Sociological themes are evident in the film industry. This means that in film production, directors of these movies take time to reflect and integrate social theories into their productions. The presence of these specific sociological perspectives in film(s) allows its viewers to explore these viewpoints in an in-depth manner. The movie Titanic is a non-fiction movie produced in 1997, by director James Cameron. This classic romantic movie is based on the real-life events that happened in 1912, from the result of the sinking of the Titanic. This story provides different sociological perspectives that are revealed in this love story that ends in a tragedy. The story focuses on two lead characters who are Rose DeWitt Bukater, and Jack Dawson. While Rose is from a high-class family, Jack comes from an underprivilege background and is a struggling artist. Upon boarding the ship, Rose and Jack happen to meet, and they interacted with each other, as well as other passengers through social activities within the ship. The film highlighted several important sociological perspectives. When the claimed “unsinkable” ship, Titanic, finally succumbs to its fate, it condemns most of its passengers along with it (DiCaprio, Winslet et al, np). In the end, the actions of Rose, who survived the significant event exposed additional sociological behavioral patterns, that are apparent in society. Exploring these theories allows for a deeper understanding in regards to the society’s history, present, and future. Symbolic Interactionism theory highlights the meaning of individuals and belief in social interaction.
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It suggests that actions of individuals are dependent on their personal understanding of the society (Macionis and Gerber , 14). This theory shows the personal meanings that individuals place upon behaviors, events, and objects. The symbolic interactionism theory is dependent on personal beliefs and not the social beliefs. This perspective is shown during the beginning of a friendship between Rose and Jack. Their friendship was disapproved by Rose’s mother and fiancé. Therefore, the intimate moment shared between these two characters reveals how personal preferences influence behaviors and events. In addition, the choice of Rose choosing to go and run away with Jack when the ship begins sinking, is another indicator of this theory. Conflict theory reveals that the uneven distribution of status, power, and resources generate conflicts and tensions between different societal groups. This Marxist theory focuses on the cause and effect of class conflicts (Lizardo , 654). It mainly highlights the political, economic, and social consequences of capitalism. The conflict between Cal and Jack arises due to the perceived difference in class. While Cal is revealed as a wealthy individual, Jack is a broke and poor artist. This difference in class comes into play when Cal, becomes constantly suspicious of Jack. Also, Cal’s attempt to kill Jack when Rose choses to go back for Jack when the ship was sinking, is an indicator of this superiority complex. Functionalism theory refers to the introduction of social order and its maintenance. This ultimately reveals the importance and significance of social structure (Lizardo , 657). It highlights how each part of the society is necessary for the functioning stability of the whole society. This is revealed through the segregate division that occurs in the ship when its passengers are boarding. The first-class passengers receive better accommodation and treatment than the other people. Poor immigrants and lower-class passengers receive poor accommodation and humiliating treatment. The feminist theory is a modern social theory. This theory discloses the significant pursuit of applying knowledge to improve the lives of women in the society. This point of view highlights women’s contribution to the society (Goodman and Ritzer , 34). The feminist theory analyzes the social issues that arises in a historically patriarchal society including discrimination, and exclusion. This is clearly seen in Rose, who is opinionated and headstrong. An example of this is when Rose refuses to consent her pre-arranged marriage and chooses her love for Jack. Her actions prove how women can overcome the patriarchy in society, and make their own decisions. Individuals who focus on criticizing and altering a whole society are called Critical theorists. This is done through revelation of assumptions, that hinder a fuller and true interpretation of the world and how
It suggests that actions of individuals are dependent on their personal understanding of the society (Macionis and Gerber , 14). This theory shows the personal meanings that individuals place upon behaviors, events, and objects. The symbolic interactionism theory is dependent on personal beliefs and not the social beliefs. This perspective is shown during the beginning of a friendship between Rose and Jack. Their friendship was disapproved by Rose’s mother and fiancé. Therefore, the intimate moment shared between these two characters reveals how personal preferences influence behaviors and events. In addition, the choice of Rose choosing to go and run away with Jack when the ship begins sinking, is another indicator of this theory. Conflict theory reveals that the uneven distribution of status, power, and resources generate conflicts and tensions between different societal groups. This Marxist theory focuses on the cause and effect of class conflicts (Lizardo , 654). It mainly highlights the political, economic, and social consequences of capitalism. The conflict between Cal and Jack arises due to the perceived difference in class. While Cal is revealed as a wealthy individual, Jack is a broke and poor artist. This difference in class comes into play when Cal, becomes constantly suspicious of Jack. Also, Cal’s attempt to kill Jack when Rose choses to go back for Jack when the ship was sinking, is an indicator of this superiority complex. Functionalism theory refers to the introduction of social order and its maintenance. This ultimately reveals the importance and significance of social structure (Lizardo , 657). It highlights how each part of the society is necessary for the functioning stability of the whole society. This is revealed through the segregate division that occurs in the ship when its passengers are boarding. The first-class passengers receive better accommodation and treatment than the other people. Poor immigrants and lower-class passengers receive poor accommodation and humiliating treatment. The feminist theory is a modern social theory. This theory discloses the significant pursuit of applying knowledge to improve the lives of women in the society. This point of view highlights women’s contribution to the society (Goodman and Ritzer , 34). The feminist theory analyzes the social issues that arises in a historically patriarchal society including discrimination, and exclusion. This is clearly seen in Rose, who is opinionated and headstrong. An example of this is when Rose refuses to consent her pre-arranged marriage and chooses her love for Jack. Her actions prove how women can overcome the patriarchy in society, and make their own decisions. Individuals who focus on criticizing and altering a whole society are called Critical theorists. This is done through revelation of assumptions, that hinder a fuller and true interpretation of the world and how