Sociological Perspectives Cheat Sheet
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the scientific study of society and human
behavior (Henslin 2003: GL-13). .
What is the field of Sociology?
The field of sociology is the professional application
of scientific and humanistic approaches to the
understanding of society and human behavior. It is a
science based profession used to understand the
social and human condition. Sociologist, C. Wright
Mills (1959) in his text, The Sociological Imagination,
encourages readers to think about the relationship
between themselves and the society in which they
reside. Mills espouses that we are innately influenced
by the larger society and the historical context in
which we find ourselves.
What is the unit of analysis in sociology?
The unit of analysis in sociology can range from the
individual person to a large group of persons. The
unit of analysis can be one to a whole society.
Different theoretical perspectives within sociology
focus on different units of analysis. Sociologists use
the terms Micro, Mezzo, and Macro to define what
level of analysis is being utilized.
What are the major theoretical orientations in the
field of sociology?
There is debate in the field of sociology as to what
are the major theoretical orientations that guide the
profession. These debates merit attention to those
within the field, however, sociologists would generally
state that the profession is primarily focused on three
theoretical orientations. These three theoretical
orientations are: Structural Functionalism, Symbolic
Interactionism, and Conflict Perspective.
What is the history of the discipline of sociology?
Auguste Comte (1798-1857) is credited with creating
the term sociology, and is considered the founder of
sociology (Henslin 2003). Comte desired to
understand society using the scientific method, this is
called positivism. Comte believed that society
operated under laws similar to physical laws of
nature. To discover what these social laws were
meant one had to study society. “Comte stressed that
this new science not only would discover social
principles but also would apply them to social reform.
Sociologists would reform the entire society, making it
a better place to live” (Henslin 2003: 9). From this
early focus on science a number of theoretical
approaches to understanding society have been
developed, see above. Sociology remains connected
to its early foundational roots as it is still using
science to understand society and human behavior.
To understand a theoretical orientation in any
profession it is critical to understand what is meant by
the term theory. Simply stated, “A theory is a
statement of how and why specific facts are related”
(Macionis 2006: 11).
1. Structural Functional Approach: this theoretical
orientation views society as a complex
interconnected system of parts that work together in
harmony. “… This approach points to the importance
of social structure, any relatively stable pattern of
social behavior. [Secondly], this approach looks for
any structure’s social function, the consequences of
any social pattern for the operation of society as a
whole” (Macionis 2006: 12-13). Structural
Functionalists approach society from a macro-level
perspective; they view Development of this review
sheet was made possible by funding from the US
Department of Education through South Dakota’s
EveryTeacher Teacher Quality Enhancement grant.
society and its pieces as a whole. Major sociological
theorists or contributors to this theoretical approach
include: Auguste Comte (considered the founder of
sociology); Emile Durkheim; Herbert Spencer; Talcott
Parsons; and Robert Merton.
2. Symbolic – Interaction Approach: this theoretical
orientation is considered a micro-level approach,
which is an individual level approach. In symbolic
interaction society is viewed as an ongoing, ever
changing event or drama. The primary focus in this
approach is communication and exchange of ideas
using symbols. In this approach, “society is nothing
more than the reality people construct for themselves
as they interact with one another” (Macionis 2006:
14). Major sociological theorists or contributors to this
theoretical approach include: Max Weber; George
Herbert Mead; Charles Horton Cooley; Erving
Goffman; George Homans; and Peter Blau.
3. Conflict Approach: this theoretical orientation is
considered a macro-level approach that focuses on
inequality. Society is composed of unequal
distribution of desired resources that benefit a
minority at the expense of the majority. This unequal
distribution of desired resources causes conflict
within a society. Those that have the resources
develop structures and methods to maintain these
resources. Those that do not have the resources are
always creating new ways to acquire resources;
hence this approach views society in constant
conflict. Major sociological theorists or contributors to
this theoretical approach include: Karl Marx; W. E. B.
DuBois; C. Wright Mills; and Ralf Dahrendorf.
