Theories Case

Structural-Functional Theory is society works together as a whole through many smaller areas. Several groupings such as culture, customs and traditions combine while at the same time are separate. Every country on earth has varying culture, customs and traditions but unite under one banner, the country. All must stay within self- imposed restraints to keep functional. Too much to the left or right will impose an imbalance that could have a negative impact on their surroundings and eventually have a direct impact on society itself. In this election year the structural-functional approach concerning the political system will be tested to the breaking point. There are several key components to include special interest groups, all of the political parties and the specific branches of government. Special interest groups are supporting whatever individual the feel will put the most money in their pockets and support their way of thinking. With the exception of the Democratic Party, the incumbent is the nominee, everyone thinks they are the front runner and none have the same outlook on how the nation should be run. One of the most brilliant and wise presidents that has served, Thomas Jefferson, clearly believed too much control by the Government would ruin a nation. Unless something happens in the near future I believe that you are seeing the coming extinction of the Structural-functional theory as it relates to this nation.

Social-Conflict Theory is a Marxist-based theory which argues that individuals and groups within society have differing amounts of material and non-material resources and that the more powerful groups use their power in order to exploit groups with less power. Considering this, isn't this way portion of our society function? Some do not want to associate their actions with this theory but what else could it be. One way you have forces exploiting society is economics. Economics equal money. If you have the money you can pretty much achieve any goal you wish over the poorer classes of individuals. An individual told be one time to remember the Golden Rule; he who has the gold rules. Without a doubt this statement would fall within this theory.

Symbolic Interaction Theory is one of the major frameworks of sociological theory. It relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. Symbolic Interaction Theory traces its origins to Max Weber. My take on this theory is we are programed to act to certain interactions. While simply driving a car we know to stop when we see a stop sign or a red light. This theory is ingrained into us from birth. As a child we know and come to learn when certain things present their self we will perform a certain action and hope we achieve our goal.

Social-Conflict Theory and politics, it is well understood in this country that in order to run for a high office or to gain political ground you need to have considerable funding. In stating this, the arena of politics is left to a select few. It doesn't matter at what level of politics that you are discussing unless you have the support you will not gain your goal. The higher levels