1.3.1: Theoretical Perspectives of
Sociology
Theoretical perspective - ANS a set of assumptions about reality that inform the questions we
ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at as a result.
Another word for theoretical perspective - ANS Paradigms
Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism - ANS Three types of
theoretical perspectives (paradigms)
Importance of theoretical perspective - ANS organizes our thoughts and ideas in order to
develop individual theories
Theory - ANS a way to explain different aspects of social interactions and to create a testable
proposition
Structural Functionalism - ANS a macro-level perspective; sees society as a complex system
whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability
Emile Durkheim - ANS originated Structural Functionalism; believed that to study society, a
sociologist must look beyond individuals to social facts
social structure - ANS the system patterned relations between large social groups like
socioeconomic stratification or class structure
social institutions - ANS are patterns of beliefs and behaviors focused on meeting social needs,
such as government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy.
Suicide (1897) - ANS Book by Emile Durkheim; revealed that there can be social causes to
suicide
Mechanical Solidarity - ANS the sense of togetherness in a society that arises when people,
performing similar work, share similar experiences, customs, values, and beliefs.
Organic solidarity - ANS social unity based on a division of labor that results in people
depending on each other.
Religion, sex, marital status, and family composition - ANS rates of suicide differed by the
following in Emile Durkheim's book
Sociology
Theoretical perspective - ANS a set of assumptions about reality that inform the questions we
ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at as a result.
Another word for theoretical perspective - ANS Paradigms
Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Symbolic Interactionism - ANS Three types of
theoretical perspectives (paradigms)
Importance of theoretical perspective - ANS organizes our thoughts and ideas in order to
develop individual theories
Theory - ANS a way to explain different aspects of social interactions and to create a testable
proposition
Structural Functionalism - ANS a macro-level perspective; sees society as a complex system
whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability
Emile Durkheim - ANS originated Structural Functionalism; believed that to study society, a
sociologist must look beyond individuals to social facts
social structure - ANS the system patterned relations between large social groups like
socioeconomic stratification or class structure
social institutions - ANS are patterns of beliefs and behaviors focused on meeting social needs,
such as government, education, family, healthcare, religion, and the economy.
Suicide (1897) - ANS Book by Emile Durkheim; revealed that there can be social causes to
suicide
Mechanical Solidarity - ANS the sense of togetherness in a society that arises when people,
performing similar work, share similar experiences, customs, values, and beliefs.
Organic solidarity - ANS social unity based on a division of labor that results in people
depending on each other.
Religion, sex, marital status, and family composition - ANS rates of suicide differed by the
following in Emile Durkheim's book
