Question

Briefly explain the following theories in Sociology (based on your understanding): 1) Conflict theory 2)Structural functional theony 3) Symbolic Interactionism

Answer 1

1)Conflict theory was given by Karl Marx. There are various resources required for maintaining the structure of society like food, shelter, housing, employment and education. It is required for various resources like social, material and political resources. There are various socio-economic levels which have different structures and levels leading to the generation of conflict theory. George Simmel , a german sociologist believed that conflict can lead to stabilisation of different levels of society. Resolution of conflict can lead to reduction in tension, stress and misunderstandings in society. There are various issues of inequality in society which cause the generation of conflict between different social groups. It is due to competition for limited resources present between different unequal classes of society. It can lead to conflict and fight in order to obtain resources. There are two levels in society called as the ruling class and subject class. The ruling class overrules the subject class due to possession of legislative power and ruling authority in society.

2)Structural functional theory-It was given by Davis and Moore and summarized by Melvin Tumin. There are various features of social stratification theory like--

• certain positions and authority in society are more dominant require more skills for the performance of work.
• only few people in society have precision and expertise to perform the desired work.
• there is a requirement of training program to skill people in society.
• there is sacrifice involved in performing work of skill, creativity and intelligence.
• social inequality consists of many stratifications in life. There is prestige and esteem in higher forms of life with elevation of social and economic status.

3)Symbolic interactionism-It focusses on relationship among various individuals living in a society. It was founded by Herbert Mead. It is a symbolic interaction among different based on their relative importance and significance in life. It includes the learning of signs and symbols as important perspectives in life. It leads to a positive social interaction with people in life. There are different cultural scripts which lead to the formation of social interaction in drama in theaters. Constructivism is an interaction of the symbolic interaction theory. It is used for understanding the deviant behaviour in society.