2. The structural-functional theory of sociology looks at the big picture of society. It works to view society …show more content…
I support C.W. Mills and W.E.B. Du Bois theory that sociology should be a public science. It is important as citizens of society to positively influence change. When there are inequalities or issues that are inflicting a certain population, such as suicide, it is important to use all the methods and science available to address the problem. The value-relevant research topic is necessary because it is immediate and evident. Although it may cause some bias in the results, the urgency to apply the information gathered from the sociological research outweighs the cons. What is the purpose of gathering bias-free pristine sociological data, if it is not going to be used for the betterment of society. In addition, most researchers acknowledge that research cannot be one hundred percent error and bias free. Therefore, it is best to use sociology as a service to the public. There is no better way to use science than to provide a voice to the disadvantaged or weak and provide change and equality in society.
4. The purpose of Giordano’s, Longmore’s, and Manning’s article is to approach adolescent heterosexual romance and examine it with a symbolic interactionist sociological perspective. It works to examine both male and female experience of communication, emotion, and influence, but its main goal is to address the gaps and misconceptions about boy’s lack of romantic relationships. Their research questions were mainly centered on whether girls engage more emotionally in relationships …show more content…
The researchers chose the symbolic interactionist view to address the research questions for three reasons. First, they did this because of the newness of adolescent heterosexual relationships. Therefore, it requires researchers to look at the interactions and communications between the players. Secondly, romantic relationships are relatively private. It is harder to analyze meaning in the broader culture, as communication is reciprocal between the two parties. Lastly, romantic relationships in Western countries lack the structured courtship regulations and traditions in cultural settings. Therefore, it is more useful for the researchers to use the symbolic interactionist perspective to analyze the direct processes of the