Chunsheng Yan

Sociology 1
1. The Functionalist paradigm describes the society in a macro level. It focuses on the
structure/institution of the society. Functionalist assume that society is a complex system,
whose parts/institutions work togetherto create stability for the whole society. Regard the
society as a human body, then every structure( family, education, hospital. Etc) works like
organs. Only if all these organs works together and well, we can have a healthy and stable
body. Functionalists try to add all parts which is good to maintain or contribute social
stability.
The Functionalist paradigm explains the stability of society well but it ignores the
minority of the society and fails to explain the inequality in society. By functionalist
paradigm, inequality is essential for social stability.
Example: in American, 1% people hold 40% of the nation wealth. In terms of
functionalist paradigm, this wealth inequality is good and essential for society, because this
motivate people with talent hold the most important job and earn more. The inequality is also
one of the structures of society.
2. Conflict paradigm also describes the society in a macro level. However, unlike
functionalist paradigm, it focuses on what will break the social stability. It seems to help
functionalist to explain the inequality in society. In a society, the resources( food, education,
houses. Etc) is limited, people in society need to compete with each other to gain as many
resources as possible. It is impossible that all people have the same amount of resources.
Therefore, inequality comes, and then class difference is produced. People in upper class can

gain more easily. The unequally distributed resources will bring conflict. Once the conflict
comes to the border, people in the low class will resist, which will cause strike or revolution.
As a result, the social structure may be rearranged.
Example French revolution( began in 1789): Few people who holds the power did
not car about people in low class. Poor people could not even afford food. The king did
not try solving the conflict. As a result, The revolution came and the society totally
changed. After the revolution, Paris Commune was founded, all resources were
distributed equally, which tried to get rid of inequality, but it failed in the end.
3. Interactionist Paradigm describes society in a micro level. Symbolic Interactionist
assume that society is a product of everyday interactions among individuals. Society is
composed of people. Nobody can live by himself in a society. There must be interactions
between people, and interactionist paradigm helps explain the interaction and how people act
towards one another. According to interactionist paradigm, every action of people has
meaning and peoples action is influenced by their beliefs, values, education and so on. The
society is operated by people and can be changed by peoples decisions.
Example: Students in one classroom do not know each other at first. After some group
work they may start to know each other, and then they will talk about their major, transfering,
etc, which is the sign that they want to make friends. Whats more, they may study or hang
out together out of class time, which shows that their friendship become closer and closer.