- What theoretical perspective views society as having a system of interdependent inherently connected parts? Explain the response and compare and contrast your selection to the other perspectives. a) Sociobiology b) Functionalism c) Conflict theory d) Ethnocentrism.
A functionalist perspective acknowledges that there are many parts of culture that work together as a system to fulfill society’s needs. Functionalism views culture as a reflection of society’s value. However, Conflict theorists see culture as inherently unequal, based upon factors like gender, class, race and age. Ethnocentrism thinks that their own culture is better than another culture. In contrast, conflict theory believes the same. Finally, sociobiology the study of the biological basis of human behavior. Various cultural and sociological occurrences can be explained by these theories; however, there is no one “right” view thought which to understand the culture.
- A sociologist conducts research into the ways that Hispanic American students are historically underprivileged in the U.S. education system. What theoretical approach is sociologist using? Explain the response and compare and contrast your selection to the other perspectives a) Symbolic interactionism b) Functionalism c) Conflict theory
Functionalism views society as a system in which all parts work—or function—together to create society as a whole. In this way, societies need culture to exist. Cultural norms function to support the fluid operation of society, and cultural values guide people in making choices. However, conflict theory views social structure as inherently unequal, based on power differentials related to issues like class, gender, race, and age. For a conflict theorist, culture is seen as reinforcing issues of “privilege” for certain groups based upon race, sex, class, and so on. Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that is most concerned with the face-to-face interactions between members of society. Interactionists see culture as being created and maintained by the ways people interact and in how individuals interpret each other’s actions.
