Definition of Theory and Theoretical Approach
According to Schneider, (2006), a Theory is a formulated integrated set of statements that are backed by evidence collected through scientific method meant to explain, understand or predict particular conditions in the surrounding world. Giddens and Griffiths, (2006) further emphasize that theory involves the formulation of abstract interpretations mainly to explain a vast variety of empirical cases. On the other hand, Theoretical approaches are theories tested out using facts obtained through scientific research.
Description of the Three Major Theories of Sociology
Structural-Functional Theory
The structural- functional theory also known as the theory of functionalism is credited to Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist. According to Marsh, (2014), the theory focuses on how each member of the society contributes to the societies’ stability. It acknowledges the fact that for the society to be stable, everyone is considered a special member and has a unique role. His work focused majorly on shared experience, values, perspectives, beliefs and behaviors that enable people to feel they are part of a group. Peoples’ common interest is working together to maintain the interest of the group. His first publication titled “Division of labor in the society” formed a foundation of the theories developed. Other notable sociologists that are associated with the theory are Herbert Spencer, Robert K. Merton, and Talcott Parsons. Spencer's publication the "August Comte", applied Lamark's ideas on society that suggest that people adapt to social conditions of their lives. On the other hand, Merton was passionate about sociology developing Merton Thesis, “An insight on scientific revolution”. Other related fields of interest included social structure, social stratification, and social psychology. Lastly, Talcott Parsons contribution involved the development of the theory of the "sick role" and “The grand theory" the "sick role" highlights the situation of someone falling ill and the benefits that come with it while "The grand theory" seeks to integrate the different social sciences into a unified theoretical approach.
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Social-Conflict Theory
The social-conflict theory originated from Karl Marx. It states that societal conflict emanates from uneven distribution of status, resources, and power. Consequently, the created conflict fuels change within the society. Key pointers in Marx's social status include; gender, race, sexuality, culture, race, and religion. Through his focus on consequences of class conflict, Karl Marx theorized the rise of a powerful minority in the wake of capitalism in Europe due to conflict of interest between the capitalists and the working and poor class. Other sociologists that have contributed to refining the social–conflict theory are Antonio Gramsci, Wright C. Mills, Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno. Antonio Gramsci focused on cultural hegemony arguing that Marx work needed more development beyond the rule of common sense. Still, on hegemony, Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno focused on how mass production of music, art and media influenced it. Wright C. Mills developed the conflict theory by highlighting the existence of a power circle composed of economic, military and political figures that have to continue to rule The USA since the mid-twentieth century. Other contributions worth mentioning include the theory of cultural globalization developed by George Yudice and group and the theory of feminism (Marsh, 2014).
Symbolic-Interaction Theory
Symbolic interaction theory also known as symbolic interactionism was introduced by George Herbert Mead in the 1920s. However, the theories have been traced to have relations with earlier work of Max Weber which asserted that people act by their understanding of the meaning of the world. The symbolic-interaction theory analyses the subjective meanings that individuals give objects, behaviors, and events. As such, society is thought to be formulated through human interpretation meaning that people's interpretation of one another is not necessarily right but a perception of their beliefs. Two main cases of focus are the aspects of gender and race. Despite having no biological backing, the two largely carry socially constructed meaning that guides in peoples decisions. Some of the contributions include analysis of matters such as colorism where it is believed that lightly skinned Latinos are smarter than dark-skinned ones. Shankar Vedantam in Vedantam, (2010) expounds on the how the belief has been translated into higher wages for the light-skinned Latinos as compared to their dark-skinned counterparts. Another evidence of the believes in action is the annual income gender gap documented by Doctor Mariko Lin Chang (Marsh, 2014).
How the Three Theories Would Analyze the Issue of Gender Harassment And the current “Me Too” movement
Sexual harassment refers to the bullying, coercion or teasing of a sexual nature by either gender. The act is not only limited to soliciting for sexual favors but also offensive comments about one's gender. Whereas the current "Mee too" movement refers to tweets with the phrase “#Me Too" popularised by Alyssa Millano to give women a voice in raising concern on the widespread prevalence of sexual assault.
Structural-functional theory discourages sexual harassment and encourages moves such as the current "Me Too" moment. Sexual harassment fails to realize the unique role every member of the society is meant to play in realizing a united society. Meaning that it negatively contributes towards societal cohesion. Contrary, the current ‘Me Too" campaign emphasizes the need to treat women fairly and reduce their prevalence to sexual assault a driving force to societal cohesion. Whereas men and women have an equal chance of being sexually harassed, the structural-functional theory does not discriminate in its mandate to champion for social cohesion.
According to the social conflict theory, sexual harassment is a conflict that emanates from an uneven allocation of resources. As analyzed by United Nations, (2015) in a report on the role of women in the United stated. It is evident that women have a lower presence in economic activities in the USA. The uneven allocation or possession of resources causes the major source of interest escalating to sexual harassment. More so, the perception that the opposite gender can offer sexual favors that are unique to that gender is another source of conflict since was it that both sexes were equal in all means there would be no such desires. However, the "Mee too" movement is the initiated change caused by the feeling that women are prevalent. As long as the feeling of sexual exploitation and assault is present, such movements are bound to come up.
Symbolic interaction theory, on the other hand, views the matter of sexual harassment as a gender misconception. First, the gender that feels harassed may be driven by beliefs to think they are prevalent. Secondly, the perpetrators believe that their action has no negative impact on their victim without necessarily seeking their opinion. Lastly, there is a wide-spread believe that women are inferior to men and whatever advances men make are not genuine and are aimed at exploiting them. However, the “Me Too: movement is a reaction in the hope that through massive mobilization, women grievances will be heard and acted on. Nevertheless, there is evidence as observed by Vedantam, (2010) that victims to the negative believe suffer. The current "Me Too" campaign and gender sensitization are most likely to create awareness of how the issue of sexual harassment is affecting the society and initiate a corrective measure.
References
Giddens, A., & Griffiths, S. (2006). Sociology. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Marsh, I. (2014). Theory and practice in sociology. [Place of publication not identified]: Routledge.
Schneider, M. A. (2006). The theory primer: A sociological guide. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield.
United Nations. (2015). UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice finalizes country mission to the United States. WASHINGTON DC: UNHR. Retrieved from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=16872&LangID=E
Vedantam, S. (2010). The hidden brain: how our unconscious minds elect presidents, control markets, wage wars, and save our lives. Choice Reviews Online, 48(01). http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/choice.48-0575
