Sociology has three main theoretical perspective of which these are the

conflict perspective the functionalist perspective and the interactionist or

symbolic perspective. These sociological theories are a frame work of
thinking about how people in them relate to one another ad respond to
their surroundings. The main aim of this essay is to compare the three
theoretical perspectives in sociology in such a way that it demonstrates:
1) how these theories account for the existence of society; 2) how they
articulate the relationship between society and the individual; 3) how
these theories account for change and continuity in society and; 4)
indicate the extent to which they are useful in the nation. This essay firstly
begins by giving explaining on the functionalists perspective ,conflict
perspective and the symbolic or internationalist perspective respectively it
further goes on to contrast and compare the differences and similarities
using the four aspects mentioned above and finally gives a conclusion.

Functionalismor structural functionalism, as it is often calledis rooted in the writings of

Spencer and Durkheim and the work of such scholars as Parsons and Merton. Functionalism
views society as a system of highly interrelated structures or parts that function or operate
together harmoniously. Functionalists analyse society by asking what each different part
contributes to the smooth functioning of the whole. For example, we may assume the
education system serves to teach students specic subject matter. However, functionalists
might note that it acts as a system for the socialization of the young and as a means for
producing conformity. The education system serves as a gatekeeper to the rewards society
offers to those who follow its rules. From the functionalist perspective, society appears quite
stable and self-regulating. Much like a biological organism, society is normally in a state of
equilibrium or balance. Most members of a society share a value system and know what to
expect from one another. The best-known proponent of the structural functionalist perspective
was Talcott Parsons. His theory centred on the view that there were certain social systems
involving major areas of social life, such as the family, religion, education, politics, and
economics. Parsons evaluated these systems according to functions they performed both for
society as a whole and for one another. Functionalism is a very broad theory in that it
attempts to account for the complicated interrelationships of all the elements that make up
human societies, including the complex societies of the industrialized (and industrializing)
world. In a way it is impossible to be a sociologist and not be a functionalist, because most
parts of society serve some stated or unstated purpose. Functionalism is limited in one regard,
however: The preconception that societies are normally in balance or harmony makes it
difcult for proponents of this view to account for how social change comes about. A major
point of criticism of functionalist theory is its conservative bias. That is, if all the parts of
society t together smoothly, we can assume that the social system is working well. Conict
is then seen as something that disrupts the essential orderliness of the social structure and
produces imbalance between the parts and the whole.

Conict theory is rooted in the work of Marx and other social critics of the nineteenth
century. Conict theory sees society as constantly changing in response to social inequality
and social conict. For the conict theorists, social change pushed forward by social conict
is the normal state of affairs. Static periods are merely temporary way stations along the road.
Conict theorists believe social order results from dominant groups making sure that
subordinate groups are loyal to the institutions that are the dominant groups sources of
wealth, power, and prestige. The dominant groups will use coercion, constraint, and even
force to help control those people who are not voluntarily loyal to the laws and rules they
have made. When this order cannot be maintained and the subordinate
groups rebel, change comes about. Conflict theorists are concerned with
the issue of who benefits from particular social arrangements and how
those in power maintain their positions and continue to reap benefits from
them. The ruling class is seen as a group that spreads certain values,
beliefs, and social arrangements to enhance its power and wealth. The
social order then reflects the outcome of a struggle among those with
unequal power and resources. (introduction to sociology ,2007)

Symbolic Interactionism As developed by George Herbert Mead (18631931), symbolic

interactionism is concerned with the meanings that people place on their own and one
anothers behaviour. Human beings are unique in that most of what they do with one another
has meaning beyond the concrete act. According to Mead, people do not act or react
automatically, but carefully consider and even rehearse what they are going to do. They take
into account the other people involved and the situation in which they nd themselves. The
expectations and reactions of other people greatly affect each individuals actions. In
addition, people give things meaning and act or react on the basis of these meanings. For
example, when the ag of the United States is raised, people stand because they see the ag
as representing their country. (Introduction to sociology, 2007)