Religion and the Three Paradigms
Introduction
Each Paradigm, functionalism, conflict theorists, and interactionism, all have different views on many subjects. Religion is a subject that almost all perspectives along with many people of the world have differing views on. Religion has always been a controversial topic throughout society and many sociologists believe its controversial in their field as well. All paradigms have different views on religion and most aspects of religion as a whole.
Summary
Functionalism, Conflict theory, and Symbolic Interactionism are all different theories located throughout sociology. Ritzer claims that paradigms are related to a certain sociologist’s fundamental image of the subject matter of sociology (Dobbelaere …show more content…
There are vast amounts of different religions all throughout society today, and even throughout the past. Basic religions such as Judaism and Christianity aren’t the major religious influences in modern times. Now, there are hundreds of different other religions stemming off the originals. People start new religions every year and that causes differences throughout society. Conflict theory disagrees with differing values and doesn’t agree with them. Differing values and beliefs are the core of conflict theory. Modern day Conflict Theory mostly sticks to defending modern capitalism. Savur claims that resolution of conflict of intrest leads to a higher phase of equilibrium within the capitalist system (1975). Well known conflict theorists include Karl Marx and Augusta Comte. Conflict Theory is also considered a macro theory, meaning theorists study large groups rather than small individualistic groups. Many people still see conflict theory as relevant due to all the conflict in the world. Conflict theory can be seen as the opposition of Functionalism. Conflict theorists see dissension and conflict all throughout every aspect of society and see every point in that society is subject to …show more content…
Symbolic Interactionism is the only paradigm of the three that studies small groups rather than large ones. Interactionists tend to rely on action and interaction throughout society (Ritzer 1975). Religion is an example of how different symbols along with their meanings can be an example of Symbolic Interactionism. Each religion has different totems and symbols that hold meaning for that particular religion. Durkheim explains how Austrailian tribes alternate between “mundane” periods and “sacred periods”. Mundane periods are when meanings of different symbols are stable and basic while sacred periods are when the symbols can be changed or reconfigured (Hausmann, Jonason & Summers-Effler 2011). Symbolic interactionism can explain different religious symbols and how each religion, along with different aspects of society, worship different totems and ideas. Many religions have an item or belief that they worship and hold above all others. Christianity, for example, symbolizes God as an important symbol along with the Holy
Introduction
Each Paradigm, functionalism, conflict theorists, and interactionism, all have different views on many subjects. Religion is a subject that almost all perspectives along with many people of the world have differing views on. Religion has always been a controversial topic throughout society and many sociologists believe its controversial in their field as well. All paradigms have different views on religion and most aspects of religion as a whole.
Summary
Functionalism, Conflict theory, and Symbolic Interactionism are all different theories located throughout sociology. Ritzer claims that paradigms are related to a certain sociologist’s fundamental image of the subject matter of sociology (Dobbelaere …show more content…
There are vast amounts of different religions all throughout society today, and even throughout the past. Basic religions such as Judaism and Christianity aren’t the major religious influences in modern times. Now, there are hundreds of different other religions stemming off the originals. People start new religions every year and that causes differences throughout society. Conflict theory disagrees with differing values and doesn’t agree with them. Differing values and beliefs are the core of conflict theory. Modern day Conflict Theory mostly sticks to defending modern capitalism. Savur claims that resolution of conflict of intrest leads to a higher phase of equilibrium within the capitalist system (1975). Well known conflict theorists include Karl Marx and Augusta Comte. Conflict Theory is also considered a macro theory, meaning theorists study large groups rather than small individualistic groups. Many people still see conflict theory as relevant due to all the conflict in the world. Conflict theory can be seen as the opposition of Functionalism. Conflict theorists see dissension and conflict all throughout every aspect of society and see every point in that society is subject to …show more content…
Symbolic Interactionism is the only paradigm of the three that studies small groups rather than large ones. Interactionists tend to rely on action and interaction throughout society (Ritzer 1975). Religion is an example of how different symbols along with their meanings can be an example of Symbolic Interactionism. Each religion has different totems and symbols that hold meaning for that particular religion. Durkheim explains how Austrailian tribes alternate between “mundane” periods and “sacred periods”. Mundane periods are when meanings of different symbols are stable and basic while sacred periods are when the symbols can be changed or reconfigured (Hausmann, Jonason & Summers-Effler 2011). Symbolic interactionism can explain different religious symbols and how each religion, along with different aspects of society, worship different totems and ideas. Many religions have an item or belief that they worship and hold above all others. Christianity, for example, symbolizes God as an important symbol along with the Holy