This theory depicts the negative form of interaction where the powerful ones exercise their power over the poor, initiating resentment in society. It sidelines some and favors others by depriving some of their rights by confining them in one place and not permitting any change that might work in the favor of the disadvantaged in society (Laluddin, 2016).
Thus, conflict theory perceives society to be organized on the patterns that uphold the discriminatory status quo. They create a particular social pattern in a way that favors their interest and permits them to acquire more wealth and power via the exploitation of the groups that are less privileged in the society. Individuals, organizations, and institutions possessing power are perceived as imposing their standards and values of conduct on those without power by exercising their power and use of force. Rather than valuing consensus as a way of keeping society intact, it uses power exercises to play this role. Unlike structural-functionalism that perceives society as a well-integrated, harmonious social system with common goals and shared values, conflict theory perceives society as a ground of widespread struggle and conflict at each level. Society only survives based on how each part depends on others through their basic contribution to society. If perceived in terms of interaction one can conclude that it gauges the society-based interdependence of parts of the society. It does not center on individual interactions, but on individuals’ functions and how they complete a complex social structure. This theoretical perception focuses more on the functions of different parts of the society and how they integrate to form a whole structure. This implies that the existence of extra variation between the structural elements results in greater integration in the whole and permits it to survive by lowering its internal disharmony. Read also A Comparison of Sociological Perspectives – Structural Functionalist Approach, Social Conflict Theory and Symbolic Interactionism Thus, the level of the integration of the whole relies on the extent of the variation that lives between the specific structural elements. Therefore, a structure consisting of identical elements would be less or more self-sufficient. In this sense, society is perceived as an organism demonstrating various degrees of structural complexity that can be weighed in terms of various component elements of its structures. According to Laluddin (2016), society structural analysis can be achieved by creating a functional analogy between an organism and society. It centers on the institutions’ unction and their contribution to the social system continuity. Structural functionalism denotes society as a social system comprising of different institutions, organizations, and structures affecting each other and influencing the entire system.
Read also Culture and Subculture in Sociology Symbolic Interactionism, Social Conflict Theory, and Structural Functionalism Among them, the theoretical perspective that best fits sociology’s definition demonstrating people interaction is symbolic interactionism, as it defines the most essential elements of sociology. The three main theoretical views in sociology which have offered a general sociological studies framework include symbolic interactionism, social conflict theory, and structural functionalism. Theory in this case refers to the general statement on how some sections of the world work and fit together (Brinkerhoff et al., 2011). Theoretical frameworks are highly needed to be able to interpret social facts. All these can be explained using major sociology theoretical perspectives that help in interpreting, analyzing, explaining, and comprehending social phenomena. Sociology is grouped into six main areas that include social order theory and social organization, social control, social change, social groups, social processes, and social problems. Sociology stresses interaction patterns including how patterns are developed, how they are upheld, and how they are altered.
It centers on how groups and people interact, and also the behavioral rules that shape those interactions. Sociology refers to the systematic study of social interactions, social groups, and human society.