SOCIALOGICAL PERSPECTIVE :
Te term perspectives means one’s viewpoint, one’s opinion .It is a lens through which can see
reality. Sociological perspectives provide various explanations and justifications habout human
behavior and social world in which we live. PETER BERGER(1963)said that things are not what
they seem. In his view, social reality turns out to have many layers of meaning The goal of the
sociological perspective is to formulate general principles which are workable for society.
IMPORTANCE OF SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
• Society is more powerful than individual.
• Our thoughts and deeds are shaped by society.
• The opportunities and constraints.
• See individuality in social context.
• Social realities from multiple dimensions.
THREE SCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES:
The three major sociological perspectives are structural functionalism, social conflict and
Symbolic interactionism. Each perspective differs and varies in its objective of exploring,
describing and explaining.
STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONALISM:
Structural Functionalism is a major sociological perspective that views society as a complex
system made up of many interrelated parts. It emphasizes the way in which different elements
of society work together to maintain stability and order. This perspective, most prominently
associated with sociologists like Émile Durkheim, Herbert spencer , and august comte , asserts
that every element of society—whether it's an institution, practice, or belief—serves a purpose
to help maintain the stability of the whole society. Structural functionalism sees society as a
system of interconnected parts, much like a living organism. Each part of society (e.g., family,
education, economy, religion, government) contributes to the overall functioning and stability of
the society. The "structure" refers to the recurring patterns of behavior, institutions, and
relationships that define a society. These structures help organize social life and shape
individuals’ actions and roles.
The French social philosopher Auguste Comte coined the term sociology and define it as the
scientific study of social dynamics and social static. The famous sociological works of comte are:
Social order, Social change, Law of three stages and Positivism.
• HERBERT SPENCER (1820-1930)
Herbert spencer was a prominent British social philosopher. He viewed society as a living
human being whose structures and systems function like the human body. He was evolutionistic
so he focused on evolutionary growth of society.
• EMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917)
EMILE DURKHEIM, a French sociologist, sees sociology as the study of social facts. He developed
sociology’s fundamental principles, methods and theories. To him, sociology has to uncover the
realities behind the social phenomenon. He was the first sociologist who apply statical methods
to study social phenomena.
example
Legal Systems: The legal system enforces laws and regulations that help maintain social order and
protect citizens' rights. It provides a framework for resolving conflicts and ensuring justice, which is
essential for societal stability
Family Structures: Families serve as the primary socializing agents, teaching children the norms
and values of society. They also provide emotional support and economic stability, contributing
to the overall well-being of society
Religious Institutions: Religious organizations play a role in promoting social cohesion and
providing a sense of community. They offer moral guidance and support to individuals
CONFLICT SOCIAL
Karl Marx's Perspective on Social Conflict:
Marx viewed social conflict as a fundamental aspect of capitalist societies, arising from the
inherent contradictions between:
Bourgeoisie (capitalists) and Proletariat (workers) Economic base (production) and
Superstructure ,Alienation and exploitation of labor
argued that social conflict arises from the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie:
Marx believed that economic conditions shape social relations and conflict. Workers are
alienated from their labor, leading to feelings of powerlessness and disconnection. Marx
advocated for a proletarian revolution to overthrow the capitalist system.
Martineau's Perspective on Social Conflict:
Martineau, a pioneering female sociologist, focused on the social and cultural aspects of
conflict:
Martineau examined how social relationships, norms, and values contribute to conflict. She
emphasized the role of individual interactions and emotions in shaping conflict. Social change:
Martineau saw conflict as a catalyst for social change and progress. Moral and ethical
considerations: Martineau stressed the importance of moral and ethical principles in resolving
conflicts.
Example current example of social conflict is the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC). In 2023, intense fighting broke out in eastern DRC following the collapse of a
truce between the government and the armed group M231. This conflict has exacerbated an
already protracted crisis, exposing millions of Congolese to conflict, political tensions, economic
pressures, climate shocks, and persistent disease outbreaks
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONSIM:
Symbols: Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the importance of symbols—objects, words,
gestures, and behaviors—that carry specific meanings within a given society or group. These
symbols are created and interpreted through social interaction.
• Example: A thumbs-up gesture can symbolize approval or agreement in many cultures.
In contrast, the same gesture might have a different meaning, or none at all, in a
different context. For instance, in some cultures, a thumbs-up could be seen as a rude
gesture.
Social Interaction: The core of symbolic interactionism is the idea that social reality is
constructed through everyday interactions. People engage in communication—through
language, gestures, and other forms of symbolic behavior—to make sense of the world and
define their social reality.
Example: The way a teacher addresses students in a classroom, using specific words, body
language, or even tone, influences the classroom’s social atmosphere. This interaction shapes
the students' understanding of their roles (e.g., as learners or as authority figures).
• MAX Weber (1864–1920) was one of the most influential sociologists, and his work
laid the foundation for both interpretive sociology and symbolic interactionism in some
ways, although his focus was broader than that of symbolic interactionism per se.
Weber’s contributions can be explored in the context of social action, meaning, and
rationalization.
• Erving Goffman (1922–1982) was a sociologist primarily concerned with the micro-
level of social interactions and how individuals present themselves in everyday life. His
work is closely associated with symbolic interactionism, particularly in his focus on how
social roles are performed and how individuals use symbols in everyday communication.
example
Gender Roles: The concept of gender is also shaped by symbolic interactions. In modern
society, children are socialized into gender roles through symbols like colors (blue for boys, pink
for girls), toys (trucks vs. dolls), and behaviors (assertive vs. nurturing). These symbols are
reinforced through everyday interactions, which shape the way individuals understand and
perform their gender roles. Changing norms around gender, such as the growing recognition of
non-binary and transgender identities, are also influenced by the ways individuals and society
interpret and redefine these symbols
