Theoretical Perspectives
Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts working together. This macro-level perspective examines how social structures affect society's stability. Functionalists believe social institutions like family, economy, education, and government serve specific purposes that maintain social order. Key functionalist theorists include Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, and Robert Merton.
Conflict theory sees society as engaged in an ongoing struggle for scarce resources. This perspective focuses on issues of race, gender, social class, and power dynamics. Conflict theorists are primarily concerned with economic wealth and power distribution. Important conflict theorists include Karl Marx, Harriet Martineau, W.E.B. du Bois, and Jane Addams.
Symbolic interactionism examines how people create meaning through social interactions. Key theorists include George Herbert Mead, Herbert Blumer, and Erving Goffman.
💡 Think of these three perspectives as different camera lenses—each gives you a unique view of the same social landscape. Great sociologists often use multiple perspectives to gain a complete understanding.