theories of sociology - 1205 Words

Running Head: CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY 1 CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY Abstract The purpose of this essay is to discuss the three basic theories of sociology. The three basic theories of sociology are functional, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. These theories are studied on the micro or macro level. The micro level is the sum of interactions between people and groups. The micro level analysis is based on small groups and individuals versus the macro level which is viewed on a larger scale and looks at society as a whole. In the functional theory members of society share a common interest of values, beliefs, and behavioral expectations. In the conflict theory there is a constant struggle between resources and†¦show more content†¦One change or shift in society can either make optimal opportunities to the community or create the start of a downward spiral. I have found that all three theories are based on society and how an individual person or a group of people acts or behaves greatly affects each of these theories. It is amazing the amount of cha nges that a person can go through by having to deal with social changes. Lastly, in order to explain which theory best describes our social reality we need to define what social reality means. Social reality is basically created through social interactions, individual motives, and actions. It is a little difficult for me to choose one theory that relates to our social reality that we live in today. I feel that we could easily fall under each theory depending on the circumstances. The functionalist theory is made up of different parts that all work together like a puzzle to build stability or a strong foundation. This theory involves CLASSIC THEORIES OF SOCIOLOGY families and large communities that have a strong bond formed to support one another. We must support and invest in our schools and churches to make a difference in our community. If we lose our church due to lack of finances then our community could lose its faith. The conflict theory is generally when there is a struggle for resources. Let’s face it, today we as a society are struggling with obtaining resources needed as theShow MoreRelatedThe Sociological Theories Of Sociology1198 Words   |  5 Pages1. What is Sociology and who was the founder of Sociology? When and how did Sociology emerge as a field of study? Sociology is study of the human society by observing and doing experiment. Sociology is mainly study in two ways; basic/pure and applied. Auguste Comte was the founder of sociology. Sociology was emerged as a field of study during the 1920s and 1930s. It becomes field of study because people started to observe a lot of things on a society such as: inequality, discrimination, poornessRead MoreThe Social Theory Of Sociology1525 Words   |  7 Pagescomparison to others, sociology is continuing to develop and form to the beliefs and opinions of present and future generations. The definition of sociology is the methodical study of various societies. These societies are thus the sum of all individuals from small clusters to complex social organizations. Sociology studies societies with a scientific perspective, in order to achieve knowledge concerning human society and ways to attain progress within it. This means that sociology helps improve peoples’Read MoreThe Social Theory Of Sociology1476 Words   |  6 PagesSociology has been a recognized academic subject in British universities for over a hundred years. The subject maintains its specialist standard but components of it can be found in various degree courses including teaching, health profession, journalism and, social work. Its influence on such a broad range of disciplines and professions grants it a highly regarded status in the academic world. (Cunningham Cunningham: 2008). Sociology examines the social causes, explains outcomes, concentratesRead MoreThe Major Theories of Sociology Essay1221 Words   |  5 PagesInteractionism In the field of sociology, sociologists use many different theories to base their ideas and observations on; however, the three major theories that are used are symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, and conflict theory. It is these three theories that will be the focus of this paper. To begin with, we will start with symbolic interactionism. Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead developed symbolic interactionism. In order to understand what this theory is all about though,Read MoreThe Classical Social Theory Of Sociology2749 Words   |  11 Pages Theory Paper Vince Cataldi Classical Social Theory Mary Gallant May 4th, 2015 Abstract Sociology is a study that continues to grow with information everyday. What makes sociology so spectacular is they still base today’s studies off of theories that happened many years ago. Sociology would not be as powerful in today’s society without the basic knowledge it was built on from such people as Emile Durkheim himself. Among many other sociologists Emile Durkheim helped build a subject thatRead MoreTheories Of Sociology : Functionalism And Marxism Essay1894 Words   |  8 PagesThis essay will aim to outline and criticise two critical theories of sociology: Functionalism and Marxism; while exploring their approach towards education in society. As a result, reaching a conclusion that is able to suggest and explain which of these perspectives offers the most accurate analysis of this area. First emerging in the nineteenth-century Europe, the Functionalist approach is a variant of Structuralism and was heavily influenced by Emile Durkheim (Haralambos Holborn, 2008, pp.Read MoreLimitations of theories of sociology of deviance2475 Words   |  10 PagesTheories of Deviance are limited in their ability to explain deviant acts if one adopts the view that these theories are universal. There is no universal, right or wrong theory, rather each theory provides a different perspective which only fully makes sense when set within an appropriate societal context and values framework . The functionalist theories share a common structural explanation of causes of deviance . They assume that conformity in society is achieved through the existence of normsRead MoreConflict Theory : Conflict Criminology, And Sociology799 Words   |  4 PagesConflict Criminology and Sociology Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a German philosopher and revolutionary socialist. His works, such as the Communist Manifesto, laid the foundation for what is known as conflict theory. According to this theory, it is viewed that criminal behavior is the result of interpersonal and human conflict (Siegel, 2015). In the book, Using Conflict Theory, the authors, Otomar Wehr (2002), describe conflict as â€Å"any behavior that helps the party to achieve its goal that is incompatibleRead MoreCompare and Contrast of 3 Sociology Theories1162 Words   |  5 PagesSociology is the study of society. Through the centuries, sociologists have tried to provide an explanation as to why and how humans interact with each other on a social basis. Sociologists have divided sociology into two levels, microsociology and macrosociology (Sociology). The level of microsociology studies is on a smaller perspective, as macrosociology is the study of society on a larger analysis. Today, sociology has three major t heories: symbolic interactionism, functionalism and conflictRead MoreFeminism and the Sociology Theories behind It1190 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Project Feminism is a sociological theory that analyzes the roles that women and men play in society. Feminism can be defined as the belief of unequal rights between men and women. Women are not always treated equally and this sparks many concerns in our society. There are 2 different theories that will be focused on in this paper, gender-inequality theory and gender oppression. The differences between these two still lead up to the way women are treated in a community or the way men