Explain the Theories Related to Individual and Society

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2. Explain the Theories Related to Individual and Society

Overview of Explanatory Frameworks

Explaining theories on the individual and society involves unpacking how they account for human behavior, social order, and change. In MSW, these explanations guide assessments and interventions, revealing how societal forces impact personal well-being. We delve into functionalism's stability focus, conflict's power critique, symbolic interactionism's interpretive process, exchange's rationalism, and postmodern's deconstruction, with examples and applications.

Explaining Functionalism in Depth

Functionalism explains society as a self-regulating system where individuals' actions serve functions for collective survival. Durkheim explained suicide rates as social facts, not just individual choices, in "Suicide" (1897), linking egoistic suicide to weak integration. Parsons explained role expectations via pattern variables, like achievement vs. ascription, showing how individuals adapt to modern societies. This explains why education socializes individuals into productive roles, but dysfunctions like poverty signal maladaptation. In MSW, it explains family as a stabilizing unit, informing child welfare policies. Merton's middle-range theories explain innovations (conformity to goals via alternative means), like entrepreneurship in deprived areas.

Detailed Explanation of Conflict Theory

Conflict theory explains inequality as inherent, with individuals' struggles driving history. Marx explained commodity fetishism, where relationships appear as object relations, alienating individuals. Weber explained rationalization's "iron cage," trapping individuals in bureaucracy. This explains global capitalism's exploitation, as in sweatshops, prompting social work in labor rights. Dahrendorf explained imperatively coordinated associations, where authority conflicts spur change. Feminists like Patricia Hill Collins explain matrix of domination, intersecting oppressions affecting individual experiences. Explanations extend to cultural hegemony (Gramsci), where dominant ideologies shape consent.

In-Depth Explanation of Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic interactionism explains reality as socially constructed through symbols. Mead explained the generalized other, individuals anticipating societal reactions. Blumer explained joint action, where meanings evolve in situations. This explains identity formation in adolescence, via peer interactions. Goffman explained impression management, with front-stage (public) and back-stage (private) selves. In MSW, it explains client resistance as misinterpreted symbols, aiding empathy in counseling. Becker's labeling explains secondary deviance, where stigmatized individuals embrace labels.

Explaining Social Exchange Theory Comprehensively

Social exchange theory explains behavior as calculated exchanges. Homans explained elementary social behavior using psychological principles. Blau explained macro-exchanges, like in organizations where trust builds from micro-interactions. Kelley and Thibaut's comparison level explains relationship satisfaction. This explains philanthropy as reward-seeking (status). In MSW, it explains community partnerships, balancing stakeholder interests. Critiques explain overlooked emotions, but integrations with affect theory address this.

Explaining Postmodern Theories Thoroughly

Postmodernism explains society as pluralistic, with individuals navigating discourses. Foucault explained genealogy, tracing power's historical construction. Baudrillard explained sign-value in consumer culture, where individuals consume images. Giddens explained ontological security, disrupted in high modernity. Bauman explained individualized society, with flexible identities. In MSW, it explains digital identities, aiding online mental health support.

Integrating Explanations for MSW Practice

Explanations converge in practice: using conflict to explain poverty, interactionism to explain coping mechanisms. Case examples, like refugee integration, combine theories for holistic explanations.

Criticisms and Evolving Explanations

Explanations face critiques: functionalism for teleology, conflict for determinism. Evolving explanations include actor-network theory, incorporating non-humans like technology.

Conclusion: Explanatory Power in Contemporary Contexts

These explanations illuminate individual-society ties, crucial for MSW in addressing 2025's challenges like pandemics and inequality, promoting informed, compassionate practice.