Identify a social problem and critically analyze it using the three major sociological theories and the methods used for sociological analysis?

Answer 1

Great question. First of all, let's review the three major sociological theories. There's conflict theory, as theorized by Karl Marx; symbolic interactionism, as conceived by Max Weber; and structural-functionalism, as theorized by Emile Durkheim (among others). Next, let's think of a problem to critically analyze- for this example we can use the problem of racism.

From a conflict theoretical perspective, society is a site of conflict between social groups. So, racism might be explained by a conflict theorist as a conflict between minority groups and an oppressor group. Keep in mind that these positions are just one of the many positions a theorist in the respective field could take.

Symbolic interactionists, as the name suggests, think about society in terms of the interactions between its members. The social meaning of symbols is created through social interaction. So, a symbolic interactionist might say that racism is the result of the construction of negative stereotypes about a minority ethnic group.

Lastly, structural-functionalism views society as essentially stable, and possessing a coherent structure. Inequality is seen as necessary for society's orderly functioning. So, a structural-functionalist might explain racism in terms of society's tendency to marginalize some social groups at the expense of others.

I hope this helps to answer your question.