The structural-functionalist approach ascertains that society is a complex system where many elements work together to promote solidarity and stability. The symbolic-interactionist approach suggests that symbols and actions in society enable people to interpret the world. These two approaches are similar in that they both look at the overall structure of society than an individual and acknowledge the fact that society is dynamic. Whereas the structural-functionalist approach is based on consensus, symbolic-interactionist focuses on signs and acts to understand society. All three approaches explain how the interpretation of society by people leads to the formation of human behavior under various circumstances. Whereas the structural-functionalist and symbolic-interactionist focus on the positive aspects of society to realize stability, the social-conflict approach is based on a negative, conflicting, and dynamic society to ascertain a stable world.
Assimilation helps to affirm that minor ethnic groups that are ready to integrate socially, politically, and culturally into major groups must adapt to the ways of the bigger groups. For example, when the vulnerable races agree to adapt to ways of the dominant races in the world to avoid negative consequences, the social-conflict approach is validated. Stereotyping makes people with similar opinions to embrace another and avoid those with contradicting ideas. This confirms the symbolic-interactionist theory as people based on the use of symbols and actions to understand one another. Economic stratification creates a distinction among people in society, and the government may come up with ways to reduce the emerging social classes and enhance equality. The ways to enhance equality may include taxation rates, developing infrastructure, promoting education, and promoting trade. This affirms the existence of the structural-functionalist theory since the various steps taken by the government will result in solidarity and stability in society.
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The increased rate of divorce has mainly shaped family life negatively. The cases of divorce are rampant among Blacks than Hispanics in the United States. Divorce has resulted in broken relationships between the parents themselves and their children. Both parents will have no mutual understanding between them as none will be willing to tolerate one another. The children will be denied the parental love they are supposed to receive from the parents as a result of divorce. The emotional closeness and well-being of family members will be highly compromised (Andersen, 2014). The entire family affected by divorce will have stress compounded by poor health. There will be reduced work performance and eventually dismissal, making the family suffer. Though the Hispanics are also being dismissed from work, it is reported the number of Blacks visiting hospitals and counseling centers is quite high. There will be reduced family support, especially on children and the dependent spouse, when the breadwinner decides to walk out of the family.
There are several factors that have tremendously increased the rate of divorce. There is infidelity in marriages where people who are not satisfied sexually with their spouses engage in extra-marital affairs. Blacks are said to have a strong sexual urge than the Hispanics, thus a high rate of divorce among them. Insufficient funds have made some couples divorce their partners so that they can find rich spouses for themselves. Blacks are mostly involved in less paying jobs; thus, they are unable to cater to the many needs of the family. Their partners are highly tempted to flee from the marriage compared to the Hispanics who may also be involved in low paying jobs. Constant arguments have resulted in a lack of communication between couples, thus contributing to divorce. Partners with ego are always unwilling to calm down and settle matters with their spouses. The Blacks are always vocal in an argument than the Hispanics, and separating from their spouses might not be a big deal.
Reference
Anderson, J. (2014). The impact of family structure on the health of children: Effects of divorce. The Linacre Quarterly , 81 (4), 378–387. doi:10.1179/0024363914Z.00000000087
