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Opinion Poll
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The functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives give us three distinct approaches to various social issues. It may be that the appeal for you of one perspective or another depends in part on the substantive issue in question. Through this poll, you can see how the appeal of each perspective varies among other students using Reel Society who are participating in the poll, depending upon the substantive issue in question.

1

Regarding religion, a conflict theorist might say that religion helps to keep poor people from questioning their oppression, because of the promise of an afterlife. A functionalist might see religion as an institution that helps people make sense of tragedies. An interactionist might be interested in the importance of symbols for making a religion meaningful to people. Which perspective on religion appeals to you the most?
A)conflict
B)functionalist
C)interactionist
2

Regarding the family, a conflict theorist might be interested in the power dynamics between husband and wife. A functionalist might focus on the practical benefits that come with being a member of a family. A symbolic interactionist might be interested in looking closely at parenting relationships. Which perspective on the family appeals to you most?
A)conflict
B)functionalist
C)interactionist
3

Regarding education, a conflict theorist might be interested in the hidden curriculum in school systems. A functionalist might want to understand how schools socialize children to a common culture. A symbolic interactionist might want to study how teachers label their students as "good" and "bad" learners. Which perspective on education appeals to you most?
A)conflict
B)functionalist
C)interactionist





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