Role Of Functionalism In Sociology

Sociology is one of the most important subjects today as it helps us explain and examined our behaviors as individuals, along with the society as a whole. Sociologist 's view on the society can be different depends on the perspective that the sociologist decides to study under. Some sociologists look at the society in a wider lens to learn about the society as a whole, while others might choose to look more at the smaller part of the society for closer details about human behavior in everyday aspect. Either way, sociologists will always learn about new information regarding which perspective they study the society with. There are three main perspectives that sociologists would more likely to choose. They are the Functionalist Perspective, …show more content…
They would see the social interaction as a competition between groups for resources and powers due to unequal distributions. It does not have to be violent as it can be things like party politics, negotiations, etc. Similar to the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective look at the society and its struggle as a macro-level. This perspective, otherwise known as conflict theory, has its origin from Karl Marx’s works. Marx’s works were about the struggle between different classes and how those those tensions help shaped the society. He studied about the distribution of wealth between the high class and the working class create a clash of interest. With the topic of presidential debate and election, the conflict theory would likely to examine the words and promises the two candidates of the presidential debate, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trumps, and whether these promises are said just to attract voter or if the candidates will keep their words or not. This presidential debate is the last straw for both parties to get more for the upcoming battle on November. If what the candidates said during are just words without action, people will revolt as they lose their trust with the government. This can turn into violence if the candidates continue to broke their promise. This debate also increase tension between …show more content…
They study the behavior of smaller group and how the event will affect everyday activities. They then use these everyday actions and behavior to explain the bigger part of society. Symbol plays a big part in the interactionist perspective as symbol serves as a shared values that can be acknowledge by the members of the society, similar to norms. If a sociologist with interactionist perspective studies the rating of the debate, he/she would conclude that the debate will become hot topic for gossiping and as a way for people to express their opinion regarding the debate and the candidate they think that did better. This will help friends learn better about each other beliefs and values if there are people with different political support in the group of friends. This can also be as a way for teachers/professors and students to get to know each other better and understand each other values, like how the sociology professor would discuss with his/her students in class after the debate and give his/her opinions regarding the debate as well as receiving his.her students opinions and thoughts. This can help increase the student participation and engagement in discussion during class time. It serve as a way of communication and a common topic for people start their conversation, along with catching up people who did not have a chance to watch the debate. In