Structural and Interpretive Perspectives in Sociology (Macro & Micro)

2 Main approaches to study of Sociology:1. Structural Theories (Macro) Look at society ‘top down’. Want to understand how structures co exist or are in conflict

with each other. Relationships between groups, structures or parts of society.

Do no want to study parts or individual people in society in isolation , want to study how everything is linked.

Roots of this approach with Emile Durkheim: seen as the founding father of Sociology

Sociologists: Marxist, Functionalist, New Right, Feminist are all structural theories)

2. Interpretive (Symbolic Interactionist) Theories (Micro):

Look at society from ‘bottom up’. Do not want to look at overall structures and relationships as they feel it doesn’t explain meanings behind peoples actions.

Want to uncover symbols, interpretations, meanings behind social actions. (language, gestures,

Roots of Interpretive approach with Sociologist Max Weber.

Sociologists: Max Weber, Some Feminists, Post Modernists

Aliens Activity!Working in twos:You are aliens looking down on earth preparing to land! As

aliens you need to do two things:

1. To avoid being killed! Create a map of planet earth and its different countries and work out what countries work with other countries and what countries are in conflict before landing!

2. Think of ways to get to know human beings to see if they can get on and to understand how they see aliens! Consider the two sociological approaches outlined. Identify which approach will help the aliens achieve these objectives. Why?

Conflict or Consensus?