QUIZ NO.

1:

Level up your sociological imagination! Make your own analysis of the different institutions
within our society using the three theoretical perspectives in Sociology as guide. Your answers
should explain how these social institutions (a) function (Structural Functionalist view); (b)
perpetuates conflict, inequality and exploitation (Social conflict view); and (c) conveys or creates
meanings, symbols and definitions of things around us (Symbolic interactionist view). The first
one is made as an example. You may use extra sheet of paper for your answers. Answers in
English or Filipino will do.

SOCIAL STRUCTURAL- SOCIAL SYMBOLIC

INSTITUTION FUNCTIONALISM CONFLICT INTERACTIONISM

Religion Religion plays a Religion legitimizes Religion helps us

significant role for the the status quo. It distinguished and
maintenance of social gives consolation to defined what is holy.
order. It teaches us the poor and their In a Catholic tradition,
what is morally right miserable conditions a cross and image of
and what is not. by promising that all Jesus Christ are
Religion makes us suffering will be considered sacred,
believed that doing rewarded in the thus any disrespectful
only what is right will afterlife. This makes use of it are forbidden
be rewarded. Thus, it them blindly accept by the Church.
promotes social their situation. Thus,
control. it furthers false
consciousness.

School/ Universities School/ Universities In School/ A symbolic

have beneficial role Universities, interactionism in
in helping us as a especially in public School/ Universities it
young people to school it reduces might say that this
develop and manage inequality through labeling has a direct
our physical and providing equal correlation to those
emotional well-being, opportunity. It can who are in power and
and to live and work see that the those who are labeled.
with others in different educational system For example, low
contexts. Hence, it is reinforces and standardized test
the aim of one key perpetuates social scores or poor
foundation, such as inequalities that arise performance in a
education in school. It from differences in particular class often
is to socialize children class, gender, race lead to a student who
 and youths, and by and ethnicity. Just is labeled as a low
socialization it can like students that achiever.
help people to learns having a low
the knowledge, socioeconomic status
attitudes and values are generally not
that they will need as afforded the same
an Educators. opportunities as a
student having a
higher status, no
matter how great their
academic ability or
desire to learn.

Filipino family Many Filipinos hold Conflict can happen The symbolic
the belief that each when family interactionism of
family member has members have family is when they
several duties and different views or are reinforced and
responsibilities they beliefs that clash. rejuvenate bonds
through
must uphold. Sometimes conflict
symbolic rituals such
Observing one’s duties can occur when as family meals,
and responsibilities is people misunderstand holidays, go shopping
important in order to each other and jump and go to church.
correctly respect others to the wrong
and to conclusion. Issues of
ensure harmony among conflict that are not
family members. For resolved peacefully
example, family can lead to arguments
members are required and resentment.
to show respect to their
elders at all times. The
opinions of younger
family members’ and
children’s opinions are
considered to be
secondary to their
superior. Moreover,
those requiring age
care are nearly always
taken care of by their
children or
 grandchildren.

Philippine One of the structural The social conflicts In symbolic

Government functions of Philippine of Philippine interactionism of
Government, where government is, when Philippine
government, focuses
they could provide leaders dazzling to
its attention on
leadership by using their powers. figures, emblems, or
their public services. In individuals that
an effective leadership represent power and
is important for authority. Many
achieving better social, diverse entities in
economic and cultural larger society can be
considered symbolic:
outcomes.
on what we wear,
birds and even the
skin color. Images
that represent the
power and authority
of our country which
is the Philippine
include the
Malacanang, the
eagle, and the
Philippine flag. The
Seal of the President
of the Philippines,
along with the office
in general, incites
respect and reverence
in many Filipinos.