Which Of The Three Major Sociological Approaches To Understa

Which Of The Three Major Sociological Approaches To Understanding Soci

Which of the three major sociological approaches to understanding social problems related to work and the economy do you most prefer? Why? Requirements (due Wednesday before midnight): Be Substantive. Minimum of 250-words to 500-words (must have footnotes) Must provide scholarly or current events in text citation (textbook, other scholarly/peer-reviewed sources found in the school's library database, internet sources ending in .gov or .edu; or newspapers) – Minimum of 2 references Address current political climate and election

Paper For Above instruction

The three principal sociological approaches—functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionism—offer distinct perspectives for understanding social problems related to work and the economy. Among these, I most prefer the conflict approach because it critically examines the power dynamics and economic inequalities that underpin societal structures, especially in the context of current political developments and elections.

The conflict theory, rooted in the works of Karl Marx, emphasizes the role of economic inequality and power struggles between different social classes. It posits that social problems arise from the exploitation of the working class by the ruling elite, which maintains its dominance through control over resources and institutions. In the context of the current political climate, this approach exposes how economic policies during elections often favor corporate interests and the wealthy, thereby widening income disparities and perpetuating poverty among marginalized groups.^1 For example, recent debates over tax reforms and minimum wage laws highlight the persistence of economic inequality and the influence of wealthy donors on policy decisions.^2

Counter to the functionalist perspective, which views social problems as disruptions that threaten social stability, conflict theory recognizes these issues as manifestations of systemic inequalities that require structural change. It encourages us to question how economic institutions and political power structures perpetuate inequality, especially amid a polarized political environment where populist movements challenge traditional elites.^3 During elections, this approach helps to analyze how political rhetoric and policies may either address or exacerbate economic disparities.

Furthermore, conflict theory's emphasis on inequality is particularly relevant when examining the effects of globalization and technological advancements on the workforce. These factors have led to job displacement and wage stagnation for many workers, especially those in manufacturing and low-skill sectors.^4 The current political discourse often revolves around addressing these challenges, but underlying power imbalances make effective solutions difficult to implement. Recognizing these dynamics through a conflict perspective helps to advocate for policies promoting economic justice and labor rights.

In conclusion, the conflict sociological approach provides a comprehensive lens for understanding social problems linked to work and the economy, especially in the context of ongoing political debates and elections. It reveals the structural inequalities that sustain economic disparities and motivates advocacy for reform to promote social justice and equitable economic policies.

References

• Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. First International Press.
• Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Harvard University Press.
• Gordon, D. (2018). "The Political Economy of Economic Inequality." Journal of Socioeconomics, 70, 116-125.
• Autor, D. H. (2015). "Why Are There Still So Many Jobs? The History and Future of Workplace Automation." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3), 3-30.