Index IntroductionStructural-functionalist perspectiveApplication to the caseSymbolic interaction perspectiveApplication to the caseConclusionIntroductionSociology plays a fundamental role in shaping practices and outcomes within social services, profoundly impacting both providers of services and users. To provide effective assistance to clients, it is critical that social service professionals understand and empathize with the unique perspectives of each individual they serve. Over the years, numerous sociological theories have emerged, offering different lenses through which to examine specific cases. This diverse toolkit allows professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved and, consequently, devise the most suitable care plans. In this essay, we delve into two distinct sociological perspectives, clarifying their relevance through a practical case study analysis. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Our focus in this essay is on the case of Mrs K, a 35-year-old resident of social housing who relies on community social services. services for your well-being. Ms. K is currently pregnant with her new partner and has expressed her desire to retain custody of the child. However, his history includes a previous case of child neglect, which led to the child being adopted. Additionally, Ms. K has been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition: schizophrenia. In the interests of ensuring that judicious and compassionate care decisions are made by social care professionals in Mrs K's case, we recognize the invaluable role that sociological perspectives can play. Therefore, we will apply two distinct sociological perspectives – one at the macro level and another at the micro level – to gain insights into the multiple factors that influence your situation. Structural-Functionalist Perspective One of the most widely recognized sociological perspectives is structural functionalism. This approach assumes that individuals are passive by nature and that society is an external force. Socialization is seen as a one-way process, which portrays society in a positive light. It is perceived as stable, with all its components working cohesively. It is also believed that every aspect of society contributes to its survival; those aspects that fail to contribute substantially are often not passed on to the next generation. In simpler terms, every society has specific needs that require various activities for its sustained existence and potential growth. For example, maintaining order requires a well-structured justice system, while a functional political system provides guidance to its participants. Continuous production and availability of goods and services are essential to meet the diverse needs of society. Most individuals are expected to adhere to a predefined structural model for participating in social life. According to this perspective, society is examined primarily at the macrosocial level, treating it as a single large-scale entity. Therefore, it is generally believed that individuals' actions and behaviors are influenced by the social model, guiding them towards expected roles. Application to the Case By applying this explanation to the case of Mrs. K, we can discern her role as a participant in society, shaped by the social patterns she follows. However, it is clear that in his case thestructural perspectives have not been adequately respected. He has received assistance from a community social worker and resides in council flats, suggesting that his current situation could be attributed to his divergence from social norms. His inability to conform to society's expectations could be attributed to his interactions, or lack thereof, with other social participants.interdependence of different social structures. Ms. K's current situation is likely influenced by the economic, legal, and educational structures in which she finds herself. It appears that Mrs K occupies a relatively lower position within these facilities, limiting her access to higher quality care services. Given her diagnosis of schizophrenia, her interaction with the legal system is noteworthy, as she has previously been detained under section 2 of the Mental Health Act. This suggests that, for the sake of maintaining social order and balance, these structures are strengthened. Furthermore, from this perspective, it is emphasized that maintaining stability and order within society requires substantial cooperation on the part of its members. Functionalists view social changes as predictable outcomes, and consensus is the fundamental pillar of social order, instilled through socialization. Shared norms and values ​​among members of society form the foundation of any social order. Emile Durkheim's concept of “collective consciousness” highlights the role of shared thought in strengthening bonds between members of society. The status attributed significantly influences the roles that individuals assume within society. In the current scenario, specific issues become evident. As the parent of her previous child, Mrs. K was expected to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities established by the collective conscience of society for the overall well-being of the child. Company intervention is deemed appropriate if these standards are not met. This is a major factor that led to the subsequent adoption of her firstborn, as she was unable to meet society's expectations and meet her child's needs effectively. Moral norms, established by members of society, regulate behavior, and any deviation from these norms is met with social disapproval. Furthermore, Mrs. K's condition of paranoid schizophrenia is a significant concern for social institutions. Given your financial instability, resulting from unemployment and dependency on benefits, accessing private services may be difficult for you. Sociologists identify two types of functions: manifest and latent. Manifest functions are easily recognized and have intended consequences, while latent functions are hidden and unintended. In Mrs K's case, the availability of municipal apartments and the receipt of benefits can be considered manifest functions, as these services are easily accessible to her. However, finding a new partner in her locality and becoming pregnant with her child could be considered latent functions, as these interactions were unintentional and not commonly recognized. From a structural-functionalist perspective, it is evident that improving Mrs. K's social interactions is essential to shaping her behavior in accordance with social norms. She should be informed about the consequences and necessary steps required for effective child rearing. Encouraging her to address her mental illness is critical to providing appropriate care for her child. Further support should be made available inif you need assistance to deal with your condition or effectively meet your child's needs. Symbolic Interaction Perspective In contrast to the broad approach of social functionalism, symbolic interactionism is a perspective that places significant emphasis on understanding the shared relationship between individuals and children. society. At the heart of this perspective is the idea that individuals' actions and interactions are rationalized and understood through meaningful communications with other members of society. In this specific view, humans take center stage and more attention is paid to interactions within smaller groups rather than society as a whole. Through interactions within these bounded groups, individuals gain information about the broader social context, allowing them to understand the complexities of human behavior and reactions to different aspects of the surrounding environment. Application toCase Therefore, to gain a complete understanding of Mrs. K's situation and to develop an appropriate care plan for her, it is crucial to pay close attention to her interpersonal relationships with the people around her. Furthermore, it is essential to observe how he perceives and reacts to the various symbols and labels associated with his current condition. An in-depth analysis of the psychological dynamics at play in her interactions with caregivers, her partner, and her immediate environment is also necessary. Furthermore, a detailed examination of why she has been unemployed for a long time and the obstacles she faces can provide valuable information about her psychological well-being. Symbolic interactions with others can offer a nuanced reflection of his condition. According to symbolic interaction theory, individuals tend to interact with objects or phenomena based on the meaning those items have for them personally. These meanings are developed through ongoing interactions and individual interpretations. By weaving together the threads of individual actions, social actions are directed in influential ways. It then becomes possible to observe and analyze whether his current relationship is safe and whether he is able to take responsibility for the child that will be born. . Evaluating these aspects in the context of his or her individual interactions can also shed light on the partner's willingness to share responsibility for the child. Additionally, through counseling, you can evaluate the mental impact she experienced during her previous breakup while she was pregnant with her first child. By delving into his past experiences carefully, it becomes easier to understand how he might react in specific situations. For example, it can help determine whether she will be able to take full responsibility for her child despite being diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, all by examining her interactions and exchange of symbols in different scenarios. Many sociologists also suggest that, according to Symbolic Interactionism, an individual's sense of identity depends on his or her interactions with society. Self-concept is greatly influenced by how others interact with and label that individual. Others' perceptions of an individual can have a significant impact on their self-perception, subsequently shaping their behavior. In the case study in question, these principles are particularly applicable. Ms K carries with her several labels, including a lack of contact with family, her diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and her financial instability, relying heavily on social welfare services for both housing and support. Furthermore, it has a history of.