Three Sociological Perspectives

(As stated before, this is not my work. This is notes from my teacher, and I do not know where he got them from.)

Three Paradigms/Perspectives of Sociology

1. Functional Perspective

Ideals: Focuses on social order where every part of society performs certain functions for society as a whole (all parts are interdependent and strive for homeostasis)

Supporters: Emile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, Robert Mertin

**Social consensus (glue that binds together society) =social contract (what everyone is born into such as the Constitution of the United States)**

Social Consensus: the condition in which most members of society agree on what is good for everybody and cooperate to achieve it.

Types of Social Consensus: A) mechanical solidarity- much solidarity -> people who have similar beliefs, values, work and rely solely on themselves (common in traditional, rural, pre-industrial, agricultural societies.) or B) organic solidarity- people have specialized jobs and depend on others for society to function (ex: doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc. who have their own job and rely on others to do their job; common in industrial complex, urban, and post agricultural.)

Criticisms: This is a very conservative perspective, upholds status quo, focuses on positive functions of society, and ignores the negative aspects.


2. Conflict Perspective

Ideals: focuses on the ever-changing society and is marked by conflict that in the end, produces social change.

Supporters: Karl Marx (founder of the theory), and Max Weber

Basis of Theory: Struggle between the Capitalists (those who operate and control the means of production) and the Proletarians (laborers, workers)

Criticisms: Focuses on negative aspects/functions of society (the problems and injustices), not the positive and stable aspects.

3. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Ideals: focuses on the details of specific situations and interactions between people. Believes Human Behavior is always subject to change since our reactions are based upon others’ actions and our interpretation.

Supporters: George Herbert Meade (founder of theory), Edwin Sutherland, and Charles Lemert

Criticisms: Ignores the influence of larger social forces and larger issues of national international order and change.

**It is very important to understand these perspectives to fully understand sociological topics, as they are explained using these three perspectives.**