Comparing Functionism, Marxism, and Social Action Theory Essay

Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms Functionalism, Conflict Theory and symbolic interactionism. A paradigm is a striation of assumptions that shape and underlie explanations of why guild is the way it is (Early Stratification Theory, internet 2003). Functional Theory is ofttimes traced from Durkheim, Par discussions and Merton. Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees association as a shaper of people rather than people influence society. The functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally. Roles are withal important to the functionalist for example the roles in marriage. The functionalist believe we as humans envision at the roles played around us, for example, our parents and then we copy them. We think the flesh of life that we see is a natural one. We learn roles from our family thus the son is expected to take the r ole/job of his father as is the young lady expected to cook and clean akin to her mother. The role of the family is to socialise its sassy members and teaches them the norms and values essential to the social life, working together to cast society work as a whole. The churchs role according to the functionalist, plays a study role in holding society together by endowing its concord values and beliefs with sacredness and, through rituals, eter Worsley 1970 pg 475) Harmony, vernacular consent, unity, unanimity and agreement are common words used by the functionalist. If we all agree to peace and goodwill, turn in respect for each other and stick together and follow the guidelines set down for us by our an... ...me, although I understand we need the primer coat of structures and economics but we also need to be able to make up our own minds and direct our own actions. BIBLIOGRAPHY Berger, P. and Kellner, H. (1981) Sociology reinterpreted. U.K. P elican books. Class An Introduction (internet) useable from http//www.sociologyonline.co.uk/soc essays/class.htm accessed 29.10.03 Early Stratification Theory (internet) Available from http//www.wise.virginia.edu/p_withen/reviews/ST/STRev/revSTO4earlystratth.html accessed 29.10.03 Weber, M. (1999) (internet) available from http//uregina.ca/gingrich/S30f99.htm accessed on 29.10.03 Worsley, P. (ED) (1970) The bare-ass Introducing Sociology Penguin books Middlesex impressing them upon societys members and renewing and reinforcing their attachment to them. (P