Theoretical Perspective Of Sociology

When it comes to social behavior or society, there is a specific social science we use to develop knowledge on the subject. This science is known as Sociology. It is the study of these behaviors, their origins and current developments. Various methods are used to obtain this knowledge, commonly known as empirical investigation and critical analysis. Researches use these methods to learn more about social order and disorder, and even change. Sociologist that conduct this research typically use their findings and apply them to things such as social policy, welfare and the redefining of the theoretical understanding of various social processes. Traditionally, sociology focuses on social stratification, social class, social mobility, deviance, …show more content…
The first theory, Symbolic interactionism, is one that focuses on social interactions that humans develop on their own. George Mead, a philosopher, introduced this theory to the world of sociology. His main focus was the meaning that people put on objects or events, and even the meaning of imposing on a behavior. A second widely known theory is Functionalism. This theory, stemming from Emile Durkheim, gives an analysis on how social order is in fact possible, and how society is able to stay the same. The short and sweet explanation states that society has separate parts and functions as so, to provide stability for the whole society. She further explains that the government is the most sturdy part of society and that if it is to become disorganized it must adapt to become stable. The last major theory, conflict theory, studies the affects of power and coercion on social order. Karl Marx, another philosopher, was said to believe that powerful people would maintain social order through dominating the people and social order. These people would hold the greatest political and economic resources, leading them to hold the majority of power in such society. As you put the theories side by side you can see how they are different in many ways. On one hand, conflict theory states that people with greater resources will hold and alter control of society, while the theory of functionalism believes in …show more content…
Macro level takes a look at a more large scaled process, like how social stability and its change. Micro level focuses on a smaller scale of interactions, like conversations and individual/ group dynamics. For example, the study of social life on a “micro level“ is not only recent compared to others, it stems from the theory of symbolic interactionism. This level and theory was mainly studied by Goffman, Blumer and Mead. An example of Macro level would be the Conflict theory. This is because it focuses on differences like conflict and contrast. These theories are popular, but sociology also has other theories that are commonly heard