Social+Theory+Page

Structural-functional approach - A framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Social-conflict approach - A framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. Symbolic-interaction approach - A framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everday interactions of individuals.
 * Functionalists would describe the family dynamic of the Dunphy's as a perfect example of functionalism. The family is made up of several different people and personalities, and they each contribute in their own way to promote solidarity and stability within the family. Claire serves as the backbone of the family and holds them all together. If she were not there, as a result of divorce or some other circumstance, the family would fall apart. It would no longer function properly because the parts would not be working together.
 * All of the families in the show demonstrate unique ways a family can be considered "functional". The Pritchett's are a good example of this. Although Gloria and Jay came from different backgrounds, they came together as one to form a perfect family. They may be judged on their differences, but at the end of the day they are still happily together. I think a big part of their relationship is Manny. He seems to make their marriage strong by reasurring them that they are right for each other.
 * Cam and Mitchell demonstrate social-conflict approach quite well. They are the gay couple in the show. The "arena of inequality" that presents itself in this circumstance deals with the ability to have children. As a result of their male to male anatomy, they are not capable of having biological children. This fact generates conflict for couples that want to have children, regardless of their orientation. The change generated from this area of inequality includes adoption and surrogacy, which are two options that Cam and Mitchell have contemplated. In the end, they chose the route of adoption.
 * Mitchell and Cameron fit into this category perfectly.Although a majority of our society is aware of the gay community, some do not aknowledge it or even think it is something that they should be able to express. Cameron and Mitchell ignore these factors and do what they think is best. They live their lives according to how they think it should be, not based off the opinions of others. They show that they are a strong family by adopting a baby girl. This shows that even if people demand change or attempt to cause conflict, it won't make a difference on the lives of others.
 * An example of symbolic-interactionism is when Jay gets a new car that is an Audi. Jay purchases this car because of the symbols that it represents: wealth and power, along with the responses that the vehicle conjures from society. When he pulls up in his new car at his daughter's house, his granddaughter comments on what a nice car he got. This reaffirms Jay's beliefs on the quality of his car because of the reactions and interactions he has with people. As a result of society interacting with each other and defining what is good and desirable, Jay's monetary purchases have been influenced. His reality has been shaped by other people.
 * Symbolic interaction is how individuals have the opportunity to shape society. An example would be when all three of the families went out camping. On their trip they met some individuals that worked at the camp. These people were very different. The families all shared things about their lives and what it was like living in a different city. The workers at the camp took this as a learning experience as well as the three main character families. Therefore society was changed by individuals sharing their very own knowledge.