Sociological Perspectives are tool to analysing social life or social phenomena at different levels (micro or macro or mixed). Sociologists analyse social phenomena at different levels and from different Sociological Perspectives. It helps us to understand social phenomena from different ways/ dimensions/viewpoints. There are three major perspectives in Sociology as follows:
- Functionalist perspective,
- Conflict perspective, and
- Symbolic interactionist perspective (also known as interactionist perspective ).
Each perspective offers a variety of explanations about the social phenomena, social world and human behaviour.
✧Key Features of the Three Perspectives in Sociology✧
| Perspective | Subject under Focus | Nature of Society |
How Social Order is Maintained |
|
Functionalist Perspective Macro Level |
Social order or Social stability |
Consists of interdependent groups pursuing common goals. |
Through social consensus, where people agree to cooperate to maintain to social order & social stability. |
|
Conflict Perspective Macro Level |
Social conflict or Social change |
Made up of conflicting groups, each pursuing its own interest |
Through coercion, social order is imposed by the powerful on the weak. |
|
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Micro Level |
Interaction (face to face) between individuals, |
Composed of individuals whose actions depend on interpreting each other’s behaviour |
Through constant negotiations between individuals trying to understand each other’s actions and reactions |