Sociological theories have helped widen people's scope on social behaviors and societies. In fact, the study of sociological theories makes one develop a comprehensive understanding of sociology's past, present and future. There are a number of sociological theories namely: symbolic interaction theory, conflict theory, functionalist theory, feminist theory, critical theory, labeling theory, social learning theory, and structural strain theory among others (Giddens, 1997).
Government, religion, education, economics and family are some of the five major social institutions that have been there for quite some time. This term paper seeks to evaluate the impacts of functionalism, conflict, and interaction theories on the family institution. The paper will address how each of the theories apply to the family as a social institution; the similarities and differences that exist; how each theory affects the views of an individual who is a member of the family unit; how each of the theories affect approach to the social change within the family; and how each of the theories affect the views of the society.
Sociological theories enable one to understand how a given society operates. They also help in demystifying how members of a society relate with one another. Problems that arise in a society can be mitigated because the theories help in comprehending social issues like crime in a society (Giddens, 1997).
Social conflict theory
Social conflict theory posits that people and groups in a society have varied amount of material and non-material resources. This has led to the emergence of the poor and the rich. These two social classes have social, political, and material inequality hence the class conflict. Resentment and hostility in the society epitomize into conflict. Power differences between the different social classes also lead to conflict bearing in mind that different people in the society have different powers. Those who do not have any powers are oppressed by those who have powers hence the social conflict in the society (Tischler, 2010). This is sanctioned by the virtue of the fact that members of different social classes have different interests. In fact, difference in interest occasions society's social interest groups to fight over scarce resources in the society. The interest groups normally fight to take advantage of other members of their society.
The powerful members of the society either use brute force or economics to exploit the less powerful in the society. It is money that causes social disorder. The proponents of social conflict theory affirm that a society is developed through continuous conflict between members of different social classes (Tischler, 2010). Members of the society compete for limited resources hence the large social structures. Some members of the society use their massive resource base to maintain their position in the society probably due to the influence they have. They therefore exploit those who do not have resources.
Social conflict theory impacts relationships in a family institution. The family is never stable because of some inherent conflicts that exist. This can be due to limited resources, power, and difference in interests (Tischler, 2010). Conflict theory is a pointer to the fact that families are never harmonious since they struggle to deal with differences among family members, change, and conflict. Family dynamics can therefore be best understood by identifying the sources of conflicts and power in the family. This is integral in developing solutions to societal problems. Conflicts in the family can be reduced if families develop better communication and improving relationship. Conflicts can also be mitigated by developing empathy (Tischler, 2010). Family members have to understand each other irrespective of their differences and power. They should promote peace by shunning exploitation and competition.
Challenges occasioned by change can be best overcome by being able to accept change. This helps in reducing conflicts within the family. Sharing of resources can also help reduce family conflict. Conflict when managed well, can help bring change in the family. Conflicts when not properly managed can result into separation. The conflict theory helps in identifying conflicts that bedevil families and how they can be resolved (Tischler, 2010). This helps...
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