The Sociological Approach
An Introduction to the Sociological Approach
- Sociology is the study of societies, specifically looking at how people interact and organise themselves within these societies.
- Sociologists consider both macro, large-scale structures, and micro, individual interactions.
The Theoretical Perspectives
- There are several key theoretical perspectives within sociology: functionalism, Marxism, feminism, interactionism and postmodernism.
- Each perspective uses different methods to analyse and interpret social phenomena.
Functionalism
- Functionalism views society as a system where all parts work together to maintain balance.
- It suggests laws, morals, family, and education all have a specific purpose to contribute to societal stability.
Marxism
- Marxism views society from a conflict perspective, focusing on issues of class inequality and power imbalance.
- It highlights the struggle between the bourgeoisie (owning class) and proletariat (working class).
Feminism
- Feminism focuses on understanding the social inequality that stems from gender roles.
- It critiques patriarchal societies that advantage men and disadvantage women.
Interactionism
- Interactionism is a micro perspective that studies individual interactions and behaviours.
- It places importance on symbols and non-verbal communication in understanding social behaviour.
Postmodernism
- Postmodernism suggests that society is diverse and constantly changing, rejecting grand theories of society.
- It argues that truth and knowledge are not absolute, but are constructed by individuals.
The Importance of Theory
- Theories offer different ways to interpret society, and guide the methods and tools sociologists use.
- It’s crucial to understand these theories as they lay the groundwork for all sociological research.
Sociology and Science
- Sociology is sometimes referred to as a social science due to its application of scientific methods, like observation and hypothesis testing.
- However, some argue that sociology cannot be a true science as it studies humans, who possess consciousness and free will.
Sociological Methods
- Sociologists employ numerous research methods such as surveys, interviews, case studies, observations and secondary data analysis.
- Each method has strengths and limitations, which influence the validity and application of the findings.
Ethics in Sociological Research
- Ethics are essential in sociological research and include principles like informed consent, confidentiality, and respecting participants' rights.
- Unethical behavior can lead to harm for participants and tarnish the credibility of the sociological discipline.