Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

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In general, the United States has some of the highest poverty rates among industrialized countries. Some sociologists believe that the theoretical perspective explains why poverty continues to happen. However, we must first illustrate the differences among the three perspectives and why those differences matter in regards to the existence of poverty. From a functionalist perspective, poverty must somehow contribute to the general well-being of society. Perhaps the existence of poverty serves as an incentive, encouraging everyone to work harder than they otherwise might, to avoid becoming poor, and thereby boosting the general level of wealth. From a symbolic interactionist perspective, poverty would be recognized as symbols (or labels) given to each other. Sociologists would study the personal relationships between the impoverished. They would look at stereotypes that people have towards impoverished people. They may also look at stereotypes the impoverished have towards the wealthy. Symbolic interactionists generally look at the face-to-face interactions between individuals. From a conflict theory perspective, poverty is imposed; reflecting unequal power among social groups, and it will continue to be imposed until those harmed by it manage to force a change. Conflict theory would also argue that the explanations offered by functionalism and symbolic interactionism theory are themselves part of what sustains poverty, as they conceal its true origins and encourage the poor to accept existing social arrangements rather than organize to combat them. Another important question to ask about any explanation or policy proposal is "who benefits?” It is said to have been a principle of criminal investigation in Rome that those who stood to gain from an event were probably the ones responsible for it. In judging whether you wish to accept an explanation or proposal, you
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