Popular Sociological Theories - Research Paper Example

Social s INTRODUCTION Sociology is the study of different human behaviors in the society (Stolley 2005). It also focuses on different sociological institutions, their origin, and impact to the society hence providing detailed information of individuals ways of lives. Various theories have been developed by sociological scholars in the past that relate research results to ‘why and ‘how individuals with different characters are able to survive in a certain sociological unit. Some of the theories include the functionalism, Conflict, and interactionism (Tischler 2007). They apply and provide a foundation for the study of sociology. Sociological units, on the other hand, are consistent patterns of rule-governed characters in the society. They may include the family, religion, economic, political institutions among others (Andersen and Taylor 2008). However, the research paper will focus on the impact of the theories on the family as a sociological unit. FUNCTIONALISM THEORY It states that an individuals internal state of mind depends on the role it plays in the society (Stolley 2005). The mental states may include beliefs, pain, and desires among others that constitute an individuals lifestyle. It also reveals the relationship between social order and roles allocated to individuals. Moreover, it also establishes each social institution as a primary contributor to the whole society. It has various principles such as organic and mechanical solidarity that are based on beliefs and values (Stolley 2005). Mechanic solidarity is common among individuals who perform the allocated role based strictly on the beliefs. Organic, on the other hand, follows the beliefs, but an individual can perform different roles. Primarily, functionalism focuses on social stability and success based on the shared values among the members. Application of the theory on the family as a sociological institution and its relation (similarities and differences) Functionalism has its foundation on role allocation and its impacts on individuals. The family is the basic unit of the society that has the role of ‘breeding individuals and providing them with survival tips (Andersen and Taylor 2008). The theory states that parents are issued with the role of teaching their children socially acceptable behaviors. When an individual is programmed with the right behaviors, he/she can survive and serve his/her purpose in the society. Differences in the theory are brought about by the rival theory behaviorism that is based on inborn character. There are individuals that are resistant to change and role allocation cannot change their behaviors (Tischler 2007). They only perform these functions while under supervision. Similarly, the theory and unit present the same ideas where the family has a direct effect on the society at large. For example, a societys social order may depend on the order and relationship at the family level. Effects of the theory on individuals who are part of the institution The role play principle in the theory affects the family members at different levels. Guardians who teach their children good behaviors and better functions in the family level will provide a good foundation for the kids. They will be socially responsible, and their minds will be programmed with good deeds. Eventually, such individuals will lead to a stable society. Effects of the theory on social change approaches within the family The theory does not focus on changes within the family. The changes may cause a different social transformation unlike the one caused by functionalism. For example, divorce within a family may lead to the allocation of different roles to the children. Moreover, the children might adapt various social ills since one of the responsible parents has been divorced. Effects of the theory on views concerning the society in relation to the family Functionalism has changed an individuals view on the society since it makes the family solely responsible of the social stability. It does not put into the fact the presence of orphans who are also socially responsible compared to other persons with families. Additionally, there are individuals that adopt various beliefs and other states of mind rather than those taught by their parents. CONFLICT THEORY It is based on different social classes due to variations in material and non-material resources (Stroebe and Hewstone 2012). It addresses both individuals and groups in different sociological units. Based on the family, the theory explains that it (family) is an example of a capitalist unit. Members are taught towards learning about the rivalry that is developed by different class struggles. It is related to the Marxist theory and explains the various effects of social stratification and their impact to the society (Stroebe and Hewstone 2012). Application of the theory on the family as a sociological institution and its relation (similarities and differences) The theory has been applied in different situations in the family. The diversity in families’ economic stability has led to various conflicts among family members. In some cases, families in lower social classes are prone to divorce and other families issues as compared to those in upper classes. For example, in countries where education is not free, the theory exposes inequality. Basically, it only favors students from economically stable families. In some societies, only one of the parents has access to an occupation hence making him/her the decision maker. The differences in the theory are based on its reliance on the capitalist societies. There are other socialist families that do not depend on the social stratification of the community. According to the similarities, most families find themselves in conflicts due to differences in resources (money and other material wealth) (Stroebe and Hewstone 2012). Effects of the theory on individuals who are part of the institution It has contributed to divorces and the rise of social ills among the children. Since the development of the theory, research has shown that differences in income have led to the separation among families. In addition, the conflicts too have led to the abandonment of children who later adopt social ills such as robbery and rape to cater for them. Divorcees may assume other behaviors such as alcoholism with the aim of relieving stress. Effects of the theory on social change approaches within the family It has led to the development of social lines based on the economic stability. Most rich families are bound to marry amongst themselves due to the different societies and lifestyles. Since it views situations in terms of favor and inequality, most poor families have retained their statuses since they are not favored by most social and political policies. The different social classes have led to diversification of societies leading to areas set aside for the rich families. Effects of the theory on views concerning the society in relation to the family Social stability depends on the level of conflict among social institutions. Since the family is the basic sociological unit, economic conflicts at this level can be reflected in the whole society through a chain effect. Conflicts of resources also lead to the differences in leadership styles that originate from family institutions. Finally, inequality in poverty and unemployment may lead to social degradation of the community. INTERACTIONISM It is the study of different coexistences among individuals in a society (Denzin 2008). As a result, the theory exposes an individual’s identity and level of co-operation, conflicts and human interactions. Primarily, the main aim of the theory is to comprehend different channels of interactions and their results. Some of the scholars refer it to symbolic interactionism through the study of various symbols that guarantees social interactions (Denzin 2008). Based on the family, it is believed to have its roots from interaction between parents and their children. Symbols of interaction may vary from one society to another due to the presence of different beliefs and cultures. Families from different cultures may find it hard to understand due to the variations in the symbols used. Subjective meanings can be used to help in the understanding of various individual behaviors (Denzin 2008). Interactionists believe that individuals act due to their beliefs and not the truth. Families can be used as channels to change harmful beliefs among children through interactions. Application of the theory on the family as a sociological institution and its relation (similarities and differences) The theory focuses on different communication styles and symbols that facilitate interactions in social institutions. As a result, the family acts as the ‘training ground for communications and interactions. Other places of interactions may include marriages and other occasions that happen between families (Denzin 2008). Interaction skills can be adopted from parents depending on the relationship between them. Some parents have poor communication skills that may be embraced by their children leading to low levels of interactions. Different bonds among family members may also be used as interaction symbols. Weaker bonds may directly lead to weak interactions. However, the differences show that there are other social institutions such as schools may be used to improve the communication skills. It means that a family may lack interaction symbols, but other institutions may present them. Based on similarities, a family must have interaction levels despite the relationships. Effects of the theory on individuals who are part of the institution It has both positive and negative effects. Individuals who are present in a family that has more symbols of interaction will have better skills when they join other sociological units. For example, most leaders attain their interaction skills since they were kids. Parents too, with good interaction skills, have an added advantage at their work places. Other family members, on the other hand, will be able to make friends and attain better grades due to group works. On the contrary, the theory has negative results when it comes to bad behavior. Interacting with individuals with unaccepted behavior will contribute to the adoption of bad characters. Effects of the theory on social change approaches within the family Communication can be used as a symbol of the interaction. Language barrier among families may lead to low interaction rates. Interaction has a positive effect on the social changes. Since it helps in understanding different behaviors, it can be used to change different views of the society members. Individual may rise from family levels and make changes in the political and economic sectors through interactions and presenting their opinions. Effects of the theory on views concerning the society in relation to the family The theory leads to different impacts at a social perspective (Stolley 2005). Communication between different units can be used to solve conflicts that may be caused by political and economic issues. However, without proper perpetration, interaction will only understand basic family issues. Families have different views on beliefs and behaviors making it difficult to understand most of the lifestyles. The society should not depend entirely on the use of interaction to pass knowledge. CONCLUSION All three theories have portrayed different principles that can be used to understand human behavior coexistence in the society. The use of a family as a sociological unit has revealed various social lifestyles that are driven by conflict, functionalist, and interactionist forces. Despite criticism, the theories have provided sufficient information that can be used to comprehend different sociological units (Stolley 2005). References Andersen, M. L., & Taylor, H. F. (2008). Sociology: understanding a diverse society (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Denzin, N. K. (2008). Symbolic interactionism and cultural studies the politics of interpretation. Oxford, UK: Blackwell. Stolley, K. S. (2005). The basics of sociology. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. Stroebe, W., & Hewstone, M. (2012). Social psychology of intergroup conflict: theory, research and. S.l.: Springer-Verlag Berlin An. Tischler, H. L. (2007). Introduction to sociology (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Read More