Functionalist Conflict Interactionist
sociology
Description
The paper should be a 1-2 page essay (double spaced)
Take a well-known figure (cartoon character, TV personality, or yourself if you want). Then
describe how each of these perspectives (Functionalist, Conflict, and Interactionist) might view
this person’s world view (what they believe, what they might think and how they behave). In
other words, how the individual’s socialization might have occurred; leading to the individual.
Functionalist Conflict Interactionist
View of
Individual
People are socialized to
perform societally
functions
People are shaped by
power, coercion and
authority
People manipulate symbols and
create their social worlds
through interaction
Example:
G I Joe (military action hero)
1. Functionalist: patriotism, understands peace comes from security and force (You would write
more).
2. Conflict: military commercials, sensationalized news programs, and career incentives force
low-income individuals to think military service (You would write more).
3. Interactionist: conversations with generations of family and friends who have served
influences your decision-making (You would write more).
