“The Three Paradigms in Society” Functionalist paradigm, conflict paradigm, and symbolic interaction paradigm are the three major paradigms that function in today’s society. Functionalist, and conflict paradigms are macro-sociological paradigms. Symbolic interaction is a micro-sociological paradigm. Functionalist paradigm focuses on the integration of society, while social conflict focuses on the issue of division among society. Symbolic interaction works on communication and social change as a consequence. The three paradigms are completely different from each other in a social point of view.
The macro-sociological paradigms view America as an inequality state. The social conflict paradigm fits today’s society. The functionalist paradigm focuses on the integration of society, and how society how its own groups which has their own functions to help improve the peoples lives. Functionalist paradigm fits in the category of macro-sociology, because it focuses on the patterns that shape an entire society. Functionalists believe that society is maintained through the thought of trust and consensus on moral values for ideal behavior. Working together will result in a stable social environment that will create equality.
Conflicts or dysfunctions will be view as a disease in the social system. Social conflict paradigm believes that society is divided into many groups that have their own goals, and that certain parts of the world have the luck of benefiting economic dominance. Societies are maintained and controlled through order and dictations by authority. Social conflict paradigm distinguishes society by social inequality and social conflict.
Social conflict also focuses on macro-sociology. Symbolic interaction paradigm says society functions well through interactions. Communication is spread ed through symbols created by society. Social interaction is important, because it causes social change. Many variables such as behavior events are explained through social contact with others.
The people are the ones who determine what is reality, and what is not reality. Life works in a dramatization point of view. Symbolic interaction paradigm focuses on the small issues that affect communities in society, therefore making it a micro-level orientation. Functionalist paradigm sees society as a well integrated, self-regulating system that meets people’s needs.
While Social conflict views society having many groups that are self reliant, with their own goals and needs. Symbolic interaction explains society is shaped, and constructed through interaction, and communication with others. America has always suffered social inequality. This is where macro-sociological paradigms come in to the nation. Functionalist paradigm thinks the cause of inequality is caused by social dysfunctions. This happens when society has undesirable consequences for the operation of society.
Functionalist paradigm tends to focus on social stability and unification. As a result this cause more inequality in society. It ignores social class status, racial issues, ethical issues, and sex gender. Its end result causes a tremendous amount of conflict.
Social conflict paradigm sees society in little cluster, or groups that have their own agenda. Certain groups have the luck of better economic conditions, which without a doubt economic inequality will exist. Social conflict also fails to maintain social equality because it tends to focus on political issues. Social conflict consequently ignores shared values of unifying members of a society. Both paradigms list the inequality problems of society well, but its assumptions also add to social inequality. Social conflict paradigm from my opinion explains and covers topics of social inequality very well.
From my experience in America I see many cultures, and being in their own groups, and communities with their own goals and agendas. Social conflict paradigm explains how society has groups and its own goals to better their lives. Throughout the world certain countries benefit economically better than other due to location. The individuals, who are residents there, enjoy the wealth. They have the luck of being wealthy. Social conflict also lists groups that benefits from social arrangements, which is a fact of life.
Nothing holds society together than order and tough rules. Constraints force people to know their limits, and what is right and wrong in society. The Los Angeles community is in order because laws help prevent anarchy and chaos. Social conflict focuses on what is important in society: social inequality, certain groups benefit greater than others, and social conflict leads to social change. The three paradigms: functionalist, social conflict, and symbolic interaction has their own ideas, and point of views of society. Functionalist views the society as an agreeable stable system based on ideal morals.
Functionalist focus on macro oriented issues in society. Social conflict focuses mainly on social inequality, and the luck of being born wealthy in a certain group. Social conflict also focuses on macro-oriented issues. Symbolic interaction says society functions well by the means of communication and interaction among people. Knowledge is gained through interaction with other people. Symbolic interaction focuses on micro level issues.
Functionalist, and social conflict are two paradigms that focus in the problem of social inequality. Each has its own strong and weak arguments. The paradigm that focuses and covers the topic of inequality greatly is the social conflict paradigm.