Three Sociological Perspectives
Sociological Perspectives
Sociology is the study of relationships between individuals and society. it is also the study of the consequences of difference between individuals or groups (Witt). To study these relationships and to help answer the many questions that have arisen within the study of sociology, sociologists such as Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Erving Goffman helped to develop three sociological perspectives. These are functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and interactionist perspective. Each perspective provides a different point of view and level of analysis in attempting to understand society.
The functionalist perspective, also referred to as functionalism focuses on society as an organization of parts that work to maintain stability. This can be likened to the same role organs and systems in our body work to maintain health. This biological point of view first appeared in the works of biologist Herbert Spencer (Softchalkcloud). Sociologists such as Durkheim used this point of view …show more content…
This competition of resources results in inequalities. Those at the winning end of this competition use this to maintain status or prevent the advancement of other individuals or groups (Softchalk cloud). There are many sociologists who have used this perspective to explain the organization of society. For example, one explanation as provided by sociologist Karl Marx through his co-authored work “Communist Manifest”, ultimately comes down to the phrase “oppressor and oppressed.” There are multiple examples of this perspective, some of which no longer hold true. For instance, Karl Marx saw conflict theory playing out through freemen and slaves. Today, we can see examples between nations. For instance, The US holds vast amounts of resources and uses these to protect its interests through military, economic sanctions, or other
Sociology is the study of relationships between individuals and society. it is also the study of the consequences of difference between individuals or groups (Witt). To study these relationships and to help answer the many questions that have arisen within the study of sociology, sociologists such as Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Erving Goffman helped to develop three sociological perspectives. These are functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and interactionist perspective. Each perspective provides a different point of view and level of analysis in attempting to understand society.
The functionalist perspective, also referred to as functionalism focuses on society as an organization of parts that work to maintain stability. This can be likened to the same role organs and systems in our body work to maintain health. This biological point of view first appeared in the works of biologist Herbert Spencer (Softchalkcloud). Sociologists such as Durkheim used this point of view …show more content…
This competition of resources results in inequalities. Those at the winning end of this competition use this to maintain status or prevent the advancement of other individuals or groups (Softchalk cloud). There are many sociologists who have used this perspective to explain the organization of society. For example, one explanation as provided by sociologist Karl Marx through his co-authored work “Communist Manifest”, ultimately comes down to the phrase “oppressor and oppressed.” There are multiple examples of this perspective, some of which no longer hold true. For instance, Karl Marx saw conflict theory playing out through freemen and slaves. Today, we can see examples between nations. For instance, The US holds vast amounts of resources and uses these to protect its interests through military, economic sanctions, or other