Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology

Social theories draw the connections between seemingly disparate concepts in order to help us understand the world around us.

The functionalist perspective attempts to explain social institutions as collective means to meet individual and social needs.

Conflict theory sees society as a dynamic entity constantly undergoing change as a result of competition over scarce resources.

Symbolic interactionism looks at individual and group meaning-making, focusing on human action instead of large-scale social structures.

Feminist theory is a conflict theory that studies gender, patriarchy, and the oppression of women.

Sociologists use both theory and practice to understand what is going on in the social world and how it happens.