SUMMARY OF THE THREE MAJOR THEORETICAL …



SOC1020X: SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

Sociologists use theoretical perspectives to guide their research. Perspectives are a broad set of assumptions that provide viewpoints for the study of society and social behavior. The main theoretical perspectives in sociology are the structural-functionalist, the conflict, and the symbolic interactionist perspectives. The functionalist and conflict perspectives focus on the macro level, or large-scale patterns within societies and institutions. The symbolic interactionist perspective is micro-level sociology. This perspective looks at social interaction on a small-scale. Other perspectives, such as the feminist and postmodern perspectives, are critical macro-level perspectives.

The structural-functionalist perspective:

society is made up of interrelated parts, each of which contributes to the functioning of society as a whole.

has stable patterns (social structure) which have consequences or functions (social functions) for society as a whole.

sometimes the parts can be dysfunctional for society

basic question "What are the functions or consequences of a specific institution or pattern for society as a whole?"

The conflict perspective:

focuses on the social processes of competition and power

resources and rewards are unevenly distributed, and this inequality produces conflict.

some may gain power and advantage over others

basic groups question that is asked from this perspective is "Who benefits and who loses from a certain social arrangement?"

The symbolic interactionist perspective

reality socially created through people’s everyday interactions and symbolic communication with one another.

basic question from this perspective is "What are the shared meanings of a particular social interaction for individuals as they play their roles and participate in groups?

The feminist perspective:

focuses on the concepts of gender and patriarchy

patriarchy is a hierarchical system of social organization in which men control all major social institutions - a system of male domination and female subordination.

feminists believe that men and women are equal in all ways.

feminists advocate social change to achieve this end

The postmodern perspective:

mistrust of "grand theories"

no such thing as scientific objectivity in social sciences

need to deconstruct and demystify assumptions and ideologies

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