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  • Essay / Social Phenomena - 1105

    Over time, three main theories have developed to explain social phenomena. Although each theory has significant differences, each has points that can help shed light on how society functions. While some theories attempt to explain our social reality based on how each part of a society functions together, other theories focus on conflicts within society or the interaction between individuals in a society (Kendall, 23). The three classic theories of sociology include the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspective, and the symbolic interactionist perspective. The functionalist perspective aims to explain sociological phenomena based on the belief that our society is a balanced system that depends on the collaboration of each part of the group. in order to survive. Most members of the group share the same morals and ethics. This differs significantly from the view of conflict theorists, who believe that each part of society is constantly in struggle. One of the key figures in developing the perspective of the conflict was C. Wright Mills. He believed that crucial decisions in the United States were made primarily by private individuals, known as the “power elite” (Kendall, 26). This means that decisions in this country are usually made by senior bureaucrats and politicians. The conflict perspective does not say that society is a system based on the functions of each part as the functionalist perspective says; rather, each side is constantly in a “struggle for power” (Kendall, 25). Both of these perspectives focus on the broader aspect of society, also known as macro-level analysis. The symbolic interactionist perspective is based on micro-level analysis, meaning it focuses on smaller groups and individuals rather than questions and ideas for the future. Our interactions with others play an important role in the development of our society. The symbolic perspective does not believe in reality as we believe it; rather, we create our own values ​​by interacting with others. It also helps shed light on how new cultures and customs are accepted in a society. For example, the piñata was once used in China, and it is now used in celebrations in various cultures (Kendall, 85). This shows how one society can adopt the symbols of another and make them their own. When we combine these perspectives and focus on our interactions with each other, the function we each play in society, and consider the power struggles that occur, we gain a better understanding of society in its whole. Each of these theories helps to explain different aspects of our social reality.