Final answer:
As a sociologist, I would prefer to apply conflict theory to a real-world event because it analyzes societal issues through the lens of conflict and inequality, relevant to understanding power struggles and social change.
Step-by-step explanation:
If I were a sociologist and had to choose one sociological perspective to apply to a real-world event, I would opt for conflict theory.
This perspective posits that social life is characterized by conflict and inequality, which drives social change. This is particularly relevant in examining contemporary societal issues like economic disparities, racial tensions, and political conflicts. Conflict theory captures the essence of these power struggles and the resulting impacts on society's structure and relationships. It is rooted in Marxism and focuses on the contention for power and resources, making it a suitable lens to analyze events and social patterns where inequality and power dynamics are evident.
Functionalism, in contrast, would view society as an organism with interdependent parts that work toward collective stability. While it is useful for understanding social cohesion and consensus, it might not be as adept at examining the tensions or change-inducing aspects of social phenomena.
Another perspective, symbolic interactionism, examines social world on a micro level, looking at daily interactions and symbols. This micro approach, while valuable for insights into individual behaviors and meanings, might overlook the broader, systemic dynamics that conflict theory adeptly addresses.