Sociology Is The Study Of Individuals In Groups In A Systematic Way
Sociology is the study of individuals in groups in a systematic way. It is an intricate set of styles and approaches trying to perceive society. (Burgess and Murcott, 2001). As a result, many perceptions have arisen over the last centuries. Many methodologies have been debated and discussed. Challenging these assumptions will in turn, cause for quantitative and qualitative based research on the struggle to gain a firm grip on how society works. As a result, there are different sociological perspectives that hold valued theories in society. In this essay three perspectives will be assessed. How society operates in the view of these perspectives. Also, scrutinizing theories on the subject ‘crime and deviance’ aiming to outline how each perspective grasps the matter.
Before one can observe society, one needs to take into account the ways in which it can be viewed. Perspectives that focus on social systems, are known as macro perspectives. Alternatively, the micro perspective, focuses on social action of the individual. (Taylor et al, 1995). One of The first major perspectives examining society is Functionalism. “Functionalism begins with the observation that behavior in society is structured”. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980, P. 14). They argue that Functional prerequisites such as hospitals, schools and families among many more, bind society together. In a functionalist society these integrate with one another to form a value consensus. Furthermore, it is essential they interrelate at a basic level for society to survive. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980). Therefore, society is maintained by the value consensus and its cohesion of working parts. Emile Durkheim founder of functionalism, observed societies values and norms portraying them as social order. Laws establish with the value consensus. He developed his argument by saying crime is an inevitable and normal way of social life. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980). He added to this he states that social change begins
Before one can observe society, one needs to take into account the ways in which it can be viewed. Perspectives that focus on social systems, are known as macro perspectives. Alternatively, the micro perspective, focuses on social action of the individual. (Taylor et al, 1995). One of The first major perspectives examining society is Functionalism. “Functionalism begins with the observation that behavior in society is structured”. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980, P. 14). They argue that Functional prerequisites such as hospitals, schools and families among many more, bind society together. In a functionalist society these integrate with one another to form a value consensus. Furthermore, it is essential they interrelate at a basic level for society to survive. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980). Therefore, society is maintained by the value consensus and its cohesion of working parts. Emile Durkheim founder of functionalism, observed societies values and norms portraying them as social order. Laws establish with the value consensus. He developed his argument by saying crime is an inevitable and normal way of social life. (Haralambos and Holborn, 1980). He added to this he states that social change begins