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At This Point in Your Study of Sociology, Which One of The Four Sociological Traditions Sounds Most Appealing To You

The document discusses which of the four major sociological theories - functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and utilitarianism - most appeals to the author. The author indicates that utilitarianism, also known as rational choice theory or exchange theory, is most appealing. Utilitarianism holds that the morally right action is one that produces the greatest benefit or utility. It considers the well-being of all individuals equally. The author believes utilitarianism can help maximize benefits and minimize disadvantages in teamwork and relationships by encouraging cooperation and compromise. Functionalism and conflict theory are less appealing as functionalism supports the status quo while conflict theory could increase stress.

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691 views2 pages

At This Point in Your Study of Sociology, Which One of The Four Sociological Traditions Sounds Most Appealing To You

The document discusses which of the four major sociological theories - functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and utilitarianism - most appeals to the author. The author indicates that utilitarianism, also known as rational choice theory or exchange theory, is most appealing. Utilitarianism holds that the morally right action is one that produces the greatest benefit or utility. It considers the well-being of all individuals equally. The author believes utilitarianism can help maximize benefits and minimize disadvantages in teamwork and relationships by encouraging cooperation and compromise. Functionalism and conflict theory are less appealing as functionalism supports the status quo while conflict theory could increase stress.

Uploaded by

Duyên Nguyễn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Nguyen Thi Bich Duyen

1632309007
SOC 144
Assignment 1

At this point in your study of sociology, which one of the four sociological traditions
sounds most appealing to you? Why?

Answer:

In the theoretical perspectives in sociology, there are four sociological traditions which
are functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interaction and utilitarianism. Though there are
many varieties of the view discussed in class, I believe that utilitarianism is the most appealing to
me. Utilitarianism is also called rational choice theory or exchange theory.
In fact, utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the
action that produces the best. One thing to be noticeable is that the theory is a form of
consequentialism: the right action is understood entirely in terms of consequences produced.
What distinguishes utilitarianism from egoism has to do with the scope of the relevant
consequences. On the utilitarian view one ought to maximize the overall good — that is,
consider the good of others as well as one's own good. As the result, I suppose that in order to
conduct the working productivity in a team, the utilitarianism is essential.
Besides, utilitarianism is also distinguished by impartiality and agent-neutrality.
Everyone's happiness counts the same. When one maximizes the good, it is the good impartially
considered. Further, the reason I have to promote the utilitarianism is the same reason anyone
else has to so promote their advantages. People have a tendency to achieve goals with minimum
disadvantages. However, if they want to reduce their disadvantages, they need to act follow the
utilitarianism in order to maximize their advantages in a given situation. Therefore, it is not
peculiar to me if I approve this theory.
Appling exchange theory into the life, I can balance my behavior towards other people
and the society easier. For example about the balance in working with a team, suppose that my
friend is an impatient person, I will try my best to seek to maximize the benefits that I gain from
the interaction and to reduce this disadvantage. Simultaneously, not only is the exchange theory
important for work, but also for dating relationship or in a family. For example, each partner in a
dating relationship surrenders a touch of self-rule as an end-result of adoration and different
advantages of being near somebody. However every relationship has its great and awful minutes,
and the two partners make regular trade-off to guarantee the relationship will persevere. For
whatever length of time that the couple feels happy and sympathetic overweight awful
misunderstands or bad moments, the relationship will continue. However, when one or the two
partners choose the reserve is true, the relationship will end.
In short, the utilitarianism is about society, because people realize it will be in their best
interests to cooperate and to make compromises when necessary in micro theory. Meanwhile in
micro theory, symbolic interactionism is focused on individualism and personal fulfillment at the
expense of the marital or family unit. In fact, in the society, understanding other people and
moderating oneself is necessary to develop relationships and corporations. In addition, there are
two theoretical perspectives which are conflict theory and functionalism, are also needed to
mention. From my perspective, those theoretical perspectives of macro theory are not suitable to
me. Firstly, I suppose that the conflict theory will bring more drawbacks and more stressed for
me in work and life. As conflict theory is the view that society is composed of groups with
different interests arising from their placement in the social structure. Therefore, I do not want to
lose my work time and productivity due to litigation, stress, sabotage… Thus, I reject this theory
out of my appealing sociological traditions. Secondly, the functionalism is also brings some
noticeable drawbacks. As functionalism is the view that social institutions are important for their
contributions to social stability. Nevertheless, this theoretical perspective is like supporting the
status quo. Specifically, it does not look at the causes or the root of the problems. As the result, it
tends to over-emphasis the harmonious nature of society. Personally, I also reject this theory as
my interest in sociological traditions. Hence, I believe that utilitarianism in micro theory is the
most interesting one among four theoretical perspectives.

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