Sociology Learning activity 2

SOCY 211

R. FIFORD

STUDENT NO: 36080918

Within this learning activity we are going to compare and contrast the structural functionalist orientation as well as the symbolic interactionist orientation to that of social problems. The first one in which is going to be assessed is that of the structural functionalist orientation which operates within the constraints of that society is a system of interrelated parts in a dynamic equilibrium, this is to say that if one-part changes to fast within that equilibrium it disrupts the entire system. Thus, adjusting to a social problem in itself create disruption to the equilibrium. Social stability is a necessity in achieving a strong society. Social stability however is sourced from positive interactions between individuals within the constraints of society which enables stability amongst society as a whole. Social problems oppose an issue to this theoretical approach as social problems have an attribute that weaken society’s stability and this as previously mentioned in turn affects the whole equilibrium. The next theoretical approach in which is going to be assessed is that the symbolic interactionist orientation which is where people construct their roles as they interact, they do not merely learn the roles that society has set out for them. Thus, the way in which an individual may approach a social problem will in turn depict the outcome of the problem. The interaction that occurs within the constraints of this orientation socially construct the reality of an individual’s situation. Thus, social problems arise through the interaction of individuals. An interaction between two or more may either end in either a positive or negative manner it is all dependent on the attitude exerted between the current parties at hand.