Sociological Theory Essay -- Sociology Papers

Sociological Theory To be able to evaluate Functionalism, Marxism and Interactionism we essential first look at the strengths and weaknesses in each. There are many variations and interpretations of each of these theories, therefore for the sake of constraint only the key ideals will be discussed. Functionalism looks at society as an organized structure of inter-related groundings and the various ways these institutions interact together indoors a social structure. Examples of these institutions are the family, work, education and religion. The Functionalist perspective is best dumb using an organismic analogy Societies are comparable to living organisms (for example, a human being). Each part of the human body is linked, in about way, to tout ensemble other parts. Individual organs combine to create something that is great than the sum total of their individual parts. In social terms, these organs equate to the aforesaid(prenominal) institution s. Each of these institutions has its separate role, and in order for society to to function effectively, these institutions must work in harmony with each other. It is also said that all parts of society have a purpose and also true needs. The purpose of the work institution, for example, is to create wealth and in order to achieve this it needs nation with a certain level of education. This example demonstrates the harmony required amongst two institutions in order to achieve a goal. Without education, the work institution would collapse due to lack of skilled workers, therefore having a several(a) effect on society and all the institutions within that society. This view recognise... ...n those classes. stinting rule, however does still play a prominent part in certain societies today, and will continue to do so for years to come. Interactionism looks at the individual and there influence and understanding of other social groups. This attack has allowed us to understand small social groups, which in turn allows us to gradually understand social groups in certain areas. However, none of the preceding(prenominal) theories will ever give us a true perceptiveness into how all societies work together. By taking parts of each and compounding them to make a new theory is the only way that we whitethorn truly understand the social structure of the world around us. Bibliography ============ Sociology In Focus - Paul Taylor et al- Ormskirk - 1995 www.sociologyonline.co.uk www.sociology.org.uk www.s-cool.co.uk