Three theories of Sociology are Functionalism, Conflict theory, and interactionism. Each deals with relations between individuals and groups within society but focuses on different aspects. Televised sporting events can be an example of the three different means of social interpretation. IN part two sociological imagination is explained and used to understand the actions of the families of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
Sociological Theories
Functionalism is usually defined as viewing society from the aspect of its different parts, and how those parts relate to each other and society as a whole. Many functionalists liken society to a biological form, such as the human body, with its different organs all working in conjunction to keep the body as a whole functioning. Each of the elements of the body has a "function- to maintain the whole, so ensuring the stability or order of the system." (Bissell, 2005, p.41) But while each element has a manifest function, or the function that is expected from it, there are also unexpected functions called latent functions.
On the other hand, Conflict Theory states that the different parts of a society are in a state of conflict over the limited resources available to society. While Functionalism stresses the unity between the different groups, "conflict theory emphasizes strife and friction" between groups. (Anderson, 2008, p. 21) This theory has its basis in the writings of Karl Marx, who emphasized the different parts of society and how they grapple for social and economic resources. According to Marx, order in society is maintained by the supremacy of one group over the other groups, not by cooperation among the groups.
Interactionism is best described as the sociological effects on society that the interaction of individuals can have. This interaction is asserted to have its basis in the individuals' emotions. (Stets, 2007, p. 173) It is the face-to-face social interaction that is important to the study of Interactionism.
All three of these theories deal with communication between different aspects of society and are therefore similar. On the other hand these theories are very different as well, one example is the difference in perspective between Functionalism and Conflict Theory. Functionalism stresses the cohesion and cooperation between groups in society, while Conflict Theory stresses the problems different groups have between themselves. (Ritzer, 1992, pp. 237, 265) While they do both study the interactions between different groups in society, they stress opposite aspects of those relationships. Interactionism includes aspects of both of these but focuses more on individuals rather than groups.
Sports, especially on television, can be an example of the different approaches to social relations. In order to broadcast a sporting event there are numerous tasks that must be accomplished in cooperation from operating the cameras to announcing, producing, and many others. Functionalists would analyze the interaction necessary to broadcast, the team's dynamics, as well as the role of a televised event as an element of the social interaction between sports enthusiasts. Televised sports events have become the basis of rivalries among sports fans by exposing the event to more people than just those sitting in the arena. And because various people can view a televised sporting event from anywhere, interest grows among individuals as they witness others interested in the event. The interaction of fans and rivals is often intensified because of ease of access and prevalence of viewers. Televised replays on the news, or other broadcast highlights aid in the promotion of a sports team, sparking interest and reinforcing affections.
PART 2:
Society is made up of individuals who form groups based on common culture, experiences, and beliefs; and these individuals and groups interact with other individuals and groups. While different individuals and groups have their own connections, they can come to understand others without actually experiencing the life of that other person or group. When a person is able to take a step back from their perspective in order to see society from a view other than their naturally formed view of the world, then it is said that a person has experienced the sociological imagination. They have removed themselves from their everyday experiences to see society in a broader way; while also understanding others and their view of the world.
The article "Sandy Hook Families Seek Privacy On Anniversary of Shooting," is a perfect example of how sociological imagination can help the reader understand the conflicts and changes that have taken place in that community. While there are memorial events scheduled across the nation, the town rejected any plans to memorialize the tragedy and pleaded "with the news media for privacy as the anniversary of the massacre approaches." (Sifferlin, 2013) The conflict in the community consists of the family members who wish to mark the anniversary in peace, without public exposure, and the media, who wish to broadcast the tragic memorial to the world. The murders of 20 students and 6 teachers one year ago has been a rallying cry for many not directly associated with the tragedy. Some have used the event to promote gun control, while others have called for different solutions to America's problem with violence. But the town's call for privacy has caused a disagreement with those who want to mark the anniversary with an association to an agenda.
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