Katherine George
Professor Comer
Sociology 210
13 July 2017
Social Conflict Theorist, Structural Functionalist, and Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Religion
The three major theoretical perspectives in sociology are Symbolic Interactionism, Structural Functionalism, and Conflict Theory. Symbolic Interactionism focuses on one on one interactions while Structural Functionalism focuses on society as a whole. These three schools of thought were developed in the early twentieth century. They help explain religion's role and importance in society. “Worldwide, more than eight-in-ten people identify with a religious group” (Pew Research Center, 2012). Religion is important to understand and explain because it is practiced in many different societies around the world.
At an individual level, religion can be perceived in many different ways based on culture, life experience, and what the individual is seeking or expecting to derive from the experience. One individual might see religion as a way to find out about the supernatural world, afterlife, and a sense of spiritual peace. A counter-perspective is an individual looking for social interaction, a distraction, or a hobby; while another might not affiliate themselves with religion at all. Religion holds different meaning and symbolizes different things according to the individual, …show more content…
Even with there being numerous different religious options, religion in and out of itself largely contributes to society by bringing people together socially and emotionally. It can also form tight-knit local communities. Religious organizations are often extremely charitable among their local communities and other organizations. They are willing to lend a helping hand through things like community service and drives. Religion certainly has a place in structural functionalism as it is an important part in a large, interworking social
Professor Comer
Sociology 210
13 July 2017
Social Conflict Theorist, Structural Functionalist, and Symbolic Interactionist Approach to Religion
The three major theoretical perspectives in sociology are Symbolic Interactionism, Structural Functionalism, and Conflict Theory. Symbolic Interactionism focuses on one on one interactions while Structural Functionalism focuses on society as a whole. These three schools of thought were developed in the early twentieth century. They help explain religion's role and importance in society. “Worldwide, more than eight-in-ten people identify with a religious group” (Pew Research Center, 2012). Religion is important to understand and explain because it is practiced in many different societies around the world.
At an individual level, religion can be perceived in many different ways based on culture, life experience, and what the individual is seeking or expecting to derive from the experience. One individual might see religion as a way to find out about the supernatural world, afterlife, and a sense of spiritual peace. A counter-perspective is an individual looking for social interaction, a distraction, or a hobby; while another might not affiliate themselves with religion at all. Religion holds different meaning and symbolizes different things according to the individual, …show more content…
Even with there being numerous different religious options, religion in and out of itself largely contributes to society by bringing people together socially and emotionally. It can also form tight-knit local communities. Religious organizations are often extremely charitable among their local communities and other organizations. They are willing to lend a helping hand through things like community service and drives. Religion certainly has a place in structural functionalism as it is an important part in a large, interworking social