Interactionism And The Sociological Perspective Of The World
explanatory Essay
956 words
Viewing the World “Sociologically” When people view their world and society, they use their own individual worldview, which significantly impacts whether they have a negative or positive outlook on the world around them. In sociology, this worldview becomes evident as the person applies one of the three sociological perspectives in examining society. These three sociological perspectives (structural functionalism, the conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism) are distinct from each other and seek to describe society as it truly exists by means of interactions and structure. In the structural functionalism perspective, one sees the world as a machine, made of intricate and unique parts all functioning for the benefit of the whole. Kimberly …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains how sociological perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism) are distinct from each other and seek to describe society as it exists through interactions and structure.
- Explains structural functionalism as a framework for building theory that sees society as complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
- Explains the conflict theory, popularized by karl marx in the mid-19th century, which focuses on the oppression of the individual by dominating forces.
- Explains the symbolic interactionalism theory, which examines society as a complex collection of relationships and beliefs among people.
- Explains that symbolic interaction theory analyzes society by addressing the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviors.
- Explains that roles are set of expected behaviors in a social situation, and if disrupted, they can cause social tension. this perspective places an immense amount of value on the self.
- Explains that they hold the structural functionalism perspective. they believe that each person in society has a certain task to keep society functioning.
- Concludes that the structural functionalism perspective provides the best and most accurate representation of society's structure. conflict does not create progress and unity, but rather chaos and separation.
This theory examines society as a complex collection of relationships and beliefs among people (Claerbaut, 2004). These relationships among people consist of the core of society. According to this perspective, society could not function without them. In regards to how people interact in their relationships, Boundless.com states, “The basic notion of symbolic interactionism is that human action and interaction are understandable only through the exchange of meaningful communication or symbols. In this approach, humans are portrayed as acting, as opposed to being acted upon.” Ashley Crossman further describes the symbolic interactionalism perspective by …show more content…
I believe each person in society has a certain task he must fulfill in order to keep society functioning. In my family, each person has a specific task that he must complete in order to keep our family running smoothly. My mother homeschools my four younger siblings, and my father works outside the house and provides for the family financially. Each of the children also has an assigned role he is responsible for. This system of roles and tasks is also evident outside our household. For example, in a company, a variety of people must fill specific positions in order to keep the company stable. One must fill the position of president or CEO and make the majority of decisions in the company (Hanly, n.d.). In addition to the president or CEO, a manager must preside over a group and communicate and assign certain positions to other employees (Hanly, n.d.). Furthermore, a group leader surveys work production and efficiency (Hanly, n.d.). Lastly, the general employees perform the majority of labor. Without people performing their specific roles in the company, the company will fail to be efficient and
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- Socioctionalism, Conflict Theory, And Social Subactionismanalytical essaySociologists 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.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that sociologists analyze human society and interaction using varied ideas and trends. structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism are used to understand how society works.
- Explains that herbert spencer was the founder of functionalism. talcott parsons advocated the importance of roles being fulfilled to promote proper function of society. robert merton established the concept of deviance and differentiated manifest and latent functions of social patterns.
- Opines that structural functionalism is strong at comprehending society as a whole, but it has several drawbacks.
- Explains 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.
- Explains that marx focused on the socioeconomic tension between classes and the exploitation of workers. max weber concluded that economic conditions, power, and prestige created inequality and conflict in societies.
- Argues that conflict theory is a pessimistic outlook on society. it assumes that social structure is put in place only benefit the elite and keep lower class workers in subordinate positions without them being aware of their social standing.
- Explains that symbolic interactionist theory observes how people interact with each other and consider symbols and details of daily life. different people who see the same symbol will interpret it differently.
- Explains that george herbert mead introduced the symbolic interactionist perspective. herbert blumer coined the term symbolic interactionism.
- Explains that symbolic interactionist theory is often criticized for having too narrow of an observation field, meaning that it neglects the big picture and larger social problems.
- Opines that they do not suffer from obesity but have family members and friends who struggle with it so they understand their situation. structural functionalists, conflict theorist, and symbolic interactionist will attempt to relate obesity to society.
- Argues that functionalists argue that obesity is a useful part of society and encourages people to pay attention to their diet and fitness.
- Argues that people are oppressed into obesity by the ruling elite. they argue that obesity prevents social mobility and reproduction of the working class.
- Analyzes how symbolic interactionists would focus on how people interpret an obese person, in a negative fashion or association with poor health.
870 wordsRead More - Major Sociological Theoriesexplanatory essay1 Most sociologists interpret social life from one of three major theoretical frameworks or theories: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, or conflict theory. Describe the major points and key concepts of each framework. List at least one sociologist who is identified with each of these three frameworks.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that most sociologists interpret social life from one of three major theoretical frameworks or theories: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, or conflict theory.
- Explains that symbolic interaction is focused on individual interactions with other people, things or the events.
- Explains that functional analysis uses macrosociology to explain how society works. the theory is presented as a living organism in which every individual or institution is necessary to work together for society to thrive.
- Explains that conflict theory by karl marks is based on inequity conflict, exploitation in society, and it is consistently calling for revolution and changes.
- Explains that sociologists use macro and micro analysis to predict or explain trends in society.
- Describes the seven components of nonmaterial culture, including language, values, norms, sanctions, folkways, and mores.
- Explains that values in the culture determine what is desirable and respectful behavior, or interaction with society and other people. being overweight is a matter of social status.
- Explains that norms are the ways that individuals are expected to behave in specific culture. burping after the meal in middle eastern counties is a compliment to the lady of the house.
- Explains folkways, people way, are non-written norms appointing how individual should behave in casual everyday social interactions. breaking them will not get you arrested, but you will be frowned upon and be subject of gossip.
- Explains that mores are essential for proper function of society. positive and negative sanctions are written norms and awards of penalties for good or bad social behavior.
- Explains that agents of socialization are the influences that shape us as a person, individuals, and members of society.
- Explains that family is the first socialization agent, and that as parents, we shape our children into productive, successful individuals by controlling their behavior.
- Opines that family is the most influential socialization agent, if applied as much as it should.
1707 wordsRead More - Sociological Povertyanalytical essayThe three (3) major sociological theories include: symbolism (which relates to the use of symbols and/ or face to face interactions); functionalism (which relates to matters that are associated with the society and how these variables are functional to one another) and conflict theory (which related to conflicts that are associated with the competition for limited resources and how the wealth people deprive the poor and/ or weak people the right to access these resources for their needs) (Mooney et al., 2010).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the purpose of this essay is to reveal the different sociological perspectives that exist.
- Describes the three (3) major sociological theories: symbolism, functionalism, and conflict theory.
- Explains that symbolic interactionist perspective is a sociological theory that implements the use of symbols and/or direct facial interactions.
- Explains that the functionalism perspective reveals the manner in which societies are structured so as to provide stability and support to one another.
- Analyzes the conflict theory perspective, which seeks to reveal that the society is made up of people who seek to compete for the limited resources that exist.
- Explains that the increase in poverty levels in rural usa was caused by demographic as well as socio-economic shifts in the nation.
- Analyzes waldo's study on the causes of poverty in rural america, stating that has taken a symbolic interactionist perspective.
- Concludes that the source of information is legitimate because the article has been peer reviewed and available as a scholarly article in the google scholar database.
- Explains that rural america is the worst hit by poverty when compared to urban america. the study has been peer reviewed and available as a scholarly article in the google scholar database.
- Explains that there are three (3) major sociological theories and perspectives which are quite essential in our society: symbolism, functionality and conflict theory.
- Explains that economic slowdown, social unrest, and political instability are the main reasons why poverty levels are high in rural america. people who endure poverty always look into the possibility of moving to urban areas.
- Explains the sociological perspectives that best address the research question include the symbolic interactionist perspective, functionalism perspective and conflict theory perspective.
1615 wordsRead More - Looking at the World Sociologicallyanalytical essayLooking at the World Sociologically To look at the world sociologically, one must first understand the definition of sociology. Sociologists, according to Peter L. Berger are people who are “intensively, endlessly, and shamelessly interested in the doings of men.” They study people in their natural habitat, which is wherever people gather. So in order to look at the world from this perspective, one should “think systematically about how many things we experience as personal problems are really social issues that are widely shared by others born in a similar time and social location as us.”
In this essay, the author
- Explains that sociologists study people in their natural habitat, which is where people gather. this is known as the "sociological imagination", coined by c. wright mills.
- Explains that social structures are everywhere and basically make up how our society functions. there are many positives and negatives to observe when discussing social structure.
- Explains that race and ethnicity are terms used everyday in our society, but sociology says there is no such simple grouping of people. labels like black and white can have a negative connotation attached to them.
- Analyzes how eduardo bonilla-silva explains "color-blind" racism, which gives the whites a false notion of racial equality. the mass media portrays minorities in negative and stereotypical roles.
- Explains that gender and sexuality are related and linked because of cultural beliefs about how an individual should act in public based on their gender.
- Explains that gender begins with the assignment to a sex category on the basis of what the genitalia looks like at birth. social construction refers to the entire system of social processes that create and sustain gender differences and gender inequality.
- Explains that society believes that men and women are different and often have a preconception against same-sex relationships.
- Analyzes how social interaction has an effect on how individuals see the world around them. conforming can cause conflict and individuals or groups are labeled.
- Concludes that we as individuals need to look at the world sociologically. everyday we are confronted with conflicts and injustices. social interaction gives us tools to understand our personal self in relation to others.
1507 wordsRead More - Sociological Perspective On Teen Depression And Suicideanalytical essayThere are three main types of sociological perspectives in which you can perceive different sociological issues and concepts; structural-functional, symbolic-interaction, and social conflict. Structural-functional looks at society as a whole and how it works together. Symbolic-interaction is how different symbols spark particular thoughts and emotions by examining the meanings that people impose on objects, events and behaviors. Social conflict studies how power and coercion affect social order. Based off these types of perspectives, an analysis on teen depression and suicide can be evaluated from a sociological standpoint.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there are three types of sociological perspectives: structural-functional, symbolic-interaction, and social conflict.
- Explains that suicide and depression relates to structural functionalism because social relationships may reduce an individual's choice to carry out the act of suicide.
- Explains that symbolic interaction focuses on how individuals care about others opinions and the importance they place on others perceptions. suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people.
- Explains that social conflict perspectives and the importance that society places on power and status in life seem to have a direct link to teen suicide.
- Opines that to prevent teen depression and suicide, parents and educators need to be aware of the importance of social integration, zero tolerance for bullying, and socioeconomic status.
- Analyzes how sociological perspectives provide new insight as to how society and our culture play a part in teen suicide and depression.
716 wordsRead More - Symbolic interactionism perspective is defined as “the study of how people negotiate the meanings of social life during their interactions with others” (Rohall, Milkie, and Lucas, 2014, p.27). It asserts that “we construct meaning about things that are important in our own lives and in our society” (Rohall, Milkie, and Lucas, 2014, p.28). These meanings derive from social interactions among individuals which
In this essay, the author
- Explains that many social problems exist in today’s society, among them is homelessness. through the symbolic interactionist perspective, they will explore the causes
- Defines symbolic interactionism as the study of how people negotiate the meanings of social life during their interactions with others.
- States that homelessness occurs when people or households are unable to acquire and/or maintain housing they can afford. 564,708 from many communities reported themselves as homeless on a given night of january 2015.
- Explains that unexpected financial crises led to homelessness in families, with high rates of domestic violence and mental illness. young people were homeless because of family conflict, while veterans reported themselves as homeless due to war-related disabilities.
- Explains that chronic homelessness involves long-term and/or repeated bouts of houselessness coupled with disability (physical or mental). the reasons for their situation vary, but include unemployment, insufficient income support, or lack of affordable housing.
- Explains that jessica, like many other homeless people, have adapted to their social world and created their own reality through their day-to-day experiences according to the symbolic interactionalist perspective.
- Recommends providing permanent and stable housing to homeless individuals and families, with few/no condition and alcohol and substance abuse programs, for youth, family reunification, and case management to help resolve internal family conflict.
- Explains that the sociological symbolic interactionism explored homelessness and its causes in order to become aware of such problem in society.
758 wordsRead More - Symbolic Interaction Approach Essayexplanatory essayOverall, the symbolic-interaction approach is a major concept in sociology and in society. The symbolic-interaction approach is a main part of understanding how people interact and how society interacts as a whole. This approach involves symbols, language, and body language all perceived by each individuals in society. The symbolic-interaction approach focuses on patterns of interaction is certain settings in society. It is important to understand this concept to learn that not everyone’s interpretation of society may be the same and to work towards creating a better
In this essay, the author
- Explains the symbolic-interaction approach, developed by max weber during 1864-1982, which sees society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals.
- Explains the importance of studying the symbolic-interaction approach to learn that people interpret interactions differently.
- Explains that people's behaviors change based on the meaning we give social interaction. if a teenage girl had just changed schools, she could use the symbolic-interaction approach to interpret the symbols.
- Explains that the symbolic-interaction approach is a major concept in sociology and in society. it involves symbols, language, and body language.
493 wordsRead More - Symbolic Interactionism Research Paperanalytical essayWe understand and perform on social objects. Our most important form of social objects are people. Symbolic interactionism is also called symbolic interaction perspective, the major framework of sociological theory as we know it today. People rely upon interaction with others; socializing has become the key factor of our everyday lives. Symbolic Interactionism is the meanings that we impose on objects, people, and sometimes even behaviors. Our society is a huge structure built by human interpretations.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the fundamental difference between catholic and protestant christianity. both use the same readings, have devotion, and both lecture their members of how to live the right way.
- Explains that functionalism comes from emile durkheim's words on religions. it provides social cohesion, social control, and meaning to answer existential questions.
- Explains that emile durkheim studied tribes in australia, a part of australia that is the least developed. he believes that the true power derives from moral authority.
- Explains that symbolic interactionism is the major framework of sociological theory as we know it today.
- Explains what symbolic interactionism is. it involves assigning a meaning to an object, personal evaluation of that symbol, and how meanings change over time.
- Opines that religion is a major source of conflict, and that we must educate, learn and live to the best of our abilities.
1367 wordsRead More - Essay On Sociological Theorisingargumentative essaySociology is described as “looking at the world a particular way” (Matthewman & West-Newman, 2013) When opening your mind to this, it is then easier to discover the reasons why we do certain things and why things are the way that they are. There are three main schools of sociological theorising, which are conflict theory (creating a social hierachy), Micro Interactionism (studying social interactions), and Functionalism (how social events contribute to social order). These ideas are defined by sociologists Karl Marx, Max Weber, Durkheim, Irving Goffman, and ---- in an effort to reveal the inner functioning’s of the world.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the three main schools of sociological theorising, which are conflict theory, micro interactionism, and functionalism.
- Explains that conflict theory is recognized as the inequalities within capitalist society. having resources such as money, power, material items and certain social relationships improves an individual's chance of excelling in society and determines where they are placed in the social hierarchy.
- Explains that max weber, a social theorist, agreed that economics was important on one's position in the social hierarchy, but extended his ideas to other social factors such as interests, political views and wealth.
- Criticizes the theory of functionalism, which downplays society's unifying future. power used to be legal now its economic
- Explains that charles cooley created the concept of ‘the looking glass self’ where we act based on an image of how others could perceive us, and modify our behaviour accordingly.
- Explains that when individuals engage in games they start to see the roles of themselves and others.
- Compares the three man schools of sociological theorising with key theorists. the two foremost scholars on social stratification are marx and weber.
- Analyzes karl marx's theory of the bourgeoisie, petite, and proletariat in the algreian to industrial revolution period.
- Describes micro sociology as a theoretical perspective that looks at human interactions, behaviours, and roles to understand society and its inner workings.
- Explains that mead believes that we have two parts to our life the i- the internal part of ourselfves and the me-the me is created by. we learn to understand how others see us the me and respond to that with our i.
737 wordsRead More - Interactionist Sociological Perspective Analysisexplanatory essayThe Interactionist sociological perspective generalizes about every day forms of social interaction in order to explain the society as a whole. The level of interaction between society and media is at an all time high. From morning television, listening to the radio and even while using Facebook, media remains increasingly pervasive and influential into the ways in which people identify personally and interact mutually. The symbols attached to particular aspects of media manifest themselves into the interpersonal dynamics of every day interactions and social groupings. Through personal identification of symbols used in traditional sources of media or through the inception of certain ways to view sociological concepts, people interact accordingly
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the interactionist sociological perspective generalizes about every day forms of social interaction in order to explain the society as a whole.
- Explains that information technology and social media act as near-instantaneous and highly flexible modems for interaction between people.
243 wordsRead More