Sociological perspectives, concepts and theories

Sociological Perspectives

Functionalism views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability. Each part (family, school, government, etc.) is functional and contributes to society’s overall equilibrium.
Marxism is based on the ideas of Karl Marx, asserting that society is shaped by economic forces, particularly the conflict between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and working class (proletariat).
The Interactionist perspective focuses on the everyday interactions of individuals, rather than large-scale societal structures. This perspective emphasises the meanings people attribute to their actions and experiences.
Feminism focuses on gender inequalities in society and tends to critique the patriarchal system as a dominant societal form.
In the Postmodern perspective, it is believed that society has entered a new phase. Traditional structures and ideologies no longer give a reliable frame of reference. They emphasise diversity, change, and the breakdown of grand narratives.

Basic Sociological Concepts

Culture can be defined as the shared values, norms, beliefs, and practices of a particular group or society. It is a key influence on our behaviour and perceptions.
Socialisation is the process by which individuals learn the norms, values, behaviours, social skills, etc. that are necessary for participation in society.
The term society refers to an organised group of individuals who live together in a specific geographical area and who interact and form relationships based on shared culture.
Roles refer to the parts individuals play in society or a group, and statuses are the relative social positions that individuals occupy.
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of social groups based on their access to scarce resources.

Sociological Theories

Social action theory emphasises the role of individuals and their actions in shaping society. It focuses on micro-level, day-to-day interactions.
Conflict theory views society as composed of groups competing for scarce resources. It highlights social inequality and suggests that far-reaching social change is needed to achieve a just society.
Structural functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote unity and stability.
Symbolic interactionism explores how individuals create meaning through social interaction. It sees society as the product of everyday interactions of individuals.
Feminist theory examines gender inequality in society and the ways traditional gender roles reinforce this inequality.