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Theory Identification Paper
Theory Identification PaperJessica GobinWichita State UniversityOctober 4, 2016Theory Identification PaperSociologists focus on the environment and the social aspects of human behavior in order to answer why people act the way we do. When observing a society there are different sociological perspectives that can be used, and as people can look at matching things in different ways more than one perspective could be used at any time. In this paper four theories, functionalism, conflict, symbolic interactionism and feminism will be discussed, they will be evaluated for differences and similarities, also the theorist associated with each theory and how conflict theory applies to socialization.Sociological TheoriesWhat we know about groups has been revealed through the studying of society. Over time sociologist have come up with theories that have added to the understanding of society, relationships, and social behavior. Learning about sociological theories, provides a deeper understanding of sociologys past, present, and future.FunctionalismThe functionalist perspective, also known as functionalism, it interprets each part of society in sections of how it contributes to the stability of the whole society. Society is more than the sum of its parts; rather, each part of society is responsible for the stability of the whole group. This theory evaluates the different parts of society that are primarily composed of social institutions, each of which is originated to fill different needs, and each has consequences that form and shape the society being studies. The parts of the society depend on each other. The main institutions are defined by sociology and  are important to understand for this theory. According to functionalism, an institution only exists because it serves a role in the functioning of society. If it no longer serves a role, the institution will disappear. When needs change or appear, new institutions will be created (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).Functionalism highlights the order that exist in society, focusing on social stability and shared values. This perspective when it lacks proper planning in the system, such as deviant behavior, will lead to change because societies parts must change to create stability. When one part of the system is not working, it affects other parts and creates social issues, which leads to social change. It does not encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment, even when doing so may benefit them. Instead, functionalism sees social change as unwanted because the various parts of society will make up what is needed in a natural way for any problems that may appear (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).

ConflictConflict theory states that strains and struggles arise when resources, status, and power are not equally divided among the groups in society and that these struggles become the reason for change. Power can be understood as control of resources and acquired wealth, politics and the institutions that make up society. A person’s social status related to others is not determined just by their class but by race, gender, sexuality, religion, among other things (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).Symbolic InteractionismThe symbolic interaction perspective, also called symbolic interactionism. This perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. It evaluates society by addressing the meanings that people decide for objects, events, and behaviors. The meanings are given because it is believed that people behave based on what they think and not just on what is true. Thus, society is thought to be socially constructed through human interpretation. People interpret one another’s behavior and it is these interpretations that form the bonds of society (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).Critics of this theory claim that symbolic interactionism neglects the macro level of social interpretation the “big picture.” In other words, symbolic interactionists may miss the larger issues of society by focusing too closely on the “trees” rather than the “forest”. This perspective also is criticized for the influence of society on individual interactions (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016). Feminism        Feminist theory examines the status of women and men in society. The knowledge gained is used to better womens lives. The theory looks at the differences among women, including how race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality, and age interconnect with gender. Feminist theory is concerned with giving a voice to women and stressing the numerous ways women have given to society. The four major areas that are studied: gender differences, gender inequality, gender oppression and structural oppression (Henslin, 2016; Boundless, 2016).

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“Theory Identification Paper” EssaysForStudent.com. 10 2016. 2016. 10 2016 < "Theory Identification Paper." EssaysForStudent.com. EssaysForStudent.com, 10 2016. Web. 10 2016. < "Theory Identification Paper." EssaysForStudent.com. 10, 2016. Accessed 10, 2016. Essay Preview By: lgobinnp Submitted: October 24, 2016 Essay Length: 1,335 Words / 6 Pages Paper type: Term Paper Views: 542 Report this essay Tweet Related Essays Transformation of Media Forms - the Theory of Evolution from Paper to the Internet Transformation of Media Forms The theory of evolution from paper to the internet The theory of evolution must ‘evolve’ with the transforming media forms 460 Words  |  2 Pages Theory at Work Paper Running head: THEORY AT WORK PAPER Theory At Work Paper Theory At Work Paper Groups and Teams can become a high-performance team by utilizing certain 1,739 Words  |  7 Pages Personality Theories Paper Personality Theories Paper Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) started his interest in psychology while attending the University of Wisconsin. Maslow received his bachelors in 1930, his masters 774 Words  |  4 Pages Risk Identification Paper Introduction E-businesses as well as consumers face a variety of everyday risks during interaction with each other. In terms of e-commerce, risk is viewed as 1,168 Words  |  5 Pages Similar Topics Nature Logic Perception Paper Montclair Paper Mill Get Access to 89,000+ Essays and Term Papers Join 209,000+ Other Students High Quality Essays and Documents Sign up © 2008–2020 EssaysForStudent.comFree Essays, Book Reports, Term Papers and Research Papers Essays Sign up Sign in Contact us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Service Facebook Twitter

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Theory Identification Paper And Different Sociological Perspectives. (June 13, 2021). Retrieved from https://www.freeessays.education/theory-identification-paper-and-different-sociological-perspectives-essay/