1. Perspectives in Sociology
In order to study something, one must
begin by making some assumptions about
the study.
Working set of assumptions is called a
“perspective” and “approach”.
For example, Greeks believed that
universe was run according to the notions
of gods.
Scientists believe that universe is orderly
and operates in regular ways.
2. The Evolutionary Perspective
Earliest theoretical perspective.
Offers satisfying explanation of how
human societies originate and grow.
Scientists using the said approach offer a
satisfying explanation of the origin and
growth of human soieties.
Look for patterns of change and
development appearing in different
societies to find out general sequence.
3. Interactionist Perspective
Interactionist perspective presents no
grand theory as they believe that society,
state, social institutions are conceptual.
People and their interaction can be
studied directly.
CH Cooley 1846-1929 GH Mead1863-1931
concentrate upon the interaction b/w
individuals and groups.
Believe in the interaction through
symbols including signs, gestures,
Written and spoken words.
4. People respond the meanings they
impute from the happenings around, like
a ticket window, a whistle or hand signal.
Interactionist perspective has brought a
great deal of insight into personality
development and human behavior.
It has been less helpful in study of large
groups and social institutions.
5. “Definition of situation” is narrated as the
sensible act after deciding over the
situation.(1)
Modern Interactionist believe that people
don't respond directly. They response to
what they imagine about other people.
Reality is constructed in minds.
Reality is not always a subjective .
Moon, sun, stars are the real objectives
in universe.
6. Functionalist Perspective
Society is seen as an organized network of
cooperating groups operating fairly ,orderly
according to a set of rules and values
shared by most members.
Society is seen as a stable system with
tendency towards equilibrium to maintain
system.
Each group fulfills certain functions and
persists because it is functional e.g.
schools educates, prepares workers.
Social change disrupts the equilibrium in
the society e.g.larger families were always
desired as the death rate or mishaps
7. Large families were functional as they
were providing workers, companionship,
old age security and good for society and
individuals.
In recent days with a lower death rate,
large families are no more a blessing due
to various side factors.
A value or practice which is functional at a
time may become dysfunctional
interfering with the smooth operation of
society at another time and place.
If a particular social change promotes
equilibrium, it is seen as functional and if
it disrupts it is dysfunctional.
8. Order Perspective
It is a perspective which likes to look at society
from the point of view of its order and stability.
It aims to highlight those forces which pose a
potential threat to social order and also point
out those forces which protect it.
Auguste Comete and Max weber falls are of
this perspective.
9. Conflict Perspective
Rendered to Karl Marx who saw class
conflicts and exploitation as the prime
moving forces in the history.
Society is seen as continuous state of
conflict between groups and classes.
Marx focused on conflict between society
for productive ownership of wealth.
Modern theorists take the struggle for
power and income as a continuous
process in which many categories of
people appear as opponents.
