Three Major Theoretical Perspectives In Sociology

1. Most sociologists interpret social life from one of three major theoretical frameworks: symbolic interactionism, functional analysis, or conflict theory. Each theory focuses on a different perspective which, in turn, provides three distinct interpretations of human behavior. The main concept of symbolic interactionism is that “symbols-things to which we attach meaning-are the key to understanding how we view the world and communicate with one another”. Symbolic interactionism focuses on face-to-face interaction within society. Symbols dedicate meaning to relationships and even society itself. Symbolic interactionists like, George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley, analyze how societies use symbols to determine meaning, view the
Experiences within your family establish your first beliefs, values, and dreams. Family provides initial rules, socially accepted values, human behavior, and your individual role in life. Your family generates your outlook on life, your sense of self, and the ideas about who you are, what you are and who you want to become. That’s why I believe family to be the most important part of our socialization. The trends within our peer groups have a tendency to control our lives. Peer groups are the most cruel when it comes to social acceptance. Its nearly hopeless to try and have your own self identity when “conformity or rejection” seems to be the central core to peer groups. Peer groups can be brutal especially at a young age. Peers influence your behavior, attitude, and social norms. For example, if your peers listen to alternative or rock and roll music, its practically unavoidable that you too favor alternative or rock and roll music. If your peers use drugs, drink acohol, or steal you’re more than likely doing those things as well. That’s why I feel that peer groups are one of the most influential agents in the United States today. Religion influences my life but does that mean it doesn’t influence someone who isn’t religious? The answer is no. Religion can have a powerful impact even for people that aren’t religious. Religious philosophies have such a strong hold on society today that they have bestowed this foundation of moral standards for both religious and non-religious groups. Religion goes far beyond the study of values, morality, or ethics, religion give people a sense of identity and a basis of who they’re supposed to be according to their