Culture is way of life shared by people within a community or society. Each perspective have their own approach to study culture. In this article we will discuss the three different approaches to study culture. The three sociological perspective are as follow, structural functional perspective, conflict perspective and symbolic interactionist perspective.
Structural Functional Perspective
According to, Structural functional perspective all parts of society (social institutions, groups and association) work together and make society as whole. Therefore, functionalist view as an important part of society which function contribute in the organization of society. Cultural norms provide a guideline to individual to have to behave within an institution and society, which contribute to the stability and fluid operation of society. Values teaches people what choices should they made in different scenarios, which are within the boundary of social morality. Those choices and decisions should be considered moral and accepted by the members of society. Culture fulfil the needs of members within a society, it contribute in the stability and order of society.
Conflict Perspective
According to conflict perspective social structure of society is inherently based on inequality, those who are powerful and wealthy (upper-class) exploit people, norms, values and institutions for their own benefit and selfish desires. Conflict theorist view culture as a tool for powerful and wealthy people to sustain and maintain the inequalities and differences in the power between social classes within society. Conflict perspective is not only limited to power of wealth but, it also discusses the power which is related to gender, age and race. Such inequalities which are based on gender, class, age and race create conflict in the society between two factions. For instance, businesses promote their products through media, which promote the desired culture of wealthy class. Everyone within a society cannot buy or afford those products and life style which is promoted via media. Businesses and media promote things as, it is the only way to live within a society. Therefore, it creates a gap between the two classes the one who can afford those products and lifestyle and those who cannot afford and bye. Which leads to the conflict between two classes. Women did not have right to vote in early twentieth century which lead to the establishment of different association and organization for the purpose of securing right to vote. This the example of conflict between two factions on the basis of gender.
Symbolic interactionist Perspective
Interactionist theorist view society as, the product of social interaction. They believe that, culture is created and sustained because of social interaction between the members of society. The way people behave and interact with one another within a society, culture will be the reflection of their actions and how those actions are interpreted. Interactionist believe that, interaction is the continuous processes which drives meaning from objects and actions of others. Actions of people and objects in environment are considered to be symbols, which has meaning. Those meanings are interpreted and communicated through language to others. Interactionist believe that, culture is dynamic because it depends on how the symbols are interpreted and perceived by people with in a society.
