Sociological Theories

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In order to gain an understanding of how societies function, many sociologists have observed various factors that contribute to the way societies work. Their culture, ideals, and the setting they inhabit define societies. Numerous principles and interconnected propositions are linked together into theories. Theories are composed to bring clarity on how societies function and what ties members of a society together. Sociology describes these theories as ‘lens’ in which provide a unique perspective in providing an explanation of social life. Three predominate theories are applied in sociology in regards of social life within societies: symbolic interaction, structural-functionalist, and conflict theory. Each of these theories provides a unique …show more content…
144). According to the conflict theory, domestic violence is due to the inequality of power among men and women. Because male workers experience alienation – powerlessness and meaningless – at work, they resort to control their household. This theory also supports the idea that women are historically viewed as property and are subjected to battering; when a wife resists her husband’s commands, he uses his anger as a catalyst to justify violent behavior in order to reaffirm his power in the household. This is an example of an established norm, which economic factors often influence. Due to the unequal distribution of wealth and power, male domination continues – despite families are more egalitarian than before. When a spouse does better on job, conflict arises and thus resulting into domestic …show more content…
According to this theory, changes to gender roles leads to the nuclear family experiencing disruption and weakness. Taking a macro perspective, if an institution, such as education fails to implement basic education then men and women do not fulfill their roles adequately. Then women will reach for “instrumental” roles. Because men will feel disregarded and replaced, they will option to violence in order to manipulate the situations. In the end result, children will not be effectively raised and trained into good morals and principles; thus, they will continue on the “cycle of