One of functionalism’s most important insights is that social problems might actually be useful in this way, however many difficulties they might otherwise cause. Recall that functionalism emphasizes the usefulness of certain behaviors and social institutions for many aspects of society. Definitions of several concepts also play an important role in public opinion regarding war and terrorism. Symbols such as the flag play an important role in marshaling support for war. War and militarism primarily advance the interests of the military-industrial complex and take billions of dollars from unmet social needs. Some wars have also helped preserve freedom and democracy.
For example, they increase social solidarity as a society unites to defeat a perceived enemy. War and terrorism serve several important functions. Table 16.1 Theory Snapshot Theoretical perspective Table 16.1 “Theory Snapshot” summarizes these assumptions. You might agree with some of their assumptions and disagree with other assumptions, but together they capture the major dimensions of these two forms of armed conflict. The three major sociological perspectives offer some very different understandings of war and terrorism. Summarize the key assumptions and emphases of the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives on war and terrorism.
0 kommentar(er)
