Understanding Sociological Perspectives

Understanding & Applying Sociological Perspectives

When we study society, it is important to explain the sociological perspective, or lens, through which society is viewed. Sociologists typically use one the 3 following sociological perspectives: (1) Conflict theory; (2) Functionalism; and (3) Symbolic interactionism.

Each of these perspectives provides a unique lens through which to view a social phenomenon. Helping students understand different lenses with which people see society is an important step in teaching sociology.

For example, suppose a sociologist wanted to explore social status and opportunity of young, unmarried mothers in the community. The conflict theorist might approach this topic from the point of oppression or scarcity of resources. He or she might argue that young, unmarried mothers are at the lower end of the social hierarchy in society and belong to the group of “have-nots.” Conflict theorists often rely on social views offered by Karl Marx, known as a conflict theorist.

A sociologist studying the social status of young, unmarried mothers from a functionalist perspective would employ the theories of Durkheim, and argue that there are many types of status, and whether or not a young, unmarried mother had social status would depend on her relationship with her community. Functionalists examine the inter-connectedness of society by focusing on how each part influences, and is influenced by, another. They view society as having many inter-connected parts that make up the whole of society. Because communities vary in types of resources offered, the sociologist using a functionalist perspective could examine the mechanical solidarity, which would provide social support, within the community. Functionalists would also examine the organic solidarity, or the extent to which a community provides resources and assistance. These resources might include various types of assistance for education and job training.

Sociologists studying the social status of young, unmarried mothers from a symbolic interactionist perspective might approach this by seeking to understand how young, unmarried mothers view their own social status. Drawing on the theories of George Herbert Mead, young, unmarried mothers might be asked to explain how they see their social status within their communities.

Each of these perspectives also offers a different level of analysis. Conflict and functionalist theory examine social phenomena from a macro level of analysis, whereas symbolic interactionism examines social phenomena from a micro level of analysis.

Here’s a quick summary of the 3 sociological perspectives and their levels of analysis:

Sociological Perspective	How it views society	Level of Analysis	Associated Theorist
Conflict theory	Haves and Have-nots Scarcity of resources Power struggles	Macro	Karl Marx (1818-1883)
Functionalist theory	Society is a complex system composed of many different parts that inter-act with the whole	Macro	Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Symbolic interactionism	Meanings are derived from social interaction	Micro	George Herbert Mead (1863-1931)

Understanding these sociological perspectives can be a fun assignment for students--- give them a current social problem and ask them to explain the social problem from one of these perspectives. This exercise will help them to see that everything is multi-dimensional and every problem has many parts and multiple perspectives. Understanding sociological perspectives provides clarity in seeing a social problem, and can also help students understand the social lens with which they see a social phenomenon.  

© August 2013 Johanna P. Bishop