Monday, November 14, 2011

Nichols' Article Response

In Nichols’ article each of the three perspectives we have been studying can be applied, Symbolic Interactionalist, Functionalist and Conflict Theory while discussing Homosexuality, particularly in high schools.

For a Symbolic Interactionist, he/she may suggest there are hidden messages throughout this issue. For example, teachers and their personal beliefs and perspectives on such ideas. Even though a teacher or professor my not express his/her personal opinion verbally, body language and behavior are clear signs of their beliefs. Deaths are also a factor for S.I. sociologists. Suicides and homocides are the main alarm that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, the issue has gone too far before able to be resolved.

The Functionalist approach in Nichols’ article relates to laws and policies and the lack of protection they provide for kids in the school systems. Bullying has become explosive and now getting to the point where suicides, filming and other forms of awareness and exposure will lead to more legislation. Another Functionalist idea is the example “left handed person in a right handed world”. Being apart of a minority group (homosexuals) is just the strict and lack of diversity that our basic society structure is.

A Conflict Theorist may bring up the issues of homosexuals being a minority. Being a minority, homosexuals typically have less resources available to them, especially in the sense of biases and racism. Two examples are employment and availability of academic scholarships.

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