Lauer and Lauer (2008) have devised a model for analyzing social problems that utilizes all three of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology: structural functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. Lauer and Lauer (2008) contend that the use of all three approaches is necessary to attempt to analyze any social problem. The first theory, structural functionalism, is based on a view of society as a system of many different parts, including all structural factors, that work together to generate relative stability (Lauer & Lauer, 2008). When using this theory to explain the problem of violence, one might suggest that violence is a result of a weakening in society’s structural factors, causing instability within the societal system. In other words, the focus is on how the relationships between social institutions affect the society and the individuals living within it. The weakening of social institutions, such as family and government, negatively affects individuals and creates feelings of frustration,
References: Bushman, C.M. (2006) "Catharsis Theory and Media Effects". Encyclopedia of Communication and Information. Retrieved November 1, 2008 from http://www.bookrags.com/research/catharsis-theory-and-media-effects-eci-01/ Daane, D. (2003). Child and Adolescent Violence. Orthopaedic Nursing, 22(1), 23. Retrieved November 2, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database. Hammond, S. (2008). Gang Busters. State Legislatures, 34(6), 20-21. Retrieved November 1, 2008, from Academic Search Premier database. Lauer, R.H. & Lauer, J.C (2008) Social Problems and the Quality of Life. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education Lungren, D. (1994). Violence: Attorney General Daniel E. Lundgren’s Policy Council on Violence Prevention. Retrieved on November 1st from: http://www.sayno.com/violence.html