Applying Sociological Perspectives
Stephanie Ann Tombline
SOC/100
May 30, 2016
Jennifer Hudgins

Applying Sociological Perspectives
Social networking sites - such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, Pinterest, just to name a few - provide individuals with an online web of global networking that allows maintaining social ties with one another. Sociologists often ponder, "How do these social websites impact society?" Above all, this is the question that is the central focus shared by all three of the primary sociological perspectives (Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and, Symbolic Interactionism) when studying and performing research on the topic. Otherwise, the three paradigms of sociological theories are differentiating interpretations of how they perceive social networking sites.
Namely, I find this subject intriguing because humans are perpetually seeking innovations intended to ameliorate the quality of life, and diverse opinions pertinent to the effect on the gamut of society and individuals within a community, is inevitable. Albeit, each perspective's view generated as a result of these social milestones, equally hold valid points. Therefore, while social networking sites provide a multitude of beneficial improvements to the world, there are just as many issues that arise, and all three sociological perspectives serve to complement one another in the comprehension of social media networks and the sway they bring to societies.
As Viewed Through the Structural-Functional Theorists’ Lens
English philosopher and biologist Herbert Spence (1820-1903) first introduced Structural-Functionalism Theory through his writings, which employ macro, as well as mid-level analysis. Further, the functionalist perceives society as a socially systematized structure involving interrelated parts (social institutions) that contribute by coequally