Poverty in Sociology

Paper Summary:

In the study of sociology, three classical paradigms dominate the process of sociological analysis: structural-functionalist, conflict and symbolic interactionist theories. Using the structural-functionalist paradigm, the role of poverty in society is explored. In discussing this issue, the researcher uses as primary reference Herbert Gans' (1971) article entitled, "The Uses of Poverty: the Poor Pay All." Using the various functions that Gans enumerates in his article, this paper posits that the poor and poverty play a vital role in stabilizing the social norms and structure of contemporary society.

From the Paper:

"The structural-functionalist paradigm posits that individuals and groups in the society play specific roles in society that creates equilibrium to society's dysfunctions. The conflict theory, meanwhile, states that there exists, inevitably, oppression in the society, which results to a struggle by the oppressed group and social revolution that shall create reforms or changes in the society. Lastly, symbolic interactionism theorizes that symbols are the basis of life, and it is through interaction of these symbols that people reach an understanding of what s/he is and how society perceives him/her."

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