Page 46 - Essencials of Sociology

Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology 19

TABLE 1.1 Three Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Applying the Perspective to
Theoretical Perspective Usual Level of Analysis Focus of Analysis Key Terms the U.S. Divorce Rate
Symbolic Microsociological: exam- Face-to-face interaction, Symbols Industrialization and urbaniza-
Interactionism ines small-scale patterns how people use symbols Interaction tion changed marital roles and
of social interaction to create social life Meanings led to a redefinition of love,
Definitions marriage, children, and divorce.
Functional Analysis Macrosociological: exam- Relationships among the Structure As social change erodes the
(also called functionalism ines large-scale patterns parts of society; how these Functions (manifest traditional functions of the fam-
and structural functional- of society parts are functional (have and latent) ily, family ties weaken, and the
ism) beneficial consequences) Dysfunctions divorce rate increases.
or dysfunctional (have Equilibrium
negative consequences)
Conflict Theory Macrosociological: exam- The struggle for scarce Inequality When men control economic
ines large-scale patterns resources by groups in a Power life, the divorce rate is low
of society society; how the elites use Conflict because women find few alter-
their power to control the Competition natives to a bad marriage. The
weaker groups Exploitation high divorce rate reflects a
shift in the balance of power
between men and women.

Source: By the author.

Because each theory focuses on different features of social life, each
provides a distinct interpretation. Consequently, we need to use all
three theoretical lenses to analyze human behavior. By combining
the contributions of each, we gain a more comprehensive picture of
social life.
Levels of Analysis: Macro and Micro

A major difference between these three theoretical perspectives is
their level of analysis. Functionalists and conflict theorists focus on
the macro level; that is, they examine large-scale patterns of soci-
ety. In contrast, symbolic interactionists usually focus on the micro
level, on social interaction—what people do when they are in one
another’s presence. These levels are summarized in Table 1.1.
To make this distinction between micro and macro levels clearer,
let’s return to the example of the homeless, with which we opened
this chapter. To study homeless people, symbolic interactionists
would focus on the micro level. They would analyze what homeless
people do when they are in shelters and on the streets. They would
also analyze their communications, both their talk and their non-
verbal interaction (gestures, use of space, and so on).
This micro level would not interest functionalists and con-
flict theorists. They would focus instead on the macro level, how
changes in some parts of society increase homelessness. Functional-
ists might stress that jobs have dried up—how there is less need for Because sociologists find all human
unskilled labor and that millions of jobs have been transferred to behavior to be valid research topics,
workers overseas. Or they might focus on changes in the family, that families are smaller their research ranges from the macro
level of the globalization of capitalism
and divorce more common. This means that many people who can’t find work end up
to the micro level of fads and fashion.
on the streets because they don’t have others to fall back on. For their part, conflict the- Peer pressure can be so strong in fads
orists would stress the struggle between social classes. They would be interested in how and fashion that some people are
the decisions of international elites affect not only global production and trade but also willing to sacrifice their health, as with
the local job market, unemployment, and homelessness. this woman in 1899.