Sociological Perspective
Part I
Sociological perspective refers to the insight or approach used by sociologists in studying the society. It is the means through which sociologists relate human behavior with the society as a whole in order to develop relevant theories that can be used to guide and predict human behavior (Giddens, and Giddens, 36). Sociological perspective is, therefore, a form of thinking that is very critical in initiating social change in the society, describing the image of the society, and a means of raising fundamental questions that help sociologists to understand human societies. Sociological perspective can be used to study the society in order to determine the best ways to improve it. Thus, social change programs can be used to improve human relations, strengthen social institutions and make the environment better (Plummer, 17). As a form of thinking, the sociological perspective is very instrumental in employing sociological tools as well as social imagination to improve the society.
There are three main sociological perspectives that are fundamental in understanding human societies. The three main sociological perspectives are symbolic interactions, conflict theory perspective, and the functionalist perspective. These perspectives provide sociologists with a framework of analyzing specific issues, patterns, and events in the society at a micro-level and studying wider societies on a macro level of analysis (Plummer, 23). There are various similarities and differences among these perspectives.
Symbolic interactionism is one of the leading micro level theoretical perspectives in sociology. This perspective was framed and developed by George Herbert Mead, an American Sociologist in the early 20th century. This perspective analyzes various patterns of communication such as face-to-face communication and use of symbols to advance human relationships in the society. According to this sociological perspective, human behavior and interactions is depends on the meanings that people attach to different symbols in the society (Plummer, 36). The most common symbol in the society is language, or verbal communication. Different societies have their own subjective meanings and definitions of different words that assist in guiding human interactions and human behavior. Other popular symbols in the American society that have subjective meanings include things such as wedding vows that symbolize lifetime commitment to marriage, and rose followers that symbolize love among others. Other societies may attach different meanings to these elements.
The other major sociological perspective is the functionalist perspective. This is a macro-level approach of analyzing human societies by studying relationships between different aspects of the society such as institutions, and groups. The functionalist perspective gained much popularity among sociologists in the 1940s with the works of leading sociologists such as Robert Merton and Talcott Parsons. According to functionalists, human societies function like a living organism; with many different parts and system that all contribute to achieving a common good (Macionis, 47). Societies have various institutions that all contribute to success of the entire society by playing their unique roles.
The conflict perspective, on the other hand, originates Karl Marx's ideas about the human society. This is a macro-level of analyzing and understanding the society through studying struggles of different classes and groups. It is one of the oldest sociological perspectives, known for its radical approach in initiating social change in the society (Plummer, 41).
There are several similarities among these three perspectives. One such similarity is that they all help sociologists to understand human interactions. All the perspectives provide a useful framework for analyzing and understanding human societies for the purposes of guiding and predicting patterns of interaction.
Differences exist among the perspectives with regard to how each of them views the image of the society, social change and fundamental sociological questions. Symbolic interactionism, for instance, views the society as consisting of various symbols, whose meanings affect human interactions. The functionalist perspective views the society as an organism with various different parts that all play a role in the overall success. The conflict approach, on the other hand, sees the society as consisting of different classes that are opposed to each other, thus leading to class struggles and conflicts.
The symbolic interaction perspective approaches social change from the point of view that societies are dynamic and keep on changing the meanings they attach to their symbols from time to time. Change can be initiated by changing how people understand various symbols. The functionalist perspective promotes social stability and consensus in the society. Social change can only be initiated through consensus or deviant behavior that may disrupt the society's equilibrium thus requiring the society to readjust. The conflict perspective, on the other hand, has a radical approach to social change, calling for less privileged classes or groups to rise in a revolution against the powerful classes so as to initiate social change (Macionis, 71).
The main fundamental elements and issues in the symbolic interaction perspective include the interrelationship between individuals in the society and subjectivity in understanding symbols. The main fundamental questions that sociologists deal with in this perspective include how do societies perceive different symbols and to what extent do these symbols influence human interactions? The functionalist perspective is mainly concerned with stability and solidarity in the society (Giddens, and Giddens, 75). One of the questions sociologists raise in this perspective is what role do different institutions play in enhancing social stability in the society? The conflict perspective, on the other hand, deals with differences between objectives of different social classes and groups in the society. In this perspective, sociologists respond to questions such as how do different groups in the society address their differences.
Part II
One important element of the society is the institution of marriage and family. This institution also has a very important role in the socialization process. Sociologists employ different methods, tools, and perspective to try to analyze the institution of marriage and family (Macionis, 104). Different perspectives will lead to different approaches of understanding marriage and family and its role in the society.
From a symbolic interactionist perspective, there are various symbols associated with the institution of marriage. Different societies have different meanings to these symbols. People have different perceptions on marriage based on the different meanings they attach to these symbols (Macionis, 119). some of the symbols that relate to marriage in the US include bride price, marriage vows, and children. These symbols underlie the importance of the institution of marriage. In the US, for instance, bride price is viewed as a way of thanking parents for giving one a lifetime partner; vows symbolize commitment, while children symbolize continuity. Marriage is, therefore, important in the American society for continuity and is, therefore, protected through commitment of parties involved through marriage vows.
A functionalist approach to marriage entails understanding the role that marriage and family play in ensuring stability in then society (Macionis, 123). Marriage has a role of legitimizing unions between two individuals. This helps to prevent issues such as the problem of illegitimate children, thereby creating order and contributing to stability. The family is an avenue for socializing children to become responsible members of the society. This role ensures that values of the society are transmitted to young ones who group to be responsible people. This has a direct role in promoting stability in the society.
From a conflict perspective, marriage consists of different people with different ambitions, interests and objectives (Macionis, 125). In a family, parents and children may have differing opinions, and interests, while a husband and a wife may also have conflicting views amongst themselves. Despite these differences, the family is held together by the desire for each individual to advance their objectives in the family.