As such, these theories guide the sociologist when examining sociological phenomena rather than providing absolute answers. Functionalism addresses society as a whole in terms of the function of its constituent elements namely norms, customs, traditions and institutions (Vibha Desai, 2013). Similarly, not all sociological phenomena can be explained through class conflict over resources. Structural functional theory is a broad perspective in sociology and anthropology which sets out to interpret society as a structure with interrelated parts. Functionalist analysis looks on social systems as having certain needs, and society as a system of social structures (economic, legal, educational, gender. While each theory has merit, they also have broad application issues such as symbolic-interaction theory’s focus on individuals which overlooks vital group dynamics. This theory looks strictly at micro level forces mainly pertaining to the individual. Symbolic-Interaction theory posits that everyday interactions and individual experiences with other people and groups create the motivations for behavior and the manner in which society is constructed. Conflict theory explains social behavior in terms of macro level concepts but it can be viewed at a micro level also when looking at behavior. This class conflict also inspires people to act in certain ways towards one another such as stratifying groups in order to maintain control of resources. For example, a lack of resources such as oil creates class differences due to the fact that the class that controls the oil will control more wealth. A system is a complex of interdependent parts, each tending to fulfill requirements that contribute to the maintenance of the whole. In contrast to structural functionalism, conflict theory explains society in terms of economic factors such as scarcity of resources. social class maintains a division of labor that is needed to make society operate properly. Within this framework, one can explain concepts such as social class in terms of their function i.e. Society operates in an orderly and stable manner at a macro level. In sociology, social stratification occurs when differences lead to greater status, power, or privilege for some groups over others. Structural functionalism is a concept founded in the idea that society attempts to create stability and order. conflict theory: A social science perspective that holds that stratification is dysfunctional and harmful in society, with inequality perpetuated because it benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Each of these theories explains social interaction from a different viewpoints and despite almost contradictory differences in explanation, each theory provides a logical assumption for the manner for the underlying motivations that causes society's functions either at the macro, micro, or both levels. The structural-functional approach involves a more limited time perspective, as compared to an evolutionary perspective of society in which time, stages of. The major theoretical perspectives in sociology include Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interaction Theory.
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