Functionalism, conflict, and interaction theories applied to the family

Sociological theories have helped widen people's scope on social behaviors and societies. In fact, the study of sociological theories makes one develop a comprehensive understanding of sociology's past, present and future. There are a number of sociological theories namely: symbolic interaction theory, conflict theory, functionalist theory, feminist theory, critical theory, labeling theory, social learning theory, and structural strain theory among others (Giddens, 1997).

Government, religion, education, economics and family are some of the five major social institutions that have been there for quite some time. This term paper seeks to evaluate the impacts of functionalism, conflict, and interaction theories on the family institution. The paper will address how each of the theories apply to the family as a social institution; the similarities and differences that exist; how each theory affects the views of an individual who is a member of the family unit; how each of the theories affect approach to the social change within the family; and how each of the theories affect the views of the society.

Sociological theories enable one to understand how a given society operates. They also help in demystifying how members of a society relate with one another. Problems that arise in a society can be mitigated because the theories help in comprehending social issues like crime in a society (Giddens, 1997).

Social conflict theory

Social conflict theory posits that people and groups in a society have varied amount of material and non-material resources. This has led to the emergence of the poor and the rich. These two social classes have social, political, and material inequality hence the class conflict. Resentment and hostility in the society epitomize into conflict. Power differences between the different social classes also lead to conflict bearing in mind that different people in the society have different powers. Those who do not have any powers are oppressed by those who have powers hence the social conflict in the society (Tischler, 2010). This is sanctioned by the virtue of the fact that members of different social classes have different interests. In fact, difference in interest occasions society's social interest groups to fight over scarce resources in the society. The interest groups normally fight to take advantage of other members of their society.

The powerful members of the society either use brute force or economics to exploit the less powerful in the society. It is money that causes social disorder. The proponents of social conflict theory affirm that a society is developed through continuous conflict between members of different social classes (Tischler, 2010). Members of the society compete for limited resources hence the large social structures. Some members of the society use their massive resource base to maintain their position in the society probably due to the influence they have. They therefore exploit those who do not have resources.

Social conflict theory impacts relationships in a family institution. The family is never stable because of some inherent conflicts that exist. This can be due to limited resources, power, and difference in interests (Tischler, 2010). Conflict theory is a pointer to the fact that families are never harmonious since they struggle to deal with differences among family members, change, and conflict. Family dynamics can therefore be best understood by identifying the sources of conflicts and power in the family. This is integral in developing solutions to societal problems. Conflicts in the family can be reduced if families develop better communication and improving relationship. Conflicts can also be mitigated by developing empathy (Tischler, 2010). Family members have to understand each other irrespective of their differences and power. They should promote peace by shunning exploitation and competition.

Challenges occasioned by change can be best overcome by being able to accept change. This helps in reducing conflicts within the family. Sharing of resources can also help reduce family conflict. Conflict when managed well, can help bring change in the family. Conflicts when not properly managed can result into separation. The conflict theory helps in identifying conflicts that bedevil families and how they can be resolved (Tischler, 2010). This helps in stabilizing and strengthening the family institution. In conflict theory, the members of the family are subordinated to the society.

Functionalism theory

Functionalism theory explains a family as a social institution in terms of the function it performs. Behaviors in a society are structured and the relationships between individuals are patterned and recurrent because of the rules that exist. This theory was developed by Durkheim who argued that different parts of the society have to adjust to attain stability after disorganization. The proponent of this theory further advanced that social problems always arise when a component of the society is not working (McLennan, Allanah & Spoonley, 2000). A negative change is counterproductive to societal stability since it leads to loss of values hence failure to meet the needs of the people. Positive change does lead to societal stability. Functionalism theory adversely influences the family institution since it emphasizes stability and order in the family. This does away with family dysfunction. The theory helps in identifying parts that function and those that do not function in the family institution. This in the process helps in elimination of problems in the society and ensures family stability (Teevan & Edward, 2005).

The family plays different roles in the society namely: helping in reproduction and socialization and teaching young children how to behave consistent with the cultural beliefs and social norms. The family also helps in controlling social behaviors in the society as well as providing social status. The family has to function well to guarantee stability and order in the society. Without stability and order in the society, there would be no cohesion.

The functionalism theory is different from Interactionism and conflict theories on many aspects. Functionalism theory does not emphasize on power and conflict but instead focuses on values and public consensus. The theory posits that different component that form the society must have shared values and consensus and that social stability and prosperity can only be realized through this (Teevan & Edward, 2005). Conflict theory to the contrary focuses on inequality in the society and social control. Functionalism theory views the family as a single unit a view that is alien to conflict theory.

Functionalism and conflict theories are similar because they find the origin of social behaviors from the social structures. According to functionalism theory, individuals have fixed social roles something that is very important to the functioning of the society (Teevan & Edward, 2005).

The three sociological theories affect the views of the society as they help examine various behaviors in the society, how the society functions, and how it interacts with its members. Conflict theory helps in explaining the sources of conflicts in a society and how these conflicts can be mitigated. The functionalism theory on the other hand enables one to comprehend how various parts in the society and family function together to bring about change and stability. Finally, the interactions theory helps in explaining the social interactions in the society (Teevan & Edward, 2005).

References List

Giddens, A. (1997). Sociology. Cambridge: Polity.

McLennan, G, Allanah, R., & Spoonley, P. (2000). Exploring society: Sociology

for New Zealand students. Auckland: Pearson.

Stephens, P., & Leach, A. (1998). Think Sociology. New York: Nelson Thornes.

Tischler, H.L. (2010). Introduction to Sociology. New York: Cengage Learning.

Teevan, J.J., & Edward, H.E. (2005). Introduction to Sociology .Toronto: Pearson.