Applying the Sociological Perspective

Is the systematic study of human society.

We apply the sociological perspective at work, on an individual level, and for anyone.

1. The sociological perspective helps us assess the truth of “common sense .“

2. The sociological perspective helps us see the opportunities and constraints in our lives.

Sociology and Personal Growth

3. The sociological perspective empowers us to

be active participants in our society.

4. The sociological perspective helps us live in a

diverse world.

Careers: The “Sociology Advantage "

A background in sociology is excellent preparation for the working world.

Sociology is not just for people who want to be sociologists.

Sociological Theory

The job of sociological theory is to explain social behavior in the real world. In building theory, sociologists face two fundamental questions: What issues should we study? How should we connect the facts?

The Structural-Functional Approach

Is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

The structural-functional approach owes much to August Comte, who pointed out the need to keep society unified when many traditions were breaking down.

The Social-Conflict Approach

Is a framework for building theory that sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change. Sociologists using the social-conflict approach look at on going conflict between dominant and disadvantages categories of people.

Feminism and the Gender-Conflict

Is a point of view that focuses on inequality and conflict between women and men. A contribution of the gender-conflict approach is making us aware of the importance of women.