Sociology

The History of Sociology

Question: of the three sociological theories in the video: Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and
Symbolic Interactionism, which theory do you think best explains our current society? Why?

In my opinion, when it comes to explaining our current society, the Conflict Theory seems to be
the most relevant and illuminating. Our world is characterized by a multitude of social conflicts
and inequalities, ranging from economic disparities and political power struggles to racial and
gender discrimination. Conflict Theory places a strong emphasis on these very aspects of
society, which are central to our daily lives.

This theory recognizes that society is marked by competition for limited resources and power,
and this is evident in the various issues we face today. Income inequality, for example, is a
pressing concern that aligns with the Conflict Theory's perspective. The unequal distribution of
wealth and resources leads to constant conflicts, which can be observed in movements for
economic justice and calls for fair wages.

Moreover, the theory's acknowledgement of how social institutions often perpetuate these
inequalities is vital in understanding contemporary societal problems. Institutions such as
government, education, and religion play a role in maintaining these imbalances. Conflict
Theory sheds light on how these institutions can be both a source of struggle and an avenue for
change.

However, it's important to note that no single theory can fully capture the complexity of our
society. While Conflict Theory is potent in explaining the challenges and disparities we face, it
doesn't provide a complete picture. To truly understand our world, a combination of theories,
including Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism, may be necessary, as each offers
unique insights into different aspects of our society. Nevertheless, for understanding the
prevalent conflicts and inequalities in our current society, Conflict Theory takes center stage.

Reference of the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv7op2B3nl0&feature=youtu.be