Sociology: perspectives and core themes

A sociological perspective

A set of theories that influence what is looked at when studying sociology

Sociological perspective examples (Fu,M,Fe,Nr,P,Sa,R)

Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, New Right, Postmodernism, Social Action, Realist

Consensus theories

Society is primarily harmonious and social order is maintained through widespread agreement. (Functionalist theory)

Conflict theories

Perspectives that emphasise the social political or material inequality of a social group, which critique the broad socio-political system (Marxist, Feminist)

Structuralism

Perspective concerned with the overall structure of society, individual behaviour is moulded by social institutions. (Functionalism = consensus structuralism, Marxism, Feminism = conflict structuralism)

Marco approach

Focuses on the large-scale structure of society

Micro approach

Focuses on small groups or individuals