Sociology 101 requires students to learn the major ideas and theories behind sociology and apply them to real life situations. Many well known sociologists' ideas are studied. Topics discussed include sociological theories and theorists, methodologies, cultures, socialization, stratification based on gender, race, ethnicity and age, politics, and families.
The Three Major Theories of Sociology
There are three major theories of sociology. Two of the theories focus on macro sociology and one focuses on micro sociology.The macro theories include structural functionalism and conflict theory.The micro theory is symbolic interactionism.These three theories can be related to the topic of marriage through questions of the meaning of marriage, the benefits each gender receives from being married, and the consequences of marriage for the operation of society.Each of these theories can be directly applied specifically to one of these questions.Each one of the theories also focuses on a different way of viewing society and how society works.
The theory of structural functionalism states that all institutions have functions which must be carried out to maintain a balance in society.These functions often hold manifest (direct) and latent (indirect) purposes.When certain structures such as family, school, and government fail to carry out their intended functions such as support, education, and authority, society loses balance and falls into a state of dysfunction.Conflict theory refers to society and the natural struggles within it.The theory states that there will inevitably be struggles in which one party wins and the other must lose.Sometimes this is referred to as social Darwinism.The last theory is symbolic interactionism.This refers to how society uses symbols to interact.
The theory of structural functionalism best fits the question, “What are the consequences of marriage for the operation of society?”because the question refers to the balance of structure (marriage) and function (marriage’s consequences) in society.Marriage is a structure which encompasses functions such as communication, trust, and giving and receiving care. A sociologist interested in the structural functionalist aspect of marriage would ask this particular question because it focuses on the impact of marriage on society as opposed to the two directly involved individuals.If the roles of caring, communication, and trust are not functioning in marriage, it will cause dysfunction in not only the individual marriages, but also in society as a whole.
Conflict theory is best addressed by the question, “How does marriage benefit men and women unequally?”This question addresses the struggle for power between the two parties of marriage.Conflict theorists acknowledge that society is set up for a battle for rarities, also known as survival of the fittest, social Darwinism, or the zero-plus game.Sociologists interested in conflict theory constantly search for inequalities in society and ask who has the upper hand. The idea sounds primitive and almost barbaric; however, the question begs answers regarding the innate struggle to be on top, to have the most power, and to avoid exploitation by the party that is in power.
The question, “What do people think marriage means?” relates on a personal level with the individual as opposed to society as a whole. This is a micro sociological question.This is why this question best correlates with the theory of symbolic interactionism.The question of what marriage means is essentially asking what marriage symbolizes for most people.A sociologist studying symbolic interactionism would ask this question to see how society uses marriage to communicate certain ideas.
Structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism all provide different outlooks on situations and ideas in society.Structural functionalism deals with the equilibrium among operations of institutions such as marriage.Conflict theory relates to the power struggle between classes, or between genders, when in reference to marriage.Symbolic interactionism describes the role of marriage as a symbol.Each of these theories show different aspects of marriage and how sociology applies to the situation and ideas of marriage as an institution in society.
Reflection on "The Three Major Theories of Sociology"
I believe this was the first paper I wrote for Sociology 101. I received a 10 on the paper, which is the highest grade you can get on Ms. Donovan's essays. Writing this paper really helped me to understand the three theories of Sociology and to be able to apply them to the material covered in class. I often find myself mentally referencing this paper when taking notes, reading the material, or taking tests for the class. I learned how to apply the concepts to everyday life.
