Final answer:
Society is conceived differently by each theoretical perspective: Functionalism sees society as a cohesive system, the conflict perspective emphasizes inequality and power struggles, and the symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on individual interactions and the meanings attached to them.
Step-by-step explanation:
How each perspective conceives of society is a fundamental question in sociology. Here's a brief overview:
- Structural-functional perspective (functionalism): This perspective views society as a complex system of parts that work together to promote solidarity and stability. Social institutions serve necessary functions to help maintain the social system, and each part of society is considered functional for the stability and continuance of society as a whole.
- Conflict perspective: This perspective focuses on the social, political, or material inequalities of a social group. It critiques the broad socio-political system, or addresses structural inequality inherent within it. Conflict theorists believe that social order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. According to this perspective, social stratification is created and maintained through societal structures that favor certain groups.
- Symbolic interactionist perspective: This microanalytical perspective is centered on the meanings individuals attach to their experiences and the complexities of social interaction. Proponents of this perspective study how individuals interact with one another and how they use symbols to create meaning. They investigate how being a part of different social strata influence an individual's identity and interactions on a daily basis.
Each perspective presents a unique way of viewing society's structures and interactions, offering varying insights into the human social experience.