Answer to Question #113722 in Sociology for Du plessis anna

Question

How is the concept 'identity ' explained by the following theoriest: i)A functionalist
ii)Aconflict theorists
iii)A symbolic interactionist

Answer 1

 The functionalist described identity as a mental state that is identified by what they do rather than what they are made of, he states that they tend to have multiple meanings and identities.

A conflict theorist states that identity is usually identified by the use of self in terms of self awareness,self consiousness and how they relate amongst individuals and society in a cultural setting.

A symbolic interactionist views identities as per roles people play in terms of the cultural norms. He further states that people are cultured into a role at an early age so that as they grow they find meaning in the roles as per the culture.Such people cant have multiple roles and the norms cultured into people cant move away from them.