The paper provides a review of sociological theories identifiable from the course reading materials. In particular, the article explores the portrayal of theories such as symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory. The theories will be related to social life patterns and representation of culture in the film “The Matrix.” Further classification of social relations and social problems based on the film will be put into the concept and how social structures influence and mold social interactions.
Symbolic interactionism explains people’s lives and their social behavior. Symbolic interactionism has been effective in the study of daily life and social conduct within the society. Symbolic interactionism is mostly applied in microsociology and social psychology. George Herbert Mead developed this theory suggesting that people decide what they want. Through the theory, it is understood that human beings are social and require constant interaction with other human beings. In the matrix, Morphues can study Neo and find out his character and abilities. Neo had no control over himself since he is used to the normal livelihood “folkways.” This is illustrated when he saw the spoon bend when there was no spoon (Dahms, 1999).
Neo interacts with Morphues as he teaches him how to be in control of himself and show him what his mind is capable of doing. While Neo joined the Matrix, he is put in a group where he fits and interacts well with other members (Dahms, 1999). Neo was able to fit in the group since he understood what was required and shared common interest with other members. Social norms played a major role in Neo’s social development (Hughes & Kroehler, 2007).
Functionalism, also known as structural functionalism explains the efforts made by the society to foster togetherness and peace. However, functionalism has faced critics in the past for failing to provide the desired results that include social change and conflict resolution. The society advocates for the need of respecting morals to foster a harmonized community. Laws play a role in functionalism by ensuring that there is sanity in the society (Hughes & Kroehler, 2007). In the matrix, mechanisms are established to ensure there is stability of the system by analyzing consequences that may arise from the destruction of their system (Dahms, 1999). Through functionalism, some norms are put into law to ensure that sanity is maintained. Social injustices such as murder, robbery and rape are equally unacceptable in the society and are culturally not acceptable. Application of functionalism ensures that such deeds are not entertained in the society by creating awareness in the people about the benefits of peace, harmony and unity in the modern world.
Conflict theory values the vital role of power and coercion in fostering a social order. The conflict theory is associated with power differences among different members of the society, especially in classification of the social class (Hughes & Kroehler, 2007). In the Matrix, it is stated that all people are different and require the help of others to achieve certain deeds. The major difference among people being is a social class. Social class limits the ability to relate and reach certain decisions. Values are upheld in the matrix where every decision is well evaluated to reach desired decision. It is further illustrated where Morphues instructs Neo that he is entitled to his personal decisions and not manipulated by the system (Dahms, 1999). In conclusion, it would be correct to state that sociology plays a major role in social development of persons within the society. Evidently, the statements and examples discussed in the article supports this assertion.
References
Dahms, F. Harry. (1999). Decoding Modern Society. The Matrix and the Realm of Alienation.
Hughes, M., & Kroehler, C. J. (2007). Culture and Socialization. Inside sociology. Boston, Mass: McGraw-Hill.
