My topic, political perspectives on immigration, can be looked at through two sociological lenses: an interactionist perspective as well as a functionalist perspective.

Looking at immigration through an interactionist perspective is evidently appropriate since immigration is all about interacting with others. The main interaction that occurs is between foreigners and natives throughout the immigration process. Foreigners must interact with natives in order to assimilate into the new culture and way of life of the country they move to. Foreigners also must interact with other foreigners in order preserve one’s culture and carry on traditions in the new location as well as to learn about other cultures; one learns to become well-rounded and cosmopolitan. Natives also interact amongst each other, debating over whether they feel invaded or they feel that immigration is a positive. Interactionism looks at how people interact using symbols, aiming to explain social behavior and what takes place in these relations. According to interactionists, the way one views oneself is shaped by the relationships made with other people which result from the interpretation of symbols.[1] The act of migrating is a symbol in itself since, for the migrants, this act of moving symbolizes moving toward a hopefully better future. The way that people interpret this topic as a symbol differs though which is why this topic is a heavily controversial one. In regards to conversations between natives, some people embrace immigration while others view it as a threat to one’s home country. Associations to issues such as terrorism are symbolic and frame a native’s mindset into thinking that they are superior to immigrants. However, those who see immigration in a positive light do not view themselves this way but rather as human beings looking to make oneself more diverse and to help in whatever way they can. Immigrants are solely looking for a new home that would provide them a better livelihood; they hope for positive encounters with other people that would help them get accustomed to how this unfamiliar system works.

As for functionalists, who believe that every part of society serves a purpose to help it function properly and in a fine and organized fashion, they see immigration as a structure that greatly impacts society. Functionalists believe that these functions explain social behaviors and the vital structures that make up society. They additionally believe that these structures serve a beneficial purpose and that society will always move toward stability; thus, all structures in society, including immigration, try to do so in the best way possible.[2] Functionalists, conclusively, see immigration as a way to help society progress, not regress. It has served a purpose since the beginning of time. There has always been movement occurring in our world; presently, the rate of people moving has been skyrocketing which causes concern to arise. Immigration is part of American history and has made it the country and the strong national society it has become, enriched with culture and individuality. Functionalists see this as an asset to our nation, finding the positives in immigration as a societal structure.

Bibliography:

[1] Chegg Tutors, “Symbolic Interactionism”. February 10, 2016. YouTube video, 4:20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=crZOxoAZGa4&feature=emb_logo

[2] Chegg Tutors, “Functionalism”. March 22, 2016. YouTube video, 3:43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=JSmaNnU3uAI&feature=emb_logo