Answer to Question #103289 in Sociology for Nadia Myburgh

Question

How is the concept ‘identity’ explained by the following theorists:
i) A functionalist
ii) A conflict theorist
iii) A symbolic interactionist

Answer 1

A functionalist expains identity as a mental state that are identifeid by what they do and not what they are made of he states that they tend to have multiple meanings and identities.

A conflict theorist on the other hand states that identities are usually identified bythe self interms of self awareness,self consiousness and how the relate in a group,cultural setting amongst individuals and the society.

A symbolic interactionist looks at identities as per roles people play as per the cultural norms.. He states that people are cultured into a role at an early age and that as they grow they find meaning in the roles as per the culture. Its stated that sich people cant have multiple roles and the norms cultured into people cant move away from them.