Symbolic Interactionist Perspective In Sociology - 1543 Words

Sociologists analyze and interpret social phenomena at different levels and from different perspectives. Sociologists study everything from specific behaviors on the micro level to generalized, big pictures on the macro level. Each palpable explanation and theoretical generalization of society and social behavior that sociologists provide, contribute to the understanding of complex behaviors we demonstrate everyday. Pioneering sociologists introduced a broad conceptualization of the fundamentals of society. These views are now the basis of which today’s theoretical perspectives are formed. (Contributors at CliffsNotes, 2016) A theoretical perspective, a set of assumptions about reality that demise the questions we ask and support the†¦show more content†¦Functionalist Perspective According to the Functionalist Perspective, also known as functionalism, each aspect of society is interdependent and the parts its people have in it all contribute to society’s functioning as a whole. Largely based on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton, functionalism states that society is a system of interconnected parts that rely on each other to maintain balance and social equilibrium. Functionalism emphasizes the interconnectedness of society by focusing on the relationships and influences present in each part of society. Terms as functional and dysfunctional are often used by sociologists focusing on functionalism. Elements are said to be functional if they contribute to social stability and dysfunctional if they break the pattern of stability. (Crossman, 2017) Functionalists are described to defend the status quo, avoid social change, and believe people cooperate to effect social order. Functionalism addresses society as a whole by standards of norms, customs, traditions, and institutions. While once criticized for failure to account for social change and ignoring systematic inequalities that naturally produce tension and conflict. The functionalist theory easily allows for specific macro-analyses of more contentious power imbalances while also permitting aShow MoreRelatedSymbolic Interactionist Perspective Of Sociology830 Words   |  4 Pageswith the sociological approach called the symbolic interactionist perspective. This approach is used to describe how our society can be viewed and its variants applied to daily interactions. Sociologists use a variation of theoretical perceptions to make sense of the world. These perspectives or ideas provide a structure for understanding explanations on matters, we find odd. The approach we will focus on is the symbolic interactionist perspective of sociology which looks at society as a product ofRead MoreTheoretical Perspectives in Sociology are Functionalist Perspective, Conflict Perspective, and Symbolic Interactionist Perspective585 Words   |  2 PagesThe three primary theoretical perspectives in sociology are Functionalist Perspective, Conflict Perspective, and Symbolic Interactionist Perspective. Functionalist perspective was introduced around the 1940s, by three men: Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton. According to their perspective, society has intertwined parts that work together to create social balance. In other words, sociologists focus on the connecting various parts of society and analyze how a group/personRead Moretheories of sociology1205 Words   |  5 PagesRunning 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 viewedRead MoreSoc/100 - Applying Sociological Perspectives1063 Words   |  5 Pages Applying Sociological Perspectives Stephanie Ann Tombline SOC/100 May 30, 2016 Jennifer Hudgins Applying Sociological Perspectives Social networking sites - such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, Pinterest, just to name a few - provide individuals with an online web of global networking that allows maintaining social ties with one another. Sociologists often ponder, How do these social websites impact society? Above all, this is the question that is the central focus shared byRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism1727 Words   |  7 PagesSymbolic interactionism, or interactionism for short, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. This perspective has a long intellectual history, beginning with the German sociologist and economist, Max Weber and the American philosopher, George H. Mead, both of whom emphasized the subjective meaning of human behavior, the social process, and pragmatism. Herbert Blumer, who studied with Mead at the University of Chicago, is responsible for coining the term, symbolic interactionismRead MoreThe Theory Of Social Life1581 Words   |  7 Pages In order to interpret social life we have utilized three primary theoretical perspectives. In this paper I will summarize all three primary perspectives by identifying the role, figures and key concepts related to each of these three theories. I will then identify which of these three theories I find most useful in studying sociology today and then I will explain the rationale behind my selection. Finally, I will provide my own argument to the debate as whether the purpose of social research shouldRead MoreSymbolic Interactionism, By George Herbert Mead And Charles Horton Cooley937 Words   |  4 Pages Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that is influential in many areas of the sociological discipline. It is particularly important in microsociology and social psychology. Symbolic interactionism is derived from American pragmatism and particularly from the work of George Herbert Mead. Herbert Blumer, a student and interpreter of Mead, coined the term symbolic interactionism and put forward an influential summary of the perspective: people act toward things based on the meaningRead MoreThe Core Concepts Of Sociology1578 Words   |  7 PagesThe core concepts of sociology are a combination of original theories with improved sociological approaches that build upon them over time. Sociology utilizes three main theories to approach the study of society with different focus points that result in different outcomes. Furthermore, as stated by Robert Faris and William Form from britannica â€Å"The early schools of thought each presented a systematic formulation of sociology that implied possession of exclusive truth and that involved a convictionRead MoreScociological1136 Words   |  5 PagesSociological Paradigms There are three sociological perspectives that shape the structure of society as a whole. Functionalist perspective, symbolic interactionism and conflict theory. Sociologists develop these theories to explain social phenomena. In this essay I will explain the origins and evolution of the three main sociological perspectives and listing the sociologists that made major contributions to these disciplines. â€Å"The functionalist perspective is a sociological approach which emphasizesRead More Social Phenomena Essay1118 Words   |  5 Pages(Kendall, 23). The three classic theories of sociology include the functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and symbolic interactionist perspective. The functionalist perspective aims to explain sociological phenomena based on the belief that our society is a balanced system that depends on each part of the group to work together in order to survive. Most people in the group share that same morals and ethics. This varies greatly from the perspective of conflict theorists, who believe that each