Sociologist use three main perspectives to try and explain human society.
Theory: Explanation of relationships among particular phenomena. Theoretical Perspectives: General set of assumptions about the nature of things. Outlines specific ideas about the nature of life.
Views society as a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable social system. Functionalist assume that most people agree on what is best for society and will work together to ensure the social system runs smoothly.
View society in terms of functions or their positive consequences for society. Recognizing that not everything in society runs smoothly, functionalist label certain elements as dysfunctional. A dysfunction is the negative consequence an element has for the stability of society.
Focuses on the forces in society that promote competition and change. Follow in the tradition of Karl Marx. Interested in how those who have more power in society exercise control over those with less power. Conflict that arise over scarce resources is the basis of social conflict.
Focuses on how individuals interact with one another in society. Interested in how individuals respond to each other in everyday situations. Interested in the meanings that individuals attach to their own actions and the actions of others.