Sociological Analysis

Introduction

Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic Interaction are the three most popular sociological theories that offer a very useful framework to understand the various aspects of the society and individuals and groups living in it. The current paper aims to discuss the novel to kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee.

Structural Functionalism

The Structural Functionalism Theory defines society as a set of inter-related parts, each of which has its own purpose. These parts are institutions, shared values and norms, social order and social change that are necessary for the smooth functioning of the society. The theory sees social change as an essential component that helps to correct the social variances in a slow but orderly manner (Ritzer & Goodman, pp.123).

Basic assumptions of Structural Functionalism

The primary assumptions of this theory are as follows:

1. A society is a system made up of several interconnected parts including structures and institutions.

2. The interaction amongst these components enables the delivery of various vital functions.

3. Societies are based on the principles of cooperation, interdependence and order (Turner, pp.211).

4. Societies happen to be in the best shape when they seek self-maintaining equilibrium, with all their components contributing to their smooth functioning.

5. A society may be static or undergoing an ordered change.

6. Resource allocation and integration are the primary forces that drive equilibrium in a society.

7. The nature of one component of the society influences the form of the other inter-related variables (Dillon, pp.176).

Sociological terms relevant to Structural Functionalism

Some of the important terms and ideas encompassing the Structural Functionalism include:

Interaction

It refers to the socially defined preferences that determine how individuals relate to each other depending upon their position and status in the society (Ritzer & Goodman, pp.123).

Institutions

These are inter-dependent structures of status and norms, formed for the purpose of meeting a certain need of the society.

Structures and Functions

These refer to the process of identifying the essential institutions in a society and their relative significance to other institutions, as well as, to the inclusive society.

Integration

Integration is the process of addressing and preventing conflicts and disputes within a society or a group.

Dysfunction

Disruption or disturbance in the functioning of an institution or some other component of the society that may hinder the functioning of the interrelated parts (Turner, pp.211).

Structural Functionalism to topic

The novel is set in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. It is a close-knit society with people strongly rooted to their southern ancestry. How a society is bound to norms is highly evident in the way people live and behave. Conformity to norms and the culture of a Southener is what keeps the people intact and uniformed. Digression is seen as an abnormality not desired and looked down upon. Blacks and whites have demarcated roles in the society. The roles are pre-defined, also how one is supposed to behave is determined and widely imitated. This manifests itself as Alexandera , Atticus's sister, tries to muld her niece scout into the mould of feminine ideal of a southern lady.

Conflict Theory

Conflict Theory is one of the major sociological theories that seek ...