What is Sociology of Perspectives
Sociology of perspectives
Sociology perspectives are broad assumptions about society and social behavior that provide a viewpoint for the study of specific problems. There are two main descriptive perspectives in sociology. These are Positivistic (the traditional scientific perspective) and phenomenology, which can be described as 'less scientific' in that some researchers reject the idea of building theories by the application of the scientific method preferring to use more interpreting methods. In sociology, as in other disciplines, there are different ways of interpreting events. We do not ordinary stop to think that one or the other of the above sociological perspectives operates all through in our day to day life and behavior.
Positivism
Positivism is the traditional method of sociology, which is generally associated with Auguste Comte. Comte, s emphasis on reporting of social facts is like what we find in natural science where accuracy and objectivity in understanding and analysis are core characteristics. Logic in recording of facts is an added element in scientific method. Comte has thus contributed to knowledge based on scientific research. Verification and validation of collected facts, including opinions, attitudes and faiths are the basis of understanding and analysis. Such a method is universal in its application and execution.
Positivism stresses the need for neutrality and objectivity in research. It is based on the attempt to emulate the methods of natural science:
1. Identification of a problem,
2. Collection of data,
3. Explanatory hypothesis,
4. Method to test hypothesis,
5. Analysis of necessary,
7. Interpreting results: report.
Implications: The overall implication of positivism is that there is an objective world which is capable of being understood in objective and scientific terms.
Within the Positivism school of sociology, there are two dominant theoretical perspectives, which tend to produce their findings from scientific techniques. They are:
1. The Functionalist Perspective: Functional analysis also known as functionalism and structural functionalism is rooted in the origin of sociology. The founders of the functionalist perspective were Herbert Spencer and Emile Durkheim. They viewed society as a 'self regulating and self maintaining social system' with certain basic needs such as preserving social order, providing for supply of goods and services and protecting the young ones. If these needs are met, they believed that society would remain in balance or equilibrium. In essence, the functionalist perspective focuses on the process of order and stability in the social system.
2. The conflict perspective: The conflict theorists stress inequalities and regard society as a system made of individual and groups which are competing for scarce resources. These groups may form alliances or co-operate with one another, but underneath the surface harmony lies a basis competitive struggle to gain class over scarce resources. Conflict theorists also focus on macro level. In modern society, Karl Marx focused on struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of production) and proletariat (those who worked for the owners), but today's conflict theorists have expanded this perspective to include smaller groups and even basis relationships.
Phenomenology (Interpretive Perspective)
The second theoretical perspectives is called phenomenological. It stems most prominently from Max Weber. The Phenomenologist is concerned with understanding of human behavior from the actor's own frame of reference. The Phenomenologist thus examines how the word is experienced. For him or her, the important reality is what people imagine to be. Thus, in this perspective less emphasis is placed on the need to develop objective methods of study and more on the value of seeing the world through the eyes of those being studied. Therefore, it stresses the need understand the subjective interpretations of actors.
Implications: The overall implication of this method is that society is constricted through the view point and observations of the actors. There is no social world in the objective sense of the term.
Each of the sociological perspectives described focuses on different aspects of social reality: functionalism on social order and stability; and theory of conflict on social tension and changes and phenomenological perspective on the objective interpretations of actors of the social reality. Each of these perspectives has a significant role play in understanding and analyzing the nature of society.
0 Comments