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Sociological perspectives

Sociology is the systematic study of society, social relationships and institutions.

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Sociology is the systematic study of society, social relationships and institutions.

Structural (macro) perspectives

  • Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons, Merton): society is like an organism; institutions perform functions that maintain stability and value consensus. Criticism: ignores conflict and inequality.
  • Marxism (Marx, Althusser): society is shaped by conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat); institutions maintain capitalism through ideology. Criticism: economic determinism; neglects other inequalities.
  • Feminism (liberal, radical, Marxist, Black/intersectional): society is patriarchal; gender inequality shapes institutions. Criticism: differences among feminists; may overlook men's disadvantages.

Social action (micro) perspectives

  • Weber: social action and meanings; verstehen (empathetic understanding).
  • Symbolic interactionism (Mead, Blumer, Goffman): individuals create society through interaction, symbols and labels.

Other perspectives

  • Postmodernism: society is fragmented and diverse; identities are chosen.
  • Structuration (Giddens): structure and action shape each other.
  • African sociology and decolonial thought: understanding African societies from African perspectives, including Ubuntu and kinship.

Key concepts

Socialisation, norms, values, roles, status (ascribed and achieved), culture, identity and social control.

Exam tip: Always evaluate a perspective by comparing it with another and by referring to evidence.

Check yourself

  1. What is meant by value consensus?
  2. Give one criticism of Marxism.
  3. Distinguish between ascribed and achieved status.
Show answers
  1. Shared agreement on the norms and values of a society (functionalism).
  2. Any one: economic determinism; underplays gender and ethnicity; communist predictions not fulfilled.
  3. Ascribed status is fixed at birth (e.g. sex, royal lineage); achieved status is earned (e.g. doctor, chief executive).
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