In: Psychology
For each of the four orienting strategies we have discussed in class, identify and briefly describe one kind of problem, issue, or phenomenon that the strategy would suggest is worth theorizing about.
Exchange
Conflict
Functionalism
Interactionism
Exchange theory: This is best at understanding why some social behaviors are accepted while others are discarded on the basis of benefits and costs.The benefits includes the social support, friendship, companionship,social security etc , whereas, the cost includes the time,money and effort an individual puts in.Positive relationship are developed when benefits outweigh the costs and a good relationship is established between the individuals.Negative relationship occurs when costs outweigh the benefits,thus conflicts and tensions arises in the relationship and the relationship is strained or discarded.
Conflict theory: This theory deals the class conflict in a better way.It provides the reasons and causes of class conflict in the society. It explains how discrimination and exploitation of working class by the elite class of the society creates tension and conflict between the two and the impact of this conflict on the whole society.
Functional Theory: This theory explains the inter relation of various parts of society with each other. It explains how a society functions and attains social stability. It compares society to human body and the parts of the society to the organs of the body. As a malfunction in one of the organ may disturb the whole body so the dysfunctions in any part or institution of the society may impact the whole society.This theory gives good explanation of functions of different components of the society.
Interactionism : This theory of Sociology describes how an individual interprets meaning of behaviors of people around him/her during the social interactions and how this interpretations are used by the indivudual to develop the concept of self with respect to the world around him/her.This theory stresses on the importance of verbal and nonverbal interaction among the persons in developing social concepts in an individual.