Is it possible to interpret social life? According to sociologists throughout history, it is. Sociologists use theories to explain how facts are related. To interpret social life there are three main theories that are referenced. Those theories are, the Symbolic Interactionism Theory, the Conflict Theory, and the Functional Analysis Theory. The functional analysis theory focuses on the fact that society is a whole unit composed of various parts. It recognizes that each part has a specific function. The conflict theory views society as a constant competition for scarce resources. Finally, the symbolic interactionism theory focuses on how an individual uses symbols to understand and communicate.These theories are based off of social status, interaction
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The micro level, which consists of small-scale patterns and the macro, which consists of large-scale patterns. Each of these theories falls on to one of these levels. The conflict theory and the functionalist theory are similar in that they are both on the macro level. They both focus on groups of people or society as a whole. While the symbolic interactionism theory falls onto the micro level because it focuses more on individual interaction, or one aspect of society at a time. Another similarity that occurs between the conflict and functionalist theories is gender roles. They both believe that man holds the power and responsibility, while the woman watches over the home and children. This belief could be possible in the game stage of symbolic interactionism. This stage is very similar to the functionalist theory because in this stage an individual starts to take on a role of the generalized other (Witt, n.d.). To develop a sense of the generalized other means that an individual starts to acquire the same attitudes, beliefs and values as the rest of their society. If man is seen as more dominate in that specific society, the individual will uphold the value of gender role. The game stage of the symbolic interactionism theory is very similar to the functionalist theory, because an individual’s role in society becomes acquired (Witt, n.d.). Both the conflict theory and the symbolic interactionism theory have …show more content…
Racism is defined as “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one 's own race is superior”(Racism, n.d.). When applying the symbolic interactionism theory to racism one would say that racism evolved because of the interactions between individuals who believed in racism. Racist attitudes and beliefs were adopted and justified treating people poorly because they were not a part of the superior race. For example, if you are a non-racist white person, one day you encounter a racist person who tells you that African Americans are angry, and rude. You will not agree with this person. But if you shortly after encounter an African American who says something rude to you, your views on African Americans may change. You may start to agree with the racist person who explained their symbol of African Americans to you earlier. Symbolic interactionism would focus on how different races interact. It would also look at how victims of racism have been confronted by their attackers. To reduce racism it would advocate that there is no superior race, and that all people are created
The micro level, which consists of small-scale patterns and the macro, which consists of large-scale patterns. Each of these theories falls on to one of these levels. The conflict theory and the functionalist theory are similar in that they are both on the macro level. They both focus on groups of people or society as a whole. While the symbolic interactionism theory falls onto the micro level because it focuses more on individual interaction, or one aspect of society at a time. Another similarity that occurs between the conflict and functionalist theories is gender roles. They both believe that man holds the power and responsibility, while the woman watches over the home and children. This belief could be possible in the game stage of symbolic interactionism. This stage is very similar to the functionalist theory because in this stage an individual starts to take on a role of the generalized other (Witt, n.d.). To develop a sense of the generalized other means that an individual starts to acquire the same attitudes, beliefs and values as the rest of their society. If man is seen as more dominate in that specific society, the individual will uphold the value of gender role. The game stage of the symbolic interactionism theory is very similar to the functionalist theory, because an individual’s role in society becomes acquired (Witt, n.d.). Both the conflict theory and the symbolic interactionism theory have …show more content…
Racism is defined as “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one 's own race is superior”(Racism, n.d.). When applying the symbolic interactionism theory to racism one would say that racism evolved because of the interactions between individuals who believed in racism. Racist attitudes and beliefs were adopted and justified treating people poorly because they were not a part of the superior race. For example, if you are a non-racist white person, one day you encounter a racist person who tells you that African Americans are angry, and rude. You will not agree with this person. But if you shortly after encounter an African American who says something rude to you, your views on African Americans may change. You may start to agree with the racist person who explained their symbol of African Americans to you earlier. Symbolic interactionism would focus on how different races interact. It would also look at how victims of racism have been confronted by their attackers. To reduce racism it would advocate that there is no superior race, and that all people are created