology911 Words   |  4 Pages Symbolic interactionism is the first of the three theoretical perspectives in Sociology. This avenue of examining sociological factors looks at more personal interactions than the other two perspectives. Sociologist observe patterns and behaviors of these smaller interactions to define, or redefine, the use and evolution of symbols in society. Some sociologist see this approach as being too focused on one person’s view and take on society rather than trying to understand society as a functioningRead MoreTheories That Serve As Lenses For Analyzing Society : Functionalism, Conflict Theory, And Symbolic Interactionism1433 Words   |  6 PagesTake-Home Final Within the study of sociology, there are three main theories that serve as lenses for analyzing society: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalism is based largely on the works of the sociologists Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, Robert Merton, and more. According to the functionalist perspective, society exists as a harmonious system of interconnected parts that maintain a state of social equilibrium and balance as a whole. Different social elements