The Application of Sociological Theories to the Institution of Marriage

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The Application of Sociological Theories to the Institution of Marriage

Introduction

The analysis of social phenomena occur at varying levels and from different point of views. Sociologist attempts to understand the society and social behaviour through concrete interpretations and sweeping generalizations (Bhandari, 2020). Specifically, sociologists explore everything from explicit events that involves analysing small social patterns at micro levels to the analysis of larger social patters at macro level. The three key theories employed by sociologist in the contemporary world include the symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, and functionalism. As such, this paper will demonstrate how this theories apply to the institution of marriage in the contemporary society.

Summary of Marriage

Marriage is considered to be more than just the perceived contract between two people involving ratification of their affections and providing mutual obligations. It is a social institution that encompasses rearing of children and nurturing them to become responsible members of the society (Gurko, 2021). Therefore, marriage involves utilizing the freedoms accorded by the Constitution to promote the common good through establishing families and rearing of children.

Symbolic Interactionism

The symbolic interactionism is a perspective where individuals attach meanings to symbols in which their actions are then subjectively guided by how they interpret those symbols. It implies that individuals who interact via symbols gives serious thought to the actions of individuals, and then strive to understand the insinuations that people attach to their symbols and actions as well as those of others (Lee & Chin, 2017). As such, the symbolic interactionism can be applied to institution of marriage through symbols that include wedding vows, wedding bands, wedding rings, a white bridal dress, and a Church ceremony. These symbols carry broad meanings, but individuals may choose to retain their won perceptions of what the symbols imply. For instance, the circular wedding rings can be interpreted by one of the spouses as a never ending love between the spouses, while the other may perceive the rings as an ordinary financial expense. Furthermore, can be socially understood from a macro level of social interaction such as establishing a healthy marriage that brings up children who will become productive and responsible adults (Lee & Chin, 2017).

Conflict Theory

The social conflict theory involves studying the difference in people and the problems and disputes that accrue from their differences. Conflict theorists operate from a wider or macro perspective, looking into major trends of the roles of varying ethnic groups and their acceptance in the society (French et al., 2018). Therefore, applying conflict theory in the institution of marriage can be approach from the question of equality in how men and women benefit from marriage. From social-conflict theory perspective, men a perceived to be more dominant than women. This prompts superiority conflict where men strive to retain their dominance while women strive for equality if not more, resulting to issues of marital power (French et al., 2018). It is apparent that conflicts in marriages arise from the inequalities or discrepancies in power and authority. For instance, men are believed to be the breadwinners where they work in paid labour outside the home, and as such, they will hold more authority compared to women who assumes household roles. In this case, household roles does not receive wages and, therefore, no authority or power. Furthermore, conflict within marriage and family context can manifest from enforcement of rules by parents to kids.

Functionalism

From a functionalist perspective, every aspect of the society is considered interdependent and contributed to the functioning of the society as a whole. For instance, the state or the government offers education to learners from families who then develop to become tax payers to help the state keep itself running (Sanner & Jensen, 2021). According to functionalism, the failure of parts of the society to ensure order, stability and productivity means adapting to the circumstances to facilitate creation of new order, productivity, and stability. Notably, the government during a financial recession will implement cut-offs on social programs while families will tighten their budgets to adapt to the financial crises. Therefore, functionalism can be applied to the institution of marriage from the context where the status roles assumed by members in a marriage or family determine the function they are expected to perform to ensure the development and prosperity of society (Sanner & Jensen, 2021). Marriage is considered to encompass raising children and teaching the how to become responsible and productive adults. From a structural functional perspective, parents nurture children and teach them to think and behave according to social and cultural norms, beliefs, and values. Children are also taught gender roles that are vital segment of the family’s economic function such that every family exercises division of labour that should be well balanced and coordinated to sustain a healthy family. For instance, men often work outside home to provide financial support and establish family status while women focus on household roles that include physical care and emotional support (Sanner & Jensen, 2021). Violation of this rules prompts instability in the family, and as such, require recalibration to reinstate family order.

Conclusion

The three main sociological theories that include the symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, and functionalism apply to diverse social institutions in the contemporary society, which provides niches for effective functioning of different societies. In the institution of marriage the symbolic interactionism can help understand the different subjective interpretation of symbols within marriages such as wedding rings and roles by the spouses. Social-conflict theory also applies to the institution of marriage through the manifestation of inequalities or discrepancies in power and authority. Finally, functionalism is evident in the institution of marriage where roles are divided among family members, and every family member is expected to perform their duties effectively without interfering with others’ roles to ensure smooth running of the family.

References

Bhandari, M. P. (2020). Theories and Contemporary Development of Organizational Perspectives in Social Sciences. The founding writers of Western sociology. Part 1. Zeszyty Naukowe Wyższej Szkoły Finansów i Prawa w Bielsku-Białej, 24(1), 8-13.

French, K. A., Dumani, S., Allen, T. D., & Shockley, K. M. (2018). A meta-analysis of work–family conflict and social support. Psychological bulletin, 144(3), 284.

Gurko, T. A. (2021). Evolution and transformation of the institution of marriage: analysis of empirical indicators. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya, (5), 58-69.

Lee, J., & Chin, M. (2017). Family and marriage. The Wiley‐Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social Theory, 1-3.

Sanner, C., & Jensen, T. M. (2021). Toward more accurate measures of family structure: Accounting for sibling complexity. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 13(1), 110-127.