Symbolic Interaction And Conflict Perspectives

Symbolic Interaction And Conflict Perspectives
–Introduction: this section lays out the topic, introduces the research question, briefly explains why answering the question is important and presents a roadmap for the rest of the research design. –Literature Review: this section treats previous research that has explored research questions that are at all similar to yours. The purpose of a literature review is to understand previous research so that your own design can build upon it and create testable hypotheses. The review does not necessarily need to discuss every piece of work ever done on the topic, but needs to be targeted towards your research question. –Theory/Hypotheses: this section lays out the basic theory and argument of your research design. The section presents the core hypotheses that you wish to test and these are based on the literature review, but also on your own contribution to the literature through your theory and argument. If you believe that the literature does not provide a sufficient guide to generate testable hypotheses, you need not present them. Also, if you are proposing an ethnographic/grounded theory method/similar approach, you can argue that you cannot generate testable hypotheses. –Data/Variables: this section indicates which variables you need to conduct your analysis. Here, you specify what your dependent variable is, what your primary independent variables of interest are, what your control variables are and finally, from where you plan to collect your data. –Conclusion: this section is a reiteration of your topic, research question and the importance of the question to the area of study.
Symbolic interaction, functional analysis, and conflict theory represent useful dimensions for analyzing poverty. Symbolic interaction suggests that society defines poverty in terms of the meaning and interpretations people associate with this problem. This meaning changes as people interact and communicate. This theory suggests that the interactions between the poor and other groups cause and reinforce poverty (Thio 35). A form of segregation arises that limits the poor to certain circles in areas such as employment and residence. The functionalist perspective emphasizes the important role of poverty in society. This role includes working in blue-collar jobs and creating employment opportunities for skilled workers (Thio 34). The theory underplays the need for socioeconomic equality, leaving society in a skewed situation that creates poverty. Conflict theory places the blame for poverty on the poor. Given the land of opportunities, society expects all individuals to participate effectively and take advantage of opportunities. Based on this perspective, a “culture of poverty” associated with laziness is the primary cause of poverty (Thio 34). This theory overlooks the role of environmental factors in inequality. The nature versus nurture perspective suggests that equal access to opportunities is insufficient to prevent or eliminate poverty. Even the most naturally gifted individuals need some form of support to achieve their potential.
Symbolic Interaction And Conflict Perspectives
Symbolic interaction would provide a viable solution to the problem by targeting attitudes to poverty. The underlying notion that poverty is merely an abstract problem constructed through the meanings people assign to situations suggests that society can address this problem by targeting such meanings. A possible solution would be through relevant education of both the poor and the wealthy. Such education should foster a public opinion that sees poverty as a shared problem requiring all stakeholders’ concerted efforts. This dimension makes symbolic interaction the ideal option for solving poverty.
Work Cited
Thio, Alex, and Jim Taylor. Social problems. Jones