Which sociological theory is most effective in approaching social issues: the symbolic interactionist perspective, the functionalist perspective,...

Each sociological perspective has potential to be effective, depending on which aspect of society is being analyzed.

The functionalist perspective argues that the different aspects of a society are all interconnected and self-regulated to promote social equality. This view would be effective in analyzing whether social institutions are functional or dysfunctional, and how these institutions create or impair social harmony.

The conflict perspective posits that society consists of power struggles between groups competing for limited resources, so it would be most effective for analyzing the source and effect of socio-economic inequalities and how social institutions create hierarchy.

The symbolic interactionist perspective examines micro-level interactions to examine how interactions create meaning, and how this influences inter-group behavior. This micro-sociological perspective would be most effective for analyzing the sociology or social psychology of small group interactions, and not broad societal trends.