Both functionalism and symbolic interactionism are sociological theories i.e. sets of ideas which provide an explanation for human society. Like all theory, sociological theory is selective because it cannot explain everything or account for the infinite amount of data that exist. Theories are therefore selective in terms of their priorities and perspectives and the data they define as significant. As a result, they provide a particular and partial view of reality. There are a wide variety of sociological theories, and they can be grouped together according to various criteria. One of the most important of these is the distinction between structural or macro perspectives and social action or micro perspectives. These perspectives differ in the way they approach the analysis of society. Functionalism is an example of a macro perspective as it analyses the way society as a whole fits together whereas symbolic interactionism is a micro perspective because it stresses the meaningfulness of human behaviour and denies that it is primarily determined by the structure of society.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism
- Functionalism
- History and Development
- Society as a System
- Functional Prerequisites
- Social Order and Equilibrium
- Parsons' Four Functional Prerequisites
- Social Change
- Symbolic Interactionism
- History and Development
- Criticisms
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to compare and contrast two major sociological theories: functionalism and symbolic interactionism. It explores the historical development, core tenets, and critiques of each theory, highlighting their contrasting perspectives on society and social behavior.
- Macro vs. Micro Sociological Perspectives
- The Concept of Social Order and its Maintenance
- The Role of Values and Norms in Social Systems
- The Relationship Between Individual and Society
- Social Change and Evolution
Chapter Summaries
Comparison of Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism: This introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis by defining sociological theory and its inherent selectivity. It establishes the distinction between macro (structural) and micro (social action) perspectives, positioning functionalism and symbolic interactionism within this framework. The chapter highlights the different approaches each theory takes in analyzing society, setting the stage for a comparative examination of their core tenets and implications.
Functionalism: This section delves into the history and development of functionalism, tracing its origins from 19th-century European thinkers like Comte and Spencer to its later refinement by Durkheim, Parsons, and Merton. It explains functionalism's core concept of society as a system of interconnected parts, each contributing to the overall functioning and maintenance of the whole. The chapter explores the concepts of structure, function, functional prerequisites, value consensus, and social order as integral components of the theory. The analogy of society as an organism is used to illustrate the interconnectedness of social institutions, emphasizing their contributions to societal survival. The chapter also acknowledges critiques of functionalism, particularly its perceived conservative bias and limitations in explaining social change.
Symbolic Interactionism: This chapter provides a historical overview of symbolic interactionism, tracing its roots to American pragmatist philosophers like Dewey, Thomas, and Mead. It highlights the theory's focus on the meaningfulness of human behavior and its rejection of the idea that behavior is solely determined by societal structure. The chapter contrasts this micro-perspective with the macro-perspective of functionalism, emphasizing the focus on individual interaction and the construction of meaning through symbols. The chapter also addresses criticisms levied against symbolic interactionism, including its potential reflection of American cultural ideals and an alleged idiographic bias.
Keywords
Functionalism, symbolic interactionism, macro-sociology, micro-sociology, social order, value consensus, social institutions, social change, social equilibrium, functional prerequisites, social facts, symbolic interaction, meaning, social action.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparison of Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism
What is this text about?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of functionalism and symbolic interactionism, two major sociological theories. It compares and contrasts their historical development, core tenets, critiques, and implications for understanding society and social behavior. The text includes a table of contents, objectives, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in the text?
The text covers the following key areas: a comparison of functionalism and symbolic interactionism; the history and development of both theories; the core concepts of each theory (including functional prerequisites, social order, social equilibrium, symbolic interaction, and the construction of meaning); critiques of both theories; and the contrasting macro (functionalism) and micro (symbolic interactionism) sociological perspectives.
What is Functionalism?
Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts, each contributing to the overall functioning and maintenance of the whole. It emphasizes concepts like social order, value consensus, and functional prerequisites. Key figures associated with functionalism include Comte, Spencer, Durkheim, Parsons, and Merton. The text explores its origins, core tenets, and critiques, including its potential conservative bias and limitations in explaining social change.
What is Symbolic Interactionism?
Symbolic interactionism focuses on the meaningfulness of human behavior and the construction of meaning through symbols. It contrasts with functionalism's macro-perspective by adopting a micro-perspective, emphasizing individual interaction and the role of symbols in shaping social reality. The text traces its roots to American pragmatists like Dewey, Thomas, and Mead and addresses criticisms, including its potential reflection of American cultural ideals and an alleged idiographic bias.
How does the text compare Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism?
The text directly compares and contrasts functionalism and symbolic interactionism throughout, highlighting their different approaches to understanding social order, the role of individuals and society, and the processes of social change. It positions them within a framework of macro vs. micro sociological perspectives.
What are the key differences between macro and micro sociological perspectives?
Macro sociological perspectives, like functionalism, focus on large-scale social structures and institutions. Micro sociological perspectives, like symbolic interactionism, focus on individual interactions and the creation of meaning in everyday life. The text uses this framework to analyze and compare the two theories.
What are the key concepts discussed in the text?
Key concepts include: functionalism, symbolic interactionism, macro-sociology, micro-sociology, social order, value consensus, social institutions, social change, social equilibrium, functional prerequisites, social facts, symbolic interaction, meaning, and social action.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the key arguments and findings presented in each section of the text, offering a quick reference point for understanding the core concepts and comparisons discussed.
Who is this text intended for?
This text is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- BA (Oxon), Dip Psych (Open) Christine Langhoff (Author), 2002, Comparison of functionalism and symbolic interactionism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/4703
