Sociologists today employ three primary theoretical perspectives

Sociologists today employ three primary theoretical perspectives: the symbolic interactionist perspective, the functionalist perspective, and the conflict perspective.[2] Symbolic interactionist are mainly focused on the details. They study the symbols of society, and to them socialization is extremely important.[1] According to the symbolic interactionist perspective people often attach meaning to symbols, and then they act according to their subjective interpretation of these symbols. Though many other theorist say that symbolic neglects the macro level of social interpretation, “the big picture” [2] Functionalist perspective is an entire view through a macro view of the relationship between the parts of society; How aspects of society are functional (adaptive). They also believe that society is held together by social consensus, or cohesion, in which members of the society agree upon, and work together to achieve, whit is best for the society.[2] Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton based their work of Emile Durkheim, and all three emphasize the how structures contribute to the orderliness and stability.[1] Two of the main contributors to the conflict theory are Max weber and Karl Marx. They wrote that there will inevitably be a struggle between the powerful and the powerless. Characterized by its struggle of inequality. [1] The conflict perspective focuses on the negative, conflicted, and ever-changing nature of society. Conflict theorist challenge the status quo, encourage social change, and believe rich and powerful people force social order on the poor and weak.[2] These perspectives offer sociologists theoretical paradigms for explaining how society influences people, and vice versa. Each perspective uniquely conceptualizes society, social forces, and human behavior. [2]

[1]Schools of thought. (2011, February 17). Retrieved January 31st, 2015, from https://thesociologyproject.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/schools-of-thought/ (Links to an external site.)

[2]Three major perspectives in sociology. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31st, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cliffsnotes.com%2Fsciences%2Fsociology%2Fthe-sociological-perspective%2Fthree-major-perspectives-in-sociology

Links: to an external site.) [2]Three major perspectives in sociology. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31st, 2015, from http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cliffsnotes.com%2Fsciences%2Fsociology%2Fthe-sociological-perspective%2Fthree-major-perspectives-in-sociology