The theories in sociology are crucial in providing individuals with various perspectives with which they can use to view the society. The perspective is a unique way or facet of looking at the social world. A theory, on the other hand, is a principle or an interrelated proposition that can be used to explain or answer a phenomenon. Three main sociological perspectives can help human beings to predict the social world they live in.
The first perspective is referred to as the functionalist perspective. It is a perspective that views the society as a system that is interconnected and works in harmony to maintain social equilibrium and balance. It further asserts that every social institution has a role to play in the society. It also focuses on various interconnections and how each part of the society works to influence the other. Elements of the society are regarded as functional if they play a part in building social stability. Dysfunctional elements act to disrupt the social stability.
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The second perspective is regarded as conflict perspective. It views the society as a set of distinct interests and groups that are competing for resources and power. It explains different aspects of the social world by analyzing the groups that have the most benefit and power in a given social arrangement. It is a perspective that is closely associated with Karl Marx who asserted that at one particular time, a society undergoes economic development. It can also be viewed as the classical division of the society between the haves and the have-nots.
The third perspective is referred to as the symbolic interactions perspective. It employs a micro-sociological facet in that it is mainly covered with the psychological characteristics of people existing in the society. It mainly deals with human behaviors that are influenced by the various interactions people attain with others.
