The Four Sociological Perspectives of Functionalism - Essay Example

For example, birth rates and death rates would balance societal equilibrium according to this perspective. Functionalism also asserts that functional requirements have to be met in society for its existence. This means that functions such as reproduction have to exist for society to survive. Problems that randomly occur in life perform a function in this perspective. Like when death occurs, world population decreases. . The Conflict Theory holds the belief societies, groups and individuals function to benefit themselves or their groups.

There are four basic beliefs for this theory; competition, structural inequality, revolution and war. Competition is the basic function for all social activities, such as monetary, love, power and even leisure activities. All societies have structural inequality from the US income classes to Communist countries that have political classes. Competition and structural inequality lead to revolution and war. Revolution unites people behind a common cause, then war unifies both winners and losers into a new society.

History is an example of this theory from Nazi Germany to English colonies to Iraq today. This perspective represents the vicious cycle that has existed since the beginning of society. Interactionism is basically the perspective that people react toward things based on the meaning that the thing has for them. These meanings are influenced by social interaction, then changed by the person’s interpretation. For example, a child reacts to a loving mother positively but interprets the mother’s actions uniquely.

Feminism as a sociological perspective is focused on how male dominance has shaped the world socially. All societies have the problem of how male dominance has affected it. One example is Saudi Arabia. Male dominance shapes every social aspect of a Saudi’s life, from politics to marriage. Even in America, male superiority can be found, like in sports. Wrestling is a male sport, even though some women have proven that they can excel. Male dominance affects even societies with the most advanced women rights.

All of these sociological perspectives are important to study because they can apply to every society. It can be argued that all societies serve a purpose, like with Functionalism. Conflict Theory has been occurring since societies began, even with well-established societies like England, Russia and others. Interactionism is common sense. All society members interact with each other and then interpret that interaction. Feminism is important to study because not all societies have advanced women’s rights. All of these perspectives can stand alone but also interact with others. They are basically common sense.