Critical Theory, Functionalism And Symbolic Interactionism...

In sociology, there are three major theories; critical theory, functionalism and symbolic interactionism. These theories express the structure of society in which each theory looks at a different aspects of sociology. Sociologists apply these theories in the study of society, but it becomes difficult if only one theory is applied. For that one applied theory, would only look at the aspect to which it is confined to. To successfully study sociology all three theories must be applied together. Critical theory was founded by the German philosopher Karl Marx (Little, 2016, p. 12). It was originally known as historical materialism which is â€Å"a critical analysis of capitalism that saw the material or economic basis of inequality and power relations as the cause of social instability and conflict† (Little, 2016, p. 12). Critical sociology can be defined as the â€Å"inequality and power relations in society in order to achieve social justice and emancipation through their transformations† (Little, 2016, p. 45). Novack describes critical theory as, â€Å"Marx’s sociology is essentially, the sociology of conflict and class† (Novack, 1982, p. 51-52). This was because some of Marx’s views were based on freeing the people from the capitalist structure, which to him were oppressing the lower-class citizens (Little, 2016, p. 14). As it is the aim of critical sociology to look at the power constraining class system, it also creates room for the sc ientific, â€Å"In this way the goal of sociology wouldShow MoreRelatedStructural Functionalism And Conflict Theory972 Words   |  4 Pagesand institutions. Some sociological theories are better at explaining the social world at a macro level than they are at a micro level, and vice versa. Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory are best for macrosociology while Symbolic Interactionism is best for microsociology. The purpose of this paper is to explain how the sociological perspective has helped me better understand the social world on both a macro and micro level. Structural Functionalism is the idea that society is a unifiedRead MoreMax Durkheim And Weber Summary1032 Words   |  5 Pagessociety. Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Max Weber are the sociologists that had explained their own theories to approach problems in the early industrial revolution, and these theories are still used today in the twentieth century for people to find the answers for social change by employing these three concepts to approach the issues. 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A perspective is simply one’s beliefs in how they view the world, which includes but are not limited to, the right way to punish society’s most violentRead MoreSociological Perspectives Of Functionalism, Conflict Theory And Symbolic Interactions882 Words   |  4 Pages By utilizing the different the three main sociological perspectives of functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactions. In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions a sociologist could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. The sociologist looks at the individual, and how that individual connects to a specific societal location or setting and specifically at religion