Question

Apply each of the 3 main sociological theories to poverty and how would a theorist from each perspective (structural functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist) view this social problem

Answer 1

Structural functionalism holds the view that the hierarchy in a society or differences in the social structure is an important element in keeping the smooth functioning of the society. It suggests that this difference makes sure that people who work hard and contribute more get the best benefit and people who do not contribute much gets the least. It also says that people are provided money and power in the society according to their abilities. So, according to this theory poor people deserve to be poor.

Conflict theory explains the concept that everyone in the society are equally important for the smooth existence of the society thus there is no greater or lesser significant jobs. Everyone deserve to enjoy equal rights and benefits in the society but people who are already at the top in terms of money and power do not allow people from bottom to come up. They do not get enough opportunity to go to the top, although they work hard. Social order is maintained by suppression and dominance by the higher classes of the society.

Symbolic Interactionism refers to certain elements such as language, signs, symbols, things etc. that is in practice among different groups in the society. Higher class people have a different lifestyle, language style, signs and symbols while the poor people have different things that are considered as low level and they are not accepted among the rich and powerful. This difference is maintained to differentiate rich and poor in the society thus keeping poor in poverty.