Three Major Theoretic Perspectives Essay

In sociology there are three major theoretic perspectives or paradigms used to analyze the broad spectrum of topics social scientists study. These three fields are structural functionalist, symbolic interactionist and conflict theory. A theory is a set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions whereas a paradigm is similar to a framework or model of the world.

Scientist who work from the structural functionalist paradigm share three key assumptions as to how society functions and maintains order. They believe a society has a universal understanding of values and norms that are maintained by the society. Functionalist think that society is made up of several integrated parts that effect one another as changes occur. Lastly functionalist think society tends to seek stability and avoid conflict. Sociologist Robert K. Merton coined the terms “functions” and “dysfunctions” to more realistically reflect the realities of a given …show more content…
There are four assumptions that constructionist hold about the nature of the social world. For example, how people behave depends on how they evaluate reality and that people learn from one another how to even evaluate reality. Also people are continually trying to interpret their behavior and attempt to determine what others behaviors mean. Finally symbolic interactionist posit that when people do not attach the same meaning to a behavior or perceived reality, conflict inevitably ensues. Utilizing the micro perspective of symbolic interactionist to explore education you might gather that education is sometimes used to tailor a person to a certain occupation. An individual’s job is sometimes a defining role and characteristic of someone’s identity. Higher education is a symbol of status in many parts of