Question

Identify the differences in the three major perspectives within sociology: Symbolic interaction, Conflict theory, and functionalism. This assignment measures Objective #4: Identify the differences in the three major perspectives within sociology.

-How might the problem of poverty be explained differently by sociologist from each 3 perspectives? what different solutions might sociologist from these perspectives propose to end poverty?

Answer 1

Symbolic interactionism is a sociological theory. It keeps main focus on relationships among individuals. It talks about importance of communication and exchange of ideas. It explains the sense of people through which they take and try to understand this social world.

It explains poverty in a unique manner. It says that poor people try to elaborate their poverty in real world. They prefer to interact with people of their own status. They make friends same as of their economical backgrounds. They basically participate in a "culture of poverty".

A trend should be set in society which can encourage people to remain interactive with each other despite of their financial backgrounds. This will motivate poor people to improve their condition and will inspire rich people to work for the betterment of lives of poor people.

Conflict theory says that social life is like a competition. It talks about distribution of resources and their fair utilisation. It explains the concept of power generation in society and also elaborates the concept of inequality in society.

It seems inspired with ideas of Karl Marx. It says that a stratification system is harmful for whole society. It makes rich people more and more richer while make poor people more and more poor. It only provides benefits to rich and powerful people and hence this keeps on widening the gap between rich and poor.

Policies should be made in an order which can ensure that only capable and competent people can get the opportunity to move in right direction despite of their financial backgrounds. Disparities based on financial backgrounds must be avoided.

Functionalism says that society is system of interconnected parts. These parts work together in a synchronised manner. This working helps in maintaining a harmony in society. It also maintains a state of balance. It ensures the overall social equilibrium.

If the interconnected parts of society becomes fractured then poverty takes birth. If job opportunities are decreased in society then unemployment rate will also be more. This will ultimately lead the society to a state of poverty.

A proper system should be developed in society which can ensure smoother flow of opportunities and equal distribution of resources. Main concerns should also be on the increasing the number of opportunities in relation to increasing population. This also helps in maintaining a smoother functioning of society.