Using Sociological Theory To Understand Your Field

Write a 2-3 page examination of an issue in the nursing field using each of the three sociological perspectives.

Introduction

Sociologists use theory to study society. In science, theory is used to develop a deeper understanding of the universe. Although abstract, sociologists use theory to expand on original ideas and develop practical solutions to problems. In sociology, there are three main sociological theories or perspectives: functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist. Each of these perspectives has a distinct worldview, or interpretation, of the social world and human interaction:

• The functionalist perspective presents the world as a system of inter-related parts, where all parts must work together for society to function.
  
  • For example, if we looked at sports teams, the functionalist perspective would argue that sports teams serve a purpose for society. They have a particular utility that helps society function properly. What purpose do sports teams have? Do they provide us with entertainment? Some people with jobs? Do they help to form a bond between people who otherwise would not be connected? The functionalist perspective would see all of these reasons as important functions of sports teams.
• The conflict perspective disagrees, seeing society as an arena made up of groups competing over scarce resources in which there are issues of power and structural inequality.
  
  • The conflict perspective would see sports teams as groups competing over scarce resources. Those resources may be a title, fans, finances, or athletes. With this struggle between teams, some come out on top and others at the bottom. Thus, there is inherently inequality in sports teams.
• Symbolic interactionism examines the symbols and social meanings we attach to individuals, behavior, objects, or interaction in face-to-face exchanges on a daily basis. The focus is more microcosmic than that of both functionalism and conflict perspective.
  
  • Since the symbolic interactionist perspective is a micro-level perspective it will look at the interactions that go on between individuals and small groups in sports teams. Are there symbols that exist between players on teams? Think of the gestures that are used by baseball players as an example. This perspective also looks at how communication differs for people on sports teams than it does for those in other groups. In football, for example, tackling is an acceptable form of interaction. That is not the case in an office setting.

As you can see, each of these three perspectives proposes a framework for interpreting encountered social phenomenon.