A Systems Approach and Symbolic Interactionism Analysis of Terrorism

A Systems Approach and Symbolic Interactionism Analysis of Terrorism

Systems Approach and Symbolic Interactionism are two sociological approaches that can be used to analyse both terrorist groups and targeted social systems. The Al Qaeda terrorist attacks were an input that has disrupted social systems balance and has forced changes while Terrorism attempts to force political-social change. This essay will assess the social practice/situation as area’s that require daily reassessment and evaluation of perspectives. The Systems Approach and Symbolic Interactionism theory offered in this essay are used in assessing Al Qaeda and Terrorism.

Although this subject may not be considered by most as an everyday social practice or situation, from a personal perspective, they are. Both theories used in this essay are tools used every day in performing my primary role at work, although until now, I never knew they were related sociology theories.

Firstly, it is important to define Terrorism; it is a complex phenomenon consisting of different components such as causes, actors, and activity that can be evaluated at different levels. For example, Cronin (2004) identifies four analytical frameworks for evaluating sources of terrorism: the individual, the group and organisation, the state, and the international system. Terrorism is an effective political weapon because it is used to target social systems in order to force change upon it.

By using the systems approach, a better understanding can be gained of societies’ reaction to terrorism, which will eventually lead to understanding how terrorism itself works. Systems theory is the multi-disciplined approach to studying a wide range of complex entities such as living organisms, machines, organizations, and societies. It can be a valuable tool assisting in the understanding of terrorism. A systems approach can benefit the study of the components and sub systems that exist both throughout terrorism and society.

Since systems theory is concerned with how various components and sub...

Similar Essays