Three Primary Theoretical Perspectives

Sociologists analyze social events at different levels and from different perspectives. From concrete interpretations to major generalizations of society and social behavior, sociologists study everything from specific events (the micro level of analysis of small social patterns) to the “big picture” (the macro level of analysis of large social patterns). Sociologists today employ three primary theoretical perspectives: the symbolic interaction theory, the Structural-Functional theory, and the conflict theory. The symbolic interaction theory is used at the micro level of analysis that emphasizes that people continually create and re-create society through interacting with one another, people interact by communicating with one another through the use of shared symbols, and we learn who we are (our sense of self)
the structural-functional perspective examines the macro-level organizations and patterns in society. It considers the consequences or “functions” of each major part in society. It focuses on the way the structure (groups, organizations, institutions), the culture, and social processes work together to make society function smoothly. It notes manifest functions (which are planned), latent functions (which are unplanned or secondary), and dysfunctions (which undermine stability). Consider the spot of soccer for a second. There are multiple different positions on the team, such as the forwards, the fullbacks, and the goalkeeper. But, you also need the coach, the referees, and someone to pay for the equipment; and it wouldn't be very fun to play without an audience. Each part has its own rules and systems. For example, the audience has to know when to cheer, how to purchase snacks and concessions, and where to sit. For the entire system to work, all of the individual parts need to work together. Structural-functional theory studies how each part of the larger social world works