Marno Botha - 32553587

Learning Activity 2 

Learning Activity 2

In this Learning Activity, a comparison between two theoretical approaches will be discussed. The two comparisons are between the Structural Functionalist approach and the Symbolic Interactionist approach.

The Structural Functionalist approach puts emphasis on the larger scale of social problems. This approach argues that society is a system of interrelated parts in a dynamic equilibrium and all aspects serve a function. In other words, each member of society has a role to play in order for it to be stable and to function. Social problems arise when one aspect does not play its part as it causes a disruption in the equilibrium.

The Symbolic Interactionist approach, on the other hand, puts emphasis on each individual of society. This approach argues that individuals learn behavior from engagement with others, as well as learn their roles in society from others. Individuals base the situations on how they understand them, which is the cause of social problems.