In no particular order:
The first school of thought in sociology is called Structural Functionalism (or just Functionalism). It was developed by the French Sociologist (and father of modern sociology) Emile Durkheim. Basically, it states that all social structures have a function. There are some dysfunctions in society, in which Durkheim referred to them as social pathologies. Suicide is a major social pathology. Durkheim centered much of his theory on the fact that society is preponderant, and the individual largely doesn't exist. People's attitudes are shaped by how harshly they are regulated, and how integrated they are into society. Naturally, Durkheim gets much more specific than this, but I'm trying to give the bare basics of his theory.
The next school of thought in sociology is Conflict Theory. This theory was developed by the German philosopher Karl Marx. In his mind, history was essentially the recordings of a mass conflict that has existed for ages. His argument centered on the Hegelian dialectic (thesis vs antithesis, combination turns into synthesis, which becomes the next thesis, and so on) and argued that social forces were in conflict, and through this dialectical process would eventually work itself out (the communist revolution was supposed to do this, ending conflict, and thus ending history). Now, Conflict Theory is more focused on this dialectical power struggle, while not necessarily agreeing with his work on the economy (Communist Manifesto). Again, the individual plays little role in this theory.
The final, and newest, school of thought is an American concept known as Symbolic Interactionalism. This was developed by the sociologists Cooley and Mead (not together, they both offer unique ideas into the concept). Symbolic Interactionalism is more concerned with small groups, as opposed to the other two theories. Within each interaction, an individual interprets social expectations and mannerisms, internalizes them, and subsequently shapes how the person will conduct him/herself. Cooley's "Looking Glass Self" more definitively explains his theory (again, the individual doesn't exist in this version). Mead, however, does allow for some mention of an autonomous portion of a person, but recognizes the internalization of societal expectations.
Again, I am trying to give you the basics. If any of these theories interest you, you should look into them further!
Functionalism, Conflict theory, and Symbolic Interactionism
functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic Interactionism
structure functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interaction
structure functionalism,conflict, symbolic interaction
functionalist,marxist and feminist
The three major sociological perspectives are; symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, and functionalism.
functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist Perspectives
discuss the main thrusts of the syructuralists theory in sociology of parson and mertonian perspectives discuss the main thrusts of the syructuralists theory in sociology of parson and mertonian perspectives
Symbolic Interactionist
Parsons
The three major sociological perspectives are; symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, and functionalism.
functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist Perspectives
discuss the main thrusts of the syructuralists theory in sociology of parson and mertonian perspectives discuss the main thrusts of the syructuralists theory in sociology of parson and mertonian perspectives
Symbolic Interactionist
Nils I. Bateman has written: 'Targets for change: perspectives on an active sociology' -- subject(s): Sociology
Parsons
There are three types of perspective in sociology. A perspective is simply a way of looking at the world. They are Functionalist perspective, conflict perspective and symbolic Interactionist perspective.
social stratification is dividing people by class.
often complement one another
Maurice Levitas has written: 'Marxist perspectives in the sociology of education' -- subject- s -: Communism, Educational sociology
theoretical frameworks
A perspective on social life derived from a particular theoretical tradition. Some of the major theoretical traditions in sociology include functionalism, structuralism, symbolic interactionism and Marxism. Theoretical approaches supply overall 'perspectives' within which sociologists work, and influence the areas of their research as well as the modes in which research problems are identified and tackled three main theoretical perspectives of Sociology (Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interaction) to explain MAJOR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIOLOGY I. LEVELS OF THEORY A. Macro: non-human factors, large-scale human factors, interpretations involving large numbers of people. B. Micro: Day-to-day intepersonal relationships C. Middle Range: Major system components. (closer to macro) II. MAJOR TYPES OF THEORY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGY A. Functionalist # Modeled after physical sciences a. Generalization b. Objectivity c. Quantification d. Experimentation # Key Aspects a. Social systems 1) Relation of parts to whole 2) Integration b. Structure ## 1) Ecological 2) Roles 3) Groups 4) Norms c. Functions: Manifest and Latent d. Universal Needs B. Conflict (Marxist influence) # Modeled after medicine and psychonalysis. # Society not smooth system, but an arena of conflict # Conflict is a major source of change # Question: Functional for whom? C. Symbolic Interaction (generally a micro approach) # Curiosity about social practices, procedures, meanings # Key Aspects a. Symbols b. The Social Self c. Social construction of reality