People perceive and analyze the world in different ways and at different levels. The three major theoretical frameworks include symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. The Symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on interpersonal relationships and communication. In this theory, people understand the world through language and symbols. A person receives information about the meaning of things by communicating with others and interprets these meanings in specific social situations (Tyler, 2020). This theoretical framework is subjective since it is based on face-to-face communication and symbols that arise in the process of interaction between two people.
On the other hand, functionalism analyzes the interaction between different social groups and institutions. From this perspective, society is a complex system, each of whose elements is aimed at maintaining its stability (Tyler, 2020). At the same time, society is united by the need to satisfy its biological and social needs and by common values, languages, and culture. Functionalism understands the world through repetitive patterns of behavior, each with a specific function in society. However, when social changes occur, or behavior patterns change, this perspective may not be effective in understanding the world.
The third perspective is conflict theory, in which society constantly competes for resources and social position. Some members of society have more resources and opportunities and use their power to keep social institutions working (Tyler, 2020). In this perspective, each individual understands the world based on their social status. That is, gender or racial inequality leads to the fact that people interpret the world based on the need to fight for their rights. Since conflict theory analyzes society at the macro level, it provides a more complete view of the social world than other perspectives. In addition, this approach is the most relevant for the modern world, as it adapts depending on emerging social conflicts.
Reference
Tyler, S. (2020). Human Behavior and Social Environment. University of Arkansas.