Final answer:
The three main theoretical perspectives in sociology—functional, conflict, and symbolic interactionist—each provide different insights into societal tensions. Functionalism looks at systemic balances, conflict theory examines inequalities and power struggles, and symbolic interactionism focuses on interpersonal dynamics and meanings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed asks which theoretical perspective best explains the tensions and problems faced by society. The key perspectives are:
- Functional perspective: This view considers society to be a complex system of interrelated parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributes to society's equilibrium. In the context mentioned, a functionalist would focus on the dysfunctions arising from the entry of underage asylum seekers, seeking to understand how these impact social equilibrium.
- Conflict perspective: Conflict theory sees society as composed of groups that compete for scarce resources. It focuses on the inequalities and power differentials within society, such as how social stratification affects migrants from less-developed countries in Latin America.
- Symbolic interactionist perspective: This view emphasizes the social meanings and definitions that arise from human interaction. For the issue at hand, an interactionist might study the attitudes and meanings behind the protests against migrant children.
Each perspective offers valuable insights, but the best choice depends on the particular aspect of social tension one wants to understand. The functional perspective could help us understand system imbalances, conflict perspective could shed light on inequality and power, and symbolic interactionism could elucidate the nuanced interpersonal dynamics at play.