Download Structural and Interpretive Perspectives in Sociology

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
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(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?