Danika Laurel

Sociology 1
01/25/15
Sociological Imagination
In general, a theory is an idea and/or principle that explain social
phenomena. For centuries, sociologists have come up with their own
set of theories known as theoretical paradigms or sociological
perspectives. These theories set the fundamentals and assumptions of
how society operates. The three paradigms in sociology are the
functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and interactionist
perspective.
The functionalist perspective focuses on how society works
together in parts in order to contribute to the stability of the whole
society. This theory is seen on the macro-level because it generalizes
the large-scale relationship society has. This is similar to how the
human anatomy of the brain has parts, such as the cerebrum, cortex,
and cerebellum. All of these parts of the brain have specified functions
that result in proper functioning of the human body. Damage to the
cerebellum would result in slow, involuntary, and uncoordinated motor
movement. Social processes also have manifest functions, which are
consequences that are anticipated and intended; and latent functions,
which are unintended. The manifest functions of the hospital are

quality diagnosis, treatment, consultation, and care. The ultimate

latent function of the hospital is sudden death.
Another sociological theory with a macro-level view is called the
conflict theory. This theory focuses how societys differences and
problems result in differences in power. Conflict theory is viewed in the
macro-level because parts of society argue amongst each other to
create an imbalance is society. In my church, the congregation and
members see ourselves as a society. Within my church society, we are
made up of various parts just as society is made up of parts, such as
the government, education, and families. Parts of my church are the
Christian Education Committee, which oversees the religious
education; the Personnel Committee, which oversees the government
aspect of my church; and the general members, which is the family
portion. Often disputes would arise between the Personnel Committee
and Christian Education due to miscommunication and criticism. This
constant war between committees had finally come to a consensus
and today my church and I stand as one of the biggest and successful
congregations in my town. The power had finally shifted to the
government part of the society by being unbiased towards other parts
of my society. A sociologist, known as Ludwig Gumplowicz, expanded
this idea of conflict theory.
The third and final sociological paradigm is symbolic
interactionism. This relates to the idea of communication between

individuals and how people make sense of their social worlds. Because
this theory is observed between specified individuals, this is known as
a micro-level. A prime example of this theory is often seen in racial
differences and their stereotypes. Often people use stereotypes to
demean other races and their social classes. A common is that Asians
are bad drivers. However, little do people know or understand why and
how they were brought up or raised. Being a Philippines raised girl,
those outside of my racial background do not understand the traffic
rules at the Philippines. Others often assume that its because of their
small eyes that make them bad drivers. The traffic regulations at the
Philippines are often ignored and they just drive wherever or however
they want. There is always constant traffic jams in the Philippines.
Moving to California I was immediately able to notice that there is a
completely different traffic policy that is almost always enforced. Those
who do not understand my background may not understand these
major differences. In other words, the childhood backgrounds of one
individual may not be the same with another individual, and the
situation may be handled differently.