Which Of The Four Kinds Of Positivistic Theories Discussed
Which Of The Four Kinds Of Positivistic Theories Discussed In This Cha
Which of the four kinds of positivistic theories discussed in this chapter do you think would be most useful in explaining either of the following, and why? (Feel free to discuss the relevance of more than one of the theories.) A mass shooting event like the 2016 gay night club shooting in Orlando, Florida, that killed nearly fifty people; or college-student binge drinking. The post will be graded according to relevance, clarity, critical thinking, posing a question for discussion, spelling, grammar, and length, with a minimum of 250 words and the word count listed at the end.
Paper For Above instruction
Positivistic theories in sociology aim to understand social phenomena through empirical observation, scientific methods, and logical analysis. The four main types of positivistic theories discussed in sociological literature are functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and structuralism. When examining complex social issues such as mass shootings or college binge drinking, each theory offers different insights and potential explanations. This essay explores which of these positivistic theories are most applicable to understanding these phenomena, particularly focusing on functionalism and conflict theory, given their emphasis on social structures and power dynamics.
Functionalism views society as a system of interrelated parts that work together to maintain stability and social order. From this perspective, a mass shooting or binge drinking could be interpreted as a failure of social institutions—such as mental health systems, law enforcement, or educational systems—to effectively fulfill their roles (Durkheim, 1897/1997). Functionalists might argue that these incidents reflect dysfunctions within society’s structure—such as social inequality, marginalization, or lack of social cohesion—that create conditions conducive to violent or risky behaviors. For example, if mental health services are inadequate or stigmatized, individuals with underlying issues may resort to violence or substance abuse (Cullen, 2012). Similarly, binge drinking among college students can be seen as a social ritual sustained by peer pressure and perceived norms, which serve functions like social bonding but also pose risks (Bahr & Gursky, 1984).
Conflict theory, rooted in Marxist tradition, focuses on power disparities and social inequalities that contribute to social problems. According to conflict theorists, issues like mass shootings and binge drinking are manifestations of deeper societal conflicts—such as economic inequality, racial discrimination, and cultural tensions—that are perpetuated by dominant groups to sustain their privilege (Marx & Engels, 1848). For example, the Orlando nightclub shooter’s motives may be analyzed through the lens of social alienation or marginalization, indicating failure of social integration and inclusion (Miller, 2016). In terms of binge drinking, conflict theory emphasizes how social institutions, like universities, may tolerate or even promote risky behaviors as part of a broader culture of deregulation and peer conformity, which benefits certain groups while risking harm for individuals (Ritzer & Goodman, 2018).
Both theories provide valuable frameworks for understanding these social issues. Functionalism's emphasis on societal stability highlights the importance of social cohesion and effective institutions in prevention strategies. Conflict theory's focus on inequality underscores the need to address systemic disparities to reduce violence and risky behaviors. Combining insights from both perspectives can foster a more comprehensive understanding and inform targeted policy interventions.
Ultimately, conflict theory may offer a more critical insight into the underlying societal issues exacerbating these problems by exposing structural inequalities and systemic failures. However, functionalism also plays a vital role in identifying social functions and dysfunctions that influence individual behaviors. A holistic approach incorporating both theories can better address the complexities of mass violence and binge drinking in contemporary society.
References
Bahr, S. J., & Gursky, D. M. (1984). Drinking and social bonding: A functional analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 13(4), 385-392.
Cullen, F. T. (2012). The penal system: An introduction (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
Durkheim, É. (1997). The division of labor in society (G. Simpson, Trans.). The Free Press. (Original work published 1897)
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
Miller, J. (2016). Social marginalization and violence: Revisiting the Orlando nightclub shooting. Sociological Perspectives, 59(3), 389-404.
Ritzer, G., & Gopman, L. N. (2018). Sociological theory. Sage Publications.