SOC101 Reflective Writings #3

RW #3 - What are the major theoretical perspectives in sociology today? Which of these theoretical perspectives is most in accordance with your thinking about the social world? Why? How might a person’s economic position impact his or her theoretical perspective?

The three major theoretical perspectives in sociology today consist of Structural functionalism, the conflict theory, and Symbolic Interaction. All three of these theories seem to be in accordance with my perspective in relation to how I view the social world. I definitely see the value in the functionalist view point. It is important to understand the reasons behind why things work well, while understanding all the different parts that work together. My primary point of view would most likely be to identify the conflict. I think that by proving what doesn’t work is a good way to solve social issues. Also I think it is important to know who or what is being negatively affected by a given conflict. The Symbolic Interaction theory would help me to get a clearer picture about how individuals give meanings to words, objects, and symbols. If people are products of their environment, then individuals would probably view the economic world according to where they fit into the social class system. Someone who has never had anything would surely think differently than someone who has never had to worry about their financial situation.