South Dakota State University Sociological Perspectives

South Dakota State University
Sociological Perspectives
Please note that the following perspectives and definitions should not to be considered a
complete compilation of all theories/ideas or works related to the question being posed.
This is merely an elementary guide to help with understanding the larger concepts found
within the field of sociology.
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.
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.
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.
What are some career options in the field of sociology? According to the American
Sociological Association booklet, Careers in Sociology, Sixth Edition; there are a number
of career options. All sociological careers require a college degree. At the bachelor’s
level, common sociology careers can include: social service work, community work,
corrections, business, college settings (such as admissions, alumni relations and
placement offices), health services, publishing, journalism, government services, and
teaching (with additional appropriate teacher certification. At the master’s and doctoral
level of sociological education, career opportunities include those listed at the bachelor’s
level and expands to include, teaching, research, and applied practice.
Reference:
American Sociological Association. 2002. Careers in Sociology, Sixth Edition.

Washington, DC: American Sociological Association.
Henslin, James M. 2003. Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, Sixth Edition.

Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Macionis, John J. 2006. Society: The Basics, Eighth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Mills, C. Wright. 1959. The Sociological Imagination. New York: Oxford University
Press.

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South Dakota State University

To understand a theoretical orientation in any profession it is critical to understand what

1. Structural Functional Approach: this theoretical orientation views society as a

What is the history of the discipline of sociology? Auguste Comte (1798-1857) is

American Sociological Association. 2002. Careers in Sociology, Sixth Edition.

Henslin, James M. 2003. Sociology: A Down To Earth Approach, Sixth Edition.

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