Compare and contrast the conflict and the functionalist pers ✓ Solved

Complete the quiz in a Word document. This is an open book quiz. The answer to each question must be in words. Topic: Compare and contrast the conflict and the functionalist perspective relative to the political system in the United States. Select one current issue such as healthcare, immigration, or one of your choosing and discuss the issue from both perspectives.

2. Describe your family dynamics from the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives.

3. What are the sociological characteristics of religion in the United States? Build an argument that religion is likely to remain a strong feature of life in the United States or why religion may not remain a strong feature in the lives of Americans.

4. Select one of the sociological perspectives, the functionalist, conflict, or symbolic interactionist, and analyze the problems facing K-12 education in the United States. Describe three or four solutions that you would like to present to your local school board to improve the educational system.

Paper For Above Instructions

The sociological perspectives of conflict and functionalism offer different views on the political system of the United States. Conflict theory, rooted in the works of Karl Marx, focuses on the power dynamics and struggles between different groups within society. It posits that the political system is primarily a mechanism for perpetuating inequality and injustice, highlighting how the interests of the powerful often align with the political agenda, while marginalized groups face oppression and discrimination (Coser, 2010). In contrast, functionalism, associated with theorists like Émile Durkheim, views the political system as a vital institution that contributes to the stability and functionality of society. Functionalists argue that the political system serves to maintain social order, resolve conflicts, and promote the collective good, ensuring that societal needs are met (Giddens, 2017).

To illustrate these perspectives, we can examine the current issue of healthcare in the United States. From a conflict perspective, one could argue that the healthcare system is characterized by significant disparities in access to services, largely based on socioeconomic status. Wealthy individuals have greater access to high-quality care, while low-income individuals often face barriers (Wilensky & Teitelbaum, 2016). This can lead to a cycle of poverty, where marginalized groups continue to suffer from poor health outcomes while the wealthy benefit from their resources. In contrast, a functionalist perspective might highlight the healthcare system's role in promoting public health as a means to ensure a productive society. Access to healthcare services can improve overall health and, consequently, contribute to economic growth and social stability (Rosenfeld, 2018).

Next, family dynamics can be examined through the lenses of functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalists consider the family as a foundational unit that socializes children and provides emotional support, contributing to societal stability (Parsons, 1955). From the conflict perspective, family dynamics may illustrate systemic power imbalances, such as gender inequality, where various members may face oppression or favoritism (Collins, 2000). Symbolic interactionism, on the other hand, focuses on the meanings and interactions among family members, how they communicate, and how those interactions shape familial relationships (Blumer, 1969).

Turning to religion, sociologists identify its characteristics through various lenses. Religion in the United States provides both a social and individual identity, often offering community support and a moral framework for behavior (Chaves, 2011). While some argue that secularization is on the rise, suggesting that religion may decline in significance, many contend it continues to play a crucial role in social cohesion and cultural identity, especially in times of crisis (Putnam & Campbell, 2010). For instance, during significant national tragedies, religious communities often rally to provide support and resources.

Finally, focusing on the education system, the sociological perspective selected here is that of functionalism. Education serves several key functions, including socialization, skill development, and economic mobility. However, the U.S. education system also faces numerous challenges, such as inequality in funding, outdated curriculums, and the impact of standardized testing (Davis, 2014).

To address these issues, several solutions can be presented to local school boards. First, increasing funding for schools in underserved communities can help provide equal access to quality education resources. Second, classrooms must integrate current technology to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the modern workforce (Ravitch, 2010). Third, revising the curriculum to be more inclusive of diverse histories and perspectives can help all students feel represented. Finally, reducing the weight of standardized testing in evaluating student success can provide a more comprehensive view of a student's abilities and understanding (Au, 2011).

By examining these sociological perspectives and applying them to contemporary issues, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of social systems in the United States.

References

• Au, W. (2011). Unequal by Design: High-Stakes Testing and the Illusion of Accountability. Teachers College Press.
• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
• Chaves, M. (2011). American Religion: Contemporary Trends. Princeton University Press.
• Collins, R. (2000). The Sociology of Philosophies: A Global Theory of Intellectual Change. Harvard University Press.
• Coser, L. A. (2010). Masters of Sociological Thought: Ideas in Historical and Social Context. Harcourt College Publishers.
• Davis, K. (2014). Educational Inequality: A Sociological Perspective. Routledge.
• Giddens, A. (2017). Sociology. Polity Press.
• Parsons, T. (1955). The Family: A Dynamic Interpretation. Psychology Press.
• Putnam, R. D., & Campbell, D. E. (2010). American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us. Simon and Schuster.
• Ravitch, D. (2010). The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education. Basic Books.
• Wilensky, G. R., & Teitelbaum, J. B. (2016). Health Care: A Systematic Approach to the Medicare “Issue”. Health Services Research.
• Rosenfeld, R. (2018). Public Health and Social Justice: Where Do We Stand? Health Affairs.