Discussion – The Sociological Imagination, Theory and Methods SOC-200

Now that you have viewed the film on “Making Sense of Sociological Theory,” you should be familiar with the three main sociological theories; structural-functionalism, conflict, and symbolic-interaction. You will want to also make sure you have done the assigned reading on sociological theory before attempting this discussion board. The film showed you three different ways to explain the medicalization of our society. 

Now, I would like for you to choose a social issue or problem and explain why it exists by using one of these three theories. For example, you may choose the rising rate of obesity among children and use the conflict perspective to explain it. Now that I used that example, you must choose another topic!

For ideas about social problems or issues, look at news headlines, magazines, media to get some ideas of socially relevant topics. I would like to see the following in your initial post:

• That you understand the theory you are using and can explain it. You may use knowledge gained from the film and the reading to support your discussion.
• You have given adequate explanation of how the theory fits the social issue you have chosen.