A city council is debating whether to increase funding for community programs or to allocate more resources to law enforcement. Each council member approaches the issue from a different perspective. One member argues that investing in community programs will foster social cohesion and reduce crime in the long run. Another believes that increased law enforcement is necessary to maintain order and protect citizens. A third member suggests that both approaches are important but fails to explain how they interact. Based on the sociological paradigms, which member's perspective aligns most closely with symbolic interactionism?

Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals create meaning through their interactions and how these meanings shape society. The council member who argues for investing in community programs aligns most closely with this perspective because they believe that fostering social cohesion can lead to a better understanding and stronger relationships among community members. For example, when people feel connected to their neighbors through community programs, they are more likely to communicate and collaborate, which can reduce crime over time. This approach emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and social bonds, rather than solely relying on law enforcement to maintain order. Therefore, the symbolic interactionism perspective highlights the value of community engagement in shaping a safer environment.