Stephanie Jones (Edison): 3 Sociological Perspectives

15. January 2010 by student.

My personal opinion is that the purpose of studies are to understand the subject and that data gathered should be used in some way.  If not, then whats the point?  I don’t agree with the Structural /Functionalist Perspective to just study society and not become involved.  Isn’t the point of studying a social problem is to find a solution or solutions to that problem.   The Stuctural/Functionalist Perspective avocates do not like it when society is “disfuctional”.  I disagree with the negative connotation of the word disfuctional to be used when describing social change.  The Industrial Revolution in England brought about social change which resulted in women’s rights.  The Civil Rights Movement in America brought about change for minorities of different race than that of caucasions.  These issues needed to be raised and people had to fight to bring about that change.  I refuse to sit back and read studies that women are still not equal in America’s patriarchal society.  I also refuse to be complacent when people discriminate against people of different sexuality by not allowing them the basic civil rights allowed to all.  I think that Sturctural/Fuctionalists that don’t use their studies for the greater good of all are risking the chance of working hard on the same study 50 years later and receiving the same results.  I definately agree with the Conflict Perspective. I don’t really agree with the statement that the Conflict Perspective ignores instances in which society runs well.  When does society run well?  There is always another social problem to attack when one is resolved.   As a woman I can vote…. Should I stop there and decide that I don’t deserve any other rights?  I think the Interactionist Perspective is needed to look at social issues in a different way and on a different level.  I am looking forward to this class and enjoyed the first lecture. 

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