Sociological Theory
Macro vs. Micro Theories
Macro Theories (Large-Scale) Micro Theories (Small-Scale)
These theories give us the big picture. These theories tend to focus on individuals in
small groups.
Structural theories are an example of this. Social action/Interpretivist theories are an
example of this.
Postmodernism
Definition Sociologists
Postmodernism is an approach that attempts Jean-Francois Lyotard (1924 to 1998)
to define how society has progressed to an era Jean-Francois Lyotard argued that we should
beyond modernity. A postmodern society abandon the attempt to explain the social
traditionally will have experienced world using metanarratives or grand theories.
globalization which means new religions will
be integrated into society. Therefore, society
will be more likely to experience a ‘pick and
mix’ culture when deciding a religion as
individuals will choose a religion that best suits
their lifestyle and choices.
Structural Theories
Definition Examples
Structuralism is the school of thought that Consensus Theories:
human behaviour must be understood in the Consensus theories are those that see people
context of a social system or structure in which in society as having shared interests and
they exist. People are not just independent functioning based on broad consensus on its
actors making independent decisions, they are norms and values.
the product of the social conditions in which
they live. Conflict Theories:
Conflict theories are theories that see society
as being made up of two or more groups with
competing and incompatible interests.
Macro vs. Micro Theories
Macro Theories (Large-Scale) Micro Theories (Small-Scale)
These theories give us the big picture. These theories tend to focus on individuals in
small groups.
Structural theories are an example of this. Social action/Interpretivist theories are an
example of this.
Postmodernism
Definition Sociologists
Postmodernism is an approach that attempts Jean-Francois Lyotard (1924 to 1998)
to define how society has progressed to an era Jean-Francois Lyotard argued that we should
beyond modernity. A postmodern society abandon the attempt to explain the social
traditionally will have experienced world using metanarratives or grand theories.
globalization which means new religions will
be integrated into society. Therefore, society
will be more likely to experience a ‘pick and
mix’ culture when deciding a religion as
individuals will choose a religion that best suits
their lifestyle and choices.
Structural Theories
Definition Examples
Structuralism is the school of thought that Consensus Theories:
human behaviour must be understood in the Consensus theories are those that see people
context of a social system or structure in which in society as having shared interests and
they exist. People are not just independent functioning based on broad consensus on its
actors making independent decisions, they are norms and values.
the product of the social conditions in which
they live. Conflict Theories:
Conflict theories are theories that see society
as being made up of two or more groups with
competing and incompatible interests.
