essay on sociological perspective

How to Write a Sociological Essay: Explained with Examples

This article will discuss “How to Write a Sociological Essay” with insider pro tips and give you a map that is tried and tested. An essay writing is done in three phases: a) preparing for the essay, b) writing the essay, and c) editing the essay. We will take it step-by-step so that nothing is left behind because the devil, as well as good grades and presentation, lies in the details.

Writing is a skill that we learn throughout the courses of our lives. Learning how to write is a process that we begin as soon as we turn 4, and the learning process never stops. But the question is, “is all writing the same?”. The answer is NO. Do you remember your initial lessons of English when you were in school, and how the teacher taught various formats of writing such as formal, informal, essay, letter, and much more? Therefore, writing is never that simple. Different occasions demand different styles and commands over the writing style. Thus, the art of writing improves with time and experience. 

Those who belong to the world of academia know that writing is something that they cannot escape. No writing is the same when it comes to different disciplines of academia. Similarly, the discipline of sociology demands a particular style of formal academic writing. If you’re a new student of sociology, it can be an overwhelming subject, and writing assignments don’t make the course easier. Having some tips handy can surely help you write and articulate your thoughts better. 

[Let us take a running example throughout the article so that every point becomes crystal clear. Let us assume that the topic we have with us is to “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” .]

Phase I: Preparing for the Essay  

Step 1: make an outline.

So you have to write a sociological essay, which means that you already either received or have a topic in mind. The first thing for you to do is PLAN how you will attempt to write this essay. To plan, the best way is to make an outline. The topic you have, certainly string some thread in your mind. They can be instances you heard or read, some assumptions you hold, something you studied in the past, or based on your own experience, etc. Make a rough outline where you note down all the themes you would like to talk about in your essay. The easiest way to make an outline is to make bullet points. List all the thoughts and examples that you have in find and create a flow for your essay. Remember that this is only a rough outline so you can always make changes and reshuffle your points. 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . Your outline will look something like this:

• Importance of food
• Definition of Diaspora 
• Relationship between food and culture
• Relationship between food and nation
• Relationship between food and media 
• Relationship between food and nostalgia 
• How food travels with people 
• Is food practices different for different sections of society, such as caste, class, gender ]

Step 2: Start Reading 

Once you have prepared an outline for your essay, the next step is to start your RESEARCH . You cannot write a sociological essay out of thin air. The essay needs to be thoroughly researched and based on facts. Sociology is the subject of social science that is based on facts and evidence. Therefore, start reading as soon as you have your outline determined. The more you read, the more factual data you will collect. But the question which now emerges is “what to read” . You cannot do a basic Google search to write an academic essay. Your research has to be narrow and concept-based. For writing a sociological essay, make sure that the sources from where you read are academically acclaimed and accepted.  

Some of the websites that you can use for academic research are: 

• Google Scholar
• Shodhganga 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . 

For best search, search for your articles by typing “Food+Diaspora”, “Food+Nostalgia”, adding a plus sign (+) improves the search result.]

Step 3: Make Notes 

This is a step that a lot of people miss when they are preparing to write their essays. It is important to read, but how you read is also a very vital part. When you are reading from multiple sources then all that you read becomes a big jumble of information in your mind. It is not possible to remember who said what at all times. Therefore, what you need to do while reading is to maintain an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY . Whenever you’re reading for writing an academic essay then have a notebook handy, or if you prefer electronic notes then prepare a Word Document, Google Docs, Notes, or any tool of your choice to make notes. 

As you begin reading, note down the title of the article, its author, and the year of publication. As you read, keep writing down all the significant points that you find. You can either copy whole sentences or make shorthand notes, whatever suits you best. Once you’ve read the article and made your notes, write a summary of what you just read in 8 to 10 lines. Also, write keywords, these are the words that are most used in the article and reflect its essence. Having keywords and a summary makes it easier for you to revisit the article. A sociological essay needs a good amount of research, which means that you have to read plenty, thus maintaining an annotated bibliography helps you in the greater picture.  

Annotate and divide your notes based on the outline you made. Having organized notes will help you directly apply the concepts where they are needed rather than you going and searching for them again.] 

Phase II: Write a Sociological Essay

A basic essay includes a title, an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. A sociological essay is not that different as far as the body of contents goes, but it does include some additional categories. When you write a sociological essay, it should have the following contents and chronology: 

• Subtitle (optional)
• Introduction

Conclusion 

• References/ Bibliography 

Now let us get into the details which go into the writing of a sociological essay.  

Step 4: Writing a Title, Subtitle, Abstract, and Keywords 

The title of any document is the first thing that a reader comes across. Therefore, the title should be provocative, specific, and the most well-thought part of any essay. Your title should reflect what your essay will discuss further. There has to be a sync between the title and the rest of your content. The title should be the biggest font size you use in your essay. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: A title preferably should not exceed 5 to 7 words.  

This is an optional component of any essay. If you think that your title cannot justify the rest of the contents of your essay, then you opt for a subtitle. The subtitle is the secondary part of the title which is used to further elucidate the title. A subtitle should be smaller in font than the Title but bigger than the rest of the essay body.  

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Make the font color of your subtitle Gray instead of Black for it to stand out. 

The abstract is a 6 to 10 line description of what you will talk about in your essay. An abstract is a very substantial component of a sociological essay. Most of the essays written in academia exceed the word limit of 2000 words. Therefore, a writer, i.e., you, provides the reader with a short abstract at the beginning of your essay so that they can know what you are going to discuss. From the point of view of the reader, a good abstract can save time and help determine if the piece is worth reading or not. Thus, make sure to make your abstract as reflective to your essay as possible using the least amount of words.  

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: If you are not sure about your abstract at first, it is always great to write the abstract in the end after you are done with your essay. 

Your abstract should highlight all the points that you will further discuss. Therefore your abstract should mention how diasporic communities are formed and how they are not homogeneous communities. There are differences within this large population. In your essay, you will talk in detail about all the various aspects that affect food and diasporic relationships. ]

Keywords are an extension of your abstract. Whereas in your abstract you will use a paragraph to tell the reader what to expect ahead, by stating keywords, you point out the essence of your essay by using only individual words. These words are mostly concepts of social sciences. At first, glance, looking at your keywords, the reader should get informed about all the concepts and themes you will explain in detail later. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Bold your Keywords so that they get highlighted.

Your keywords could be: Food, Diaspora, Migration, and so on. Build on these as you continue to write your essay.]   

Step 5: Writing the Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion 

Introduction 

Your introduction should talk about the subject on which you are writing at the broadest level. In an introduction, you make your readers aware of what you are going to argue later in the essay. An introduction can discuss a little about the history of the topic, how it was understood till now, and a framework of what you are going to talk about ahead. You can think of your introduction as an extended form of the abstract. Since it is the first portion of your essay, it should paint a picture where the readers know exactly what’s ahead of them. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: An apt introduction can be covered in 2 to 3 paragraphs (Look at the introduction on this article if you need proof). 

Since your focus is on “food” and “diaspora”, your introductory paragraph can dwell into a little history of the relationship between the two and the importance of food in community building.] 

This is the most extensive part of any essay. It is also the one that takes up the most number of words. All the research and note-making which you did was for this part. The main body of your essay is where you put all the knowledge you gathered into words. When you are writing the body, your aim should be to make it flow, which means that all paragraphs should have a connection between them. When read in its entirety, the paragraphs should sing together rather than float all around. 

The main body is mostly around 4 to 6 paragraphs long. A sociological essay is filled with debates, theories, theorists, and examples. When writing the main body it is best to target making one or two paragraphs about the same revolving theme. When you shift to the other theme, it is best to connect it with the theme you discussed in the paragraph right above it to form a connection between the two. If you are dividing your essay into various sub-themes then the best way to correlate them is starting each new subtheme by reflecting on the last main arguments presented in the theme before it. To make a sociological essay even more enriching, include examples that exemplify the theoretical concepts better. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Though there is no word limit to the length of the paragraphs, if you keep one paragraph between 100 to 200 words, it makes the essay look more organized. 

The main body can here be divided into the categories which you formed during the first step of making the rough outline. Therefore, your essay could have 3 to 4 sub-sections discussing different themes such as: Food and Media, Caste and Class influence food practices, Politics of Food, Gendered Lens, etc.] 

This is the section where you end your essay. But ending the essay does not mean that you lose your flair in conclusion. A conclusion is an essential part of any essay because it sums up everything you just wrote. Your conclusion should be similar to a summary of your essay. You can include shortened versions of the various arguments you have referred to above in the main body, or it can raise questions for further research, and it can also provide solutions if your topic seeks one. Hence, a conclusion is a part where you get the last chance to tell your reader what you are saying through your article. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: As the introduction, the conclusion is smaller compared to the main body. Keep your conclusion within the range of 1 to 2 paragraphs. 

Your conclusion should again reiterate all the main arguments provided by you throughout the essay. Therefore it should bind together everything you have written starting from your introduction to all the debates and examples you have cited.]

Step 6: Citation and Referencing 

This is the most academic part of your sociological essay. Any academic essay should be free of plagiarism. But how can one avoid plagiarism when their essay is based on research which was originally done by others. The solution for this is to give credit to the original author for their work. In the world of academia, this is done through the processes of Citation and Referencing (sometimes also called Bibliography). Citation is done within/in-between the text, where you directly or indirectly quote the original text. Whereas, Referencing or Bibliography is done at the end of an essay where you give resources of the books or articles which you have quoted in your essay at various points. Both these processes are done so that the reader can search beyond your essay to get a better grasp of the topic. 

There are many different styles of citations and you can determine which you want to follow. Some of the most common styles of citation and referencing are MLA, APA, and Chicago style. If you are working on Google Docs or Word then the application makes your work easier because they help you curate your citations. There are also various online tools that can make citing references far easier, faster, and adhering to citation guidelines, such as an APA generator. This can save you a lot of time when it comes to referencing, and makes the task far more manageable. 

How to add citations in Google Doc: Tools → Citation

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

But for those who want to cite manually, this is the basic format to follow:

• Author’s Name with Surname mentioned first, then initials 
• Article’s Title in single or double quotes
• Journal Title in Italics 
• Volume, issue number 
• Year of Publication

Example: Syrkin, A. 1984. “Notes on the Buddha’s Threats in the Dīgha Nikāya ”, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies , vol. 7(1), pp.147-58.

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Always make sure that your Bibliography/References are alphabetically ordered based on the first alphabet of the surname of the author and NOT numbered or bulleted. 

Phase III: Editing 

Step 7: edit/review your essay.

The truth of academic writing is that it can never be written in one go. You need to write, rewrite, and revisit your material more than once. Once you have written the first draft of your essay, do not revise it immediately. Leave it for some time, at least for four hours. Then revisit your essay and edit it based on 3 criteria. The first criteria you need to recheck for is any grammatical and/or spelling mistakes. The second criteria are to check the arguments you have posed and if the examples you have cited correlate or not. The final criteria are to read the essay as a reader and read it objectively. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: The more you edit the better results you get. But we think that your 3rd draft is the magic draft. Draft 1: rough essay, Draft 2: edited essay, Draft 3: final essay.

Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti's primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

What is the Sociological Perspective – Understanding Sociology

The sociological perspective is a way of understanding society that emphasizes the interconnectedness of social structures, institutions, and cultural norms. At its core, sociology seeks to explain how society works and why it operates the way it does. By analyzing social phenomena through a sociological lens, we can gain new insights into issues such as power dynamics, inequality, and cultural values .

Table of Contents

In this article, we will explore what the sociological perspective is and why it’s important for understanding society. We will define key concepts such as social structure, culture, institutions, power, and inequality. Additionally, we will provide real-life examples to illustrate how the sociological perspective can be applied in practice. Finally, we will address common criticisms of sociology and conclude with a summary of the key takeaways from this discussion.

Defining the Sociological Perspective

Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social behavior. It seeks to understand how individuals interact with one another, as well as how groups and societies are structured and function.

The sociological perspective is a way of understanding society that emphasizes the interconnectedness of social structures, institutions, and cultural norms. Unlike other ways of understanding society, such as psychology or economics, sociology takes a holistic approach that considers multiple factors when analyzing social phenomena.

For example, while psychology might focus on individual behavior and motivations, sociology would examine how larger societal forces shape those behaviors and motivations. Similarly, while economics might focus on market dynamics and financial systems, sociology would examine how those systems affect different groups within society in terms of income inequality or access to resources.

Overall, the sociological perspective provides a unique lens through which we can analyze complex social issues and understand the interconnectedness of various societal factors.

Key Concepts of the Sociological Perspective

Social Structure, Power and Culture are the key concepts used by sociologists to analyze society through a variety of different lenses. For example, they might examine how social structures like race or gender impact individuals’ experiences within institutions like education or healthcare. Alternatively, they might study cultural norms and practices in order to understand how they shape behavior and attitudes.

By considering these concepts together, sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of how different aspects of society are interconnected and how they contribute to larger patterns of inequality or power dynamics. Through this analysis, sociologists can identify potential areas for change and work towards creating more equitable societies.

Social Structure

Social structure is a central concept in sociology that refers to the patterns of relationships and social arrangements that shape society. These structures can take many forms, including formal institutions like governments or schools, as well as informal social norms and expectations.

One important aspect of social structure is social hierarchy, which refers to the ranking of individuals or groups within society based on factors like wealth, status, or power. These hierarchies can be based on a variety of characteristics such as race, gender, age, or occupation. For example, in many societies men have traditionally held higher status and power than women.

Institutions are also very important. These are established systems or organizations within society that serve specific purposes such as education (schools), government (political institutions), healthcare (hospitals), or finance (banks). Institutions play a crucial role in shaping social structure by providing frameworks for behavior and expectations for individuals.

Another important aspect of social structure is roles. Roles are sets of expectations for how individuals should behave in different situations based on their position within society. For example, parents are expected to provide for and raise their children while teachers are expected to educate and mentor students.

Social norms also play a key role in shaping social structures. Norms refer to the unwritten rules and expectations for behavior that govern interactions between individuals and groups within society. They can vary widely across different cultures and communities.

Social structure provides a framework for understanding how different aspects of society work together to create larger patterns of behavior and inequality. By analyzing these patterns through a sociological lens, researchers can gain insights into how societies function.

Culture is a complex and multi-faceted concept that refers to the shared beliefs, values, practices, and symbols that define a particular group or society. It encompasses everything from language and social customs to art, music, and literature. Culture is not fixed or static but rather evolves over time as people interact with each other and their environment.

One important aspect of culture is its role in shaping individuals’ identities and worldviews. Cultural norms and traditions can influence how people perceive themselves and others, as well as how they approach various aspects of life like work, family, or religion.

Institutional structures often reflect cultural values and norms. For example, educational institutions may prioritize academic achievement as a reflection of cultural values around the importance of knowledge and learning.

Power is a fundamental concept in sociology that refers to the ability to influence or control others. It can be exerted through various means, including physical force, economic leverage, or social norms and expectations. It can also be exercised at different levels, from individual interactions to broader social structures and institutions.

Social structures and institutions often play a key role in determining power dynamics within society. For example, political institutions may hold significant power over citizens by regulating laws and policies.

Economic institutions like corporations and banks may have significant influence over individuals through their control of resources and wealth.

Inequality is another important concept related to power in sociology. Inequality refers to differences in access to resources, opportunities, and power among different groups within society. These differences can be based on a variety of factors such as race, gender, class, or age.

Inequalities are often reinforced through social structures and institutions that perpetuate disparities in power and privilege. For example, gender inequality may be reinforced through institutionalized norms that place greater value on traditionally masculine traits or roles.

Applying the Sociological Perspective to Real-Life Examples

Example 1: covid-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a current event that can be analyzed through a sociological perspective. This global crisis has had significant impacts on individuals, communities, and societies around the world.

By applying a sociological framework, we can gain insights into how social structures and institutions have shaped the spread of the virus and its impact on different groups within society. For example, research has shown that individuals from marginalized communities like low-income neighborhoods or racial minorities are more likely to be affected by the pandemic due to pre-existing inequalities in access to healthcare and other resources.

Additionally, analyzing the pandemic through a sociological lens can provide insights into how individuals and communities respond to crises. Sociologists have studied how social norms and expectations influence behaviors like mask-wearing or social distancing during pandemics.

Example 2: Black Lives Matter Movement

The Black Lives Matter movement is another example where the sociological perspective can be applied in practice. This social movement aims to address systemic racism and violence against Black individuals in America.

By analyzing this movement through a sociological framework, we can gain insights into how power dynamics shape social structures and institutions that perpetuate racial inequality. Sociologists have studied how institutionalized racism operates at various levels of society, including education, criminal justice systems, and political institutions.

Additionally, studying the Black Lives Matter movement through a sociological lens provides insights into how collective action can bring about change within society. Sociologists have studied how social movements develop over time and what factors contribute to their success or failure.

Criticisms of the Sociological Perspective

Sociology, like any other field of study, has faced criticism and challenges over time. Some common critiques of sociology include:

Lack of objectivity . Critics argue that sociology is not an objective science because it is influenced by the researcher’s own biases and values.

Limited scope . Some argue that sociology focuses too much on macro-level social structures and institutions, neglecting the experiences of individuals and their agency.

Inadequate methods . Others criticize sociology for relying too heavily on quantitative methods at the expense of qualitative research, which can provide more in-depth insights into social phenomena.

Political bias . Some have accused sociologists of having a political bias, either towards liberal or conservative ideologies.

However, it’s important to note that sociology has evolved over time and continues to adapt to new challenges. For example:

Objectivity . While complete objectivity may be impossible, sociologists strive to minimize bias through rigorous research methods and peer review processes.

Scope . Sociology has expanded its scope over time to include micro-level analyses of individual experiences and agency as well as macro-level analyses of social structures and institutions.

Methods . Sociologists now use a variety of both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena.

Political bias. Sociologists are trained to maintain objectivity in their research regardless of their personal beliefs or political affiliations.

While there are valid criticisms of sociology as a field, it continues to evolve and adapt in response to new challenges. By addressing these critiques head-on and continuing to refine its methods and theories, sociology can continue to provide valuable insights into how society operates.

Final Thoughts the Sociological Perspective

In this article, we explored the sociological perspective and its application in practice. We used examples from current events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement to illustrate how analyzing social phenomena through a sociological framework can provide new insights and perspectives.

We also acknowledged some common critiques of sociology, including lack of objectivity, limited scope, inadequate methods, and political bias. However, we explained how sociology has evolved over time to address these critiques and continues to adapt to new challenges.

Understanding society through a sociological perspective is valuable for individuals and society as a whole because it allows us to see beyond individual experiences and recognize the larger social structures and institutions that shape our lives. By understanding these forces at work within society, we can identify areas where change may be needed to promote greater equity and justice for all individuals.

In conclusion, the sociological perspective provides a unique lens through which we can analyze social phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of society. By continuing to refine our methods and theories, sociology can continue to provide valuable insights into how society operates and how we can work towards building a more just and equitable world.

Anthropology Glossary Terms starting with S

Social Contract Theory

Sociological Perspective

Substantivist Formalist Debate

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1.1 The Sociological Perspective

Learning objectives.

• Define the sociological perspective.
• Provide examples of how Americans may not be as “free” as they think.
• Explain what is meant by considering individuals as “social beings.”

Most Americans probably agree that we enjoy a great amount of freedom. And yet perhaps we have less freedom than we think, because many of our choices are influenced by our society in ways we do not even realize. Perhaps we are not as distinctively individualistic as we believe we are.

For example, consider the right to vote. The secret ballot is one of the most cherished principles of American democracy. We vote in secret so that our choice of a candidate is made freely and without fear of punishment. That is all true, but it is also possible to guess the candidate for whom any one individual will vote if enough is known about the individual. This is because our choice of a candidate is affected by many aspects of our social backgrounds and, in this sense, is not made as freely as we might think.

To illustrate this point, consider the 2008 presidential election between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. Suppose a room is filled with 100 randomly selected voters from that election. Nothing is known about them except that they were between 18 and 24 years of age when they voted. Because exit poll data found that Obama won 66% of the vote from people in this age group ( http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/ExitPolls ), a prediction that each of these 100 individuals voted for Obama would be correct about 66 times and incorrect only 34 times. Someone betting $1 on each prediction would come out $32 ahead ($66 – $34 = $32), even though the only thing known about the people in the room is their age.

Young people were especially likely to vote for Barack Obama in 2008, while white men tended, especially in Wyoming and several other states, to vote for John McCain. These patterns illustrate the influence of our social backgrounds on many aspects of our lives.

Wikimedia Commons – CC BY 3.0; Wikimedia Commons – public domain.

Now let’s suppose we have a room filled with 100 randomly selected white men from Wyoming who voted in 2008. We know only three things about them: their race, gender, and state of residence. Because exit poll data found that 67% of white men in Wyoming voted for McCain, a prediction can be made with fairly good accuracy that these 100 men tended to have voted for McCain. Someone betting $1 that each man in the room voted for McCain would be right about 67 times and wrong only 33 times and would come out $34 ahead ($67 – $33 = $34). Even though young people in the United States and white men from Wyoming had every right and freedom under our democracy to vote for whomever they wanted in 2008, they still tended to vote for a particular candidate because of the influence of their age (in the case of the young people) or of their gender, race, and state of residence (white men from Wyoming).

Yes, Americans have freedom, but our freedom to think and act is constrained at least to some degree by society’s standards and expectations and by the many aspects of our social backgrounds. This is true for the kinds of important beliefs and behaviors just discussed, and it is also true for less important examples. For instance, think back to the last class you attended. How many of the women wore evening gowns? How many of the men wore skirts? Students are “allowed” to dress any way they want in most colleges and universities, but notice how few students, if any, dress in the way just mentioned. They do not dress that way because of the strange looks and even negative reactions they would receive.

Think back to the last time you rode in an elevator. Why did you not face the back? Why did you not sit on the floor? Why did you not start singing? Children can do these things and “get away with it,” because they look cute doing so, but adults risk looking odd. Because of that, even though we are “allowed” to act strangely in an elevator, we do not.

The basic point is that society shapes our attitudes and behavior even if it does not determine them altogether. We still have freedom, but that freedom is limited by society’s expectations. Moreover, our views and behavior depend to some degree on our social location in society—our gender, race, social class, religion, and so forth. Thus society as a whole and our own social backgrounds affect our attitudes and behaviors. Our social backgrounds also affect one other important part of our lives, and that is our life chances —our chances (whether we have a good chance or little chance) of being healthy, wealthy, and well educated and, more generally, of living a good, happy life.

The influence of our social environment in all of these respects is the fundamental understanding that sociology —the scientific study of social behavior and social institutions—aims to present. At the heart of sociology is the sociological perspective , the view that our social backgrounds influence our attitudes, behavior, and life chances. In this regard, we are not just individuals but rather social beings deeply enmeshed in society. Although we all differ from one another in many respects, we share with many other people basic aspects of our social backgrounds, perhaps especially gender, race and ethnicity, and social class. These shared qualities make us more similar to each other than we would otherwise be.

Does society totally determine our beliefs, behavior, and life chances? No. Individual differences still matter, and disciplines such as psychology are certainly needed for the most complete understanding of human action and beliefs. But if individual differences matter, so do society and the social backgrounds from which we come. Even the most individual attitudes and behaviors, such as the voting decisions discussed earlier, are influenced to some degree by our social backgrounds and, more generally, by the society to which we belong.

In this regard, consider what is perhaps the most personal decision one could make: the decision to take one’s own life. What could be more personal and individualistic than this fatal decision? When individuals commit suicide, we usually assume that they were very unhappy, even depressed. They may have been troubled by a crumbling romantic relationship, bleak job prospects, incurable illness, or chronic pain. But not all people in these circumstances commit suicide; in fact, few do. Perhaps one’s chances of committing suicide depend at least in part on various aspects of the person’s social background.

In this regard, consider suicide rates—the percentage of a particular group of people who commit suicide, usually taken as, say, eight suicides for every 100,000 people in that group. Different groups have different suicide rates. As just one example, men are more likely than women to commit suicide ( Figure 1.1 “Gender and Suicide Rate, 2006” ). Why is this? Are men more depressed than women? No, the best evidence indicates that women are more depressed than men (Klein, Corwin, & Ceballos, 2006) and that women try to commit suicide more often than men (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). If so, there must be something about being a man that makes it more likely that males’ suicide attempts will result in death. One of these “somethings” is that males are more likely than females to try to commit suicide with a firearm, a far more lethal method than, say, taking an overdose of sleeping pills (Miller & Hemenway, 2008). If this is true, then it is fair to say that gender influences our chances of committing suicide, even if suicide is perhaps the most personal of all acts.

Figure 1.1 Gender and Suicide Rate, 2006

Source: Data from U.S. Census Bureau. (2010). Statistical abstract of the United States: 2010 . Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab .

In the United States, suicide rates are generally higher west of the Mississippi River than east of it ( Figure 1.2 “U.S. Suicide Rates, 2000–2006 (Number of Suicides per 100,000 Population)” ). Is that because people out west are more depressed than those back east? No, there is no evidence of this. Perhaps there is something else about the western states that helps lead to higher suicide rates. For example, many of these states are sparsely populated compared to their eastern counterparts, with people in the western states living relatively far from one another. Because we know that social support networks help people deal with personal problems and deter possible suicides (Stack, 2000), perhaps these networks are weaker in the western states, helping lead to higher suicide rates. Then too, membership in organized religion is lower out west than back east (Finke & Stark, 2005). Because religious beliefs help us deal with personal problems, perhaps suicide rates are higher out west in part because religious belief is weaker. Thus a depressed person out west is, all other things being equal, at least a little more likely than a depressed person back east to commit suicide.

Although suicide is popularly considered to be a very individualistic act, it is also true that individuals’ likelihood of committing suicide depends at least partly on various aspects of their social backgrounds.

Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Figure 1.2 U.S. Suicide Rates, 2000–2006 (Number of Suicides per 100,000 Population)

Source: Adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention. (2009). National suicide statistics at a glance. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/statistics/suicide_map.html .

Key Takeaways

• According to the sociological perspective, social backgrounds influence attitudes, behavior, and life chances.
• Social backgrounds influence but do not totally determine attitudes and behavior.
• Americans may be less “free” in their thoughts and behavior than they normally think they are.

For Your Review

• Do you think that society constrains our thoughts and behaviors as the text argues? Why or why not?
• Describe how one aspect of your own social background has affected an important attitude you hold, a behavior in which you have engaged, or your ability to do well in life (life chances).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Suicide: Facts at a glance. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/Suicide-DataSheet-a.pdf .

Finke, R., & Stark, S. (2005). The churching of America: Winners and losers in our religious economy (2nd ed.). New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Klein, L. C., Corwin, E. J., & Ceballos, R. M. (2006). The social costs of stress: How sex differences in stress responses can lead to social stress vulnerability and depression in women. In C. L. M. Keyes & S. H. Goodman (Eds.), Women and depression: A handbook for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences (pp. 199–218). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

Miller, M., & Hemenway. D. (2008). Guns and suicide in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 359, 989–991.

Stack, S. (2000). Sociological research into suicide. In D. Lester (Ed.), Suicide prevention: Resources for the millennium (pp. 17–30). New York, NY: Routledge.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Sociological Perspective

Essays on Sociological Perspective

The importance of writing an essay on sociological perspective.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective is important because it allows you to analyze and understand society from a broader and more critical point of view. Sociological perspective helps you to see the world through a different lens, and writing an essay on this topic can help you to develop a deeper understanding of social issues and the ways in which they impact individuals and groups.

When writing an essay on sociological perspective, it's important to consider the various sociological theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic you are exploring. This might include structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, or feminist theory, among others. By incorporating these theories into your essay, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the social issues at hand.

Additionally, it's important to use evidence and examples to support your arguments and demonstrate the relevance of sociological perspective to real-world situations. This might involve citing empirical studies, historical events, or current social trends to illustrate the ways in which sociological perspective can help us to understand and address social problems.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective also requires critical thinking and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It's important to acknowledge the complexities and contradictions inherent in social issues, and to recognize that there are often no easy answers or simple solutions. By engaging with different viewpoints and considering the broader social context, you can develop a more well-rounded and informed analysis in your essay.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective is important because it allows you to deepen your understanding of social issues and the ways in which they are shaped by larger social forces. By incorporating sociological theories, using evidence and examples, and engaging with multiple perspectives, you can develop a more comprehensive and insightful analysis of the social issues at hand.

• The sociological perspective on crime and deviance
• The impact of social class on educational attainment
• Gender inequality in the workplace: a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on media and its influence on society
• The role of religion in society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on family dynamics and relationships
• The impact of globalization on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on health and healthcare disparities
• The effects of technology on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on racial and ethnic inequality
• The role of social institutions in shaping individual behavior
• The sociological perspective on social movements and activism
• The impact of urbanization on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on mental health and illness
• The influence of social norms and values on individual behavior
• The sociological perspective on environmental issues and sustainability
• The role of socialization in shaping individual identity
• The impact of social change on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on immigration and its effects on society
• The influence of social networks on individual behavior and relationships

The sociological perspective provides a unique lens through which to examine and understand the complexities of society. By analyzing social structures, institutions, and interactions, sociologists are able to uncover the underlying patterns and processes that shape human behavior and societal dynamics.

One of the key areas of focus within the sociological perspective is the study of crime and deviance. Sociologists seek to understand the social factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the ways in which society responds to deviant acts. By examining the influence of social class, race, and gender on crime rates and the criminal justice system, sociologists are able to shed light on the broader social implications of criminal behavior.

Another important topic within the sociological perspective is the impact of social class on educational attainment. Sociologists study the ways in which social and economic inequalities affect access to quality education and opportunities for academic success. By examining the disparities in educational outcomes based on social class, sociologists are able to identify the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality and limit social mobility.

Gender inequality in the workplace is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists analyze the ways in which gender roles and stereotypes influence employment opportunities, wages, and career advancement. By examining the social and cultural factors that contribute to gender inequality, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equity in the workplace.

The sociological perspective also offers valuable insights into the role of media in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. Sociologists study the ways in which media messages and representations influence public opinion, consumer behavior, and social norms. By examining the impact of media on society, sociologists are able to identify the potential for media to perpetuate stereotypes and promote social change.

Religion is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which religious beliefs and practices shape individual and collective identities, as well as the ways in which religion intersects with other social institutions. By examining the role of religion in society, sociologists are able to uncover the diverse ways in which religious beliefs and practices influence social behavior and cultural practices.

The sociological perspective also provides valuable insights into family dynamics and relationships. Sociologists study the ways in which family structures and roles are shaped by social and cultural factors, as well as the ways in which family dynamics influence individual development and well-being. By examining the complexities of family life, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social institutions and processes impact the ways in which families function and evolve over time.

Globalization is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which economic, political, and cultural forces shape global interconnectedness and the ways in which globalization influences individual and collective identities. By examining the impact of globalization on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which global processes and trends shape local communities and individual lives.

Health and healthcare disparities are also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social and economic factors influence access to healthcare, as well as the ways in which social inequalities contribute to disparities in health outcomes. By examining the social determinants of health, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

The influence of technology on society is another important topic within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which technological advancements shape social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of technology on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which digital technologies influence social behavior and cultural practices.

Racial and ethnic inequality is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which race and ethnicity intersect with social institutions and processes to produce and perpetuate social inequalities. By examining the impact of race and ethnicity on society, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote racial and ethnic equity and challenge systemic discrimination and prejudice.

Social institutions also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and societal dynamics. Sociologists study the ways in which social institutions such as education, family, religion, and government influence the ways in which individuals interact with one another and participate in collective life. By examining the role of social institutions in society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Social movements and activism are also important areas of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social movements and collective action shape social change and challenge existing power structures. By examining the dynamics of social movements, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social movements and activism influence public opinion and policy outcomes.

Urbanization is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which urbanization influences social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of urbanization on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which urban environments shape social behavior and cultural practices.

Mental health and illness are also significant areas of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social and cultural factors influence mental health outcomes and the ways in which mental illness is stigmatized and marginalized within society. By examining the social determinants of mental health, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote mental health equity and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness.

Social norms and values also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and societal dynamics. Sociologists study the ways in which social norms and values influence social interactions, cultural practices, and institutional structures. By examining the influence of social norms and values on society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which cultural practices and collective beliefs shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Environmental issues and sustainability are also important areas of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which social and economic factors influence environmental degradation and the ways in which environmental issues intersect with social institutions and processes. By examining the impact of environmental issues on society, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability and challenge the systemic factors that contribute to environmental degradation.

Socialization is another important area of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which socialization influences individual development and the ways in which individuals learn and internalize cultural norms and values. By examining the process of socialization, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals develop and participate in social life.

Social change is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social change shapes societal dynamics and the ways in which individuals and communities adapt to and resist social transformations. By examining the impact of social change on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes influence the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Immigration and its effects on society is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which immigration influences social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of immigration on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which immigrant communities shape social behavior and cultural practices.

Social networks also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and relationships. Sociologists study the ways in which social networks influence social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the influence of social networks on society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

The sociological perspective offers valuable insights into the complexities of society and the ways in which social structures and processes shape individual behavior and societal dynamics. By examining the influence of social institutions, cultural practices, and social norms, sociologists are able to uncover the underlying patterns and processes that shape human behavior and societal dynamics. Through the study of crime and deviance, social class, gender inequality, media, religion, family dynamics, globalization, health, technology, racial and ethnic inequality, social institutions, social movements, urbanization, mental health, social norms and values, environmental issues, socialization, social change, immigration, and social networks, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes influence the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

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Understanding the Sociological Perspective

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Sociology can be defined as the study of society, but in practice, it is much more. It is a way of seeing the world through the evaluation of social structures and forces. This field of study uses historical context to examine the present day and a society that is constantly in flux. At its core, sociology fosters critical thinking, poses analytical questions, and pursues solutions. To truly grasp sociology and the research sociologists conduct, an understanding of social theory is necessary.

Examining Social Relationships

When sociologists examine the world in a bid to better understand it, they look for relationships between individuals and the social groups they belong to based on race , class, and gender , among others. They also consider people's ties to communities and institutions, be they religious, educational, or municipal, such as a church, school, or police department. In sociology, the individual aspects of social life are known as the "micro," and the large-scale groups, relationships, and trends that make up society are known as the "macro" .

Social Structures and Forces

Sociologists look for relationships between the micro and marco to recommend ways to address the trends and problems that arise in society. The recognition that social structures and forces shape a person’s beliefs, values, norms , and expectations lie at the heart of sociology. These forces influence our experiences, interactions with others , and ultimately, the outcomes of our lives .

While most people remain unaware of how social structures affect them, they are likely to recognize these forces while taking a critical look at society. Introducing students to the field, Peter Berger wrote, “It can be said that the first wisdom of sociology is this—things are not what they seem.” Hence, the sociological perspective urges students to ask the unasked questions about "normal" things to illuminate the underlying social structures and forces at work.

Asking Sociological Questions

Sociologists seek complex answers to what many would consider simple questions. Berger asserted that four key questions allow sociologists to see the connections between everyday life and the overarching social structure and forces that shape it. They are:

• What are people doing with each other here?
• What are their relationships to each other?
• How are these relationships organized in institutions?
• What are the collective ideas that move men and institutions?

Berger suggested that asking these questions transforms the familiar into something otherwise unseen, leading to “a transformation of consciousness.” C. Wright Mills called this transformation “ the sociological imagination .” When individuals examine the world this way, they see how their present-day experiences and personal biographies sit within the trajectory of history. Using the sociological imagination to examine our own lives, we might question how social structures, forces, and relationships have given us certain privileges , like access to wealth and prestigious schools. We might also consider how social forces like racism might disadvantage us in comparison to others.

The Importance of Historical Context

The sociological perspective always includes historical context, because if we want to understand why things are the way they are, we have to understand how they got there. So, sociologists often take the long view, looking at the shifting nature of the class structure over time, the evolution of the relationship between the economy and culture , and the limited access to rights and resources that continue to impact historically marginalized people today.

The Sociological Perspective

Mills believed that the sociological imagination could empower people to change their lives and society because it allows us to see perceived “personal troubles," like not making enough money to support ourselves , in context. Rather than personal problems, these troubles are “public issues,” as they stem from social structure flaws such as inadequate wages.

The sociological imagination points to the crux of the sociological perspective—that society is a social product, and, as such, its structures and institutions are changeable. Just as social structures and forces shape our lives, our choices and actions influence the nature of society. Throughout our daily lives, our behavior either validates society or challenges it to improve. The sociological perspective allows us to see how both outcomes are possible.

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Sociological Perspective, Essay Example

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A discussion of my family and the roles, functions and influences that can be identified using “sociological perspective / sociological imagination”

In lieu of family in the context of roles, the functions and influences that it has in the light of ‘sociological imagination’, it is clear the holistic ideas and ideals identified through the laid perspective of sociology has had an effect on the way I perceive the family. While thinking about the family, it is not easy to unravel it from the whole picture of sociology, which stresses on ‘human society and social interaction’, tenets that put it right at the middle of sociology and sociological imagination. As elaborated by C. Wright Mills the sociological imagination or perspective enables us to rightly distinguish our own troubles and those that are public issues. It is where the influence of the family on its entirety is manifested (Mills, 1959).

From a distinct standpoint, my family has been shaping the way I associate and socialize with whomever I have come across. When you think about the family, you cannot understand it until you look at the issue of socialization. It is generally what makes the family such a force to reckon with that has cumulative and utmost effects on the entire life of a person today, as well as shaping the future interaction and engagement on a social scale. In the light of the integrationist perspectives, where the focus is on how people try to make sense of their current and everyday social interactions, the socialization dimension from a family standpoint is even made clear. There is no way I would have understood myself, or I can understand myself today without the family ideals to help me in making sense of the world I find myself in at every given moment.

Come to think of it, the family was the first society I first came into contact with and as time progressed and I learnt the ideals that shaped the expectations of the family on my part, I realized that it is through the experience of my large family, the everyday struggles that sometimes became fist fights and word lashing, continued everyday counsel from my parents and the punishment that always followed any action that I carried out but contravened the accepted family values. It was through the family set standards and scales that governed the way I interacted with my neighbors, school mates from as early as kindergarten, where calling certain names was seen as taboo but when my kindergarten friend and immediate neighbor uttered them in their home, it was an acceptable behavior. It made me to finally start creating a distinction between the family and other realms within the wider society, since as I saw from my family standpoint; they seemed weaker ideals that might not be sufficient in dealing with my immediate demanding society at school.

Within the school the family ideals sometimes became a living guide upon which I drew the right direction to follow as well as the necessary motivation to endure and cater for the struggles that came with school life and other humanity within my neighborhood. At first it was impossible to realize the importance of the family interactive proportions that I went through everyday within the wider society, but come to think about it now, the family was everything in the way I handled the society with impeccable ease. This is evident in the line of language where being the vehicle upon which the struggles and ideals of a family and society are felt and depicted; I was able to blossom with the demands of the family and the wider society.

At home the struggle to be heard was not only a requirement but a necessity, since with brothers and sisters older than you it was only logical to be impeccable and effective in your communication, for you to beat the ensuing competition. My parents stressed the need to speak succinct English and to dissuade ourselves from the wider neighborhood ‘unique language’ that they detested vehemently. To them, the neighborhood language spoken a lot in a way that would make any grammar teacher furious had them judging the whole neighborhood as up to ‘no good’ simply because of the level of slang in use. But since the outside society represented so much in life, from the way I interacted with the opposite gender to the level of my friends, I had to balance between the family standards of language and the expectations of the society.

The gender and race part of my life was directly under the effect of the family. The family seemed to be the paradigm through which I reacted to the people I met outside our family home in terms of gender and ethnicity. With the love and appreciation I had for my mother, I never at any time viewed anybody as a weakling as an account of their gender affiliations, as compared to my neighborhood friends who associated different triumphs and challenges according to gender and ethnicity. In the question of ethnicity, my mother’s social demeanor seemed to cloud any negative stereotypes associated with ethnicity. She always entertaining different people from distinct racial backgrounds and until I was past high school did the question of race and ethnicity crop up in my mind, where until now, I always thank my family for the inculcated ideals and behaviors that I got from it and are still affecting me from viewing other people as from another ethnic entity rather than themselves as individuals. In fact, the question of race and socio-economic background were directly opposite each other, which depicts one of my family’s weaknesses. Since we were a modest second class family, the rich seemed to be well accepted within the realm of family ideals, from the desires of the future, the interaction of the moment to the response we had to those within the echelons of economic status. Needless to say, my family’s most friends were rich individuals or people with good jobs and good education.

In the case of culture, norms and morals, my family had an effect that still lasts to the present day, sometimes reinforcing many decisions I make today while at the same time panel-beating my judgment on most issues. Within the norms of the family, the idea of following what my parents passed as the laid out rules and norms made me resent some while most of the ideals I came to respect not a long time ago. With such family norms as discipline being severe, such as being grounded for a week for bringing shame to the family after the grade teacher had complained about my carelessness with school work, they had a lasting effect to how hard I worked to make sure I never faced the wrath of the family or lost face in front of my siblings with whom ours was an intense competition. Moral standards were an expectation my family laid out clearly, succinctly and with straightforward out rightness as if our lives depended on it. Being grounded for a week for name calling and bad behavior at school made the moral atmosphere at home very strong and somehow can be associated to the different paths we took after the clamor for independence was rife, mostly between my elder siblings, who achieved moral degradation after leaving home while some maintained their good ranks in morality. Personally, the effect of my family hammering the importance of respect and responsibility still echo in my mind, mostly when I am about to go contrary to those wishes.

In conclusion, the sociological imagination makes it so clear in the line of my family and the immediate context of society I always find myself in, that the development of our personal imagination does require that we take into account the perspectives of different individuals from diverse backgrounds, with the family being the basic background that shapes all the others (Ashley & Orenstein, 2005).

Ashley, D. & Orenstein, D.M. (2005). Sociological theory: Classical statements . Boston: Pearson Education.

Jay, M. (1996). The Dialectical Imagination: A History of the Frankfurt School and the Institute for Social Research 1923-1950 . Berkeley: University of California Press.

Mills, C. W. (1959). The Sociological Imagination . London: Oxford University Press.

Wilson, D. R. (2004). Researching Sociology on the Internet . Wadsworth: Thomson.

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4.8: Introduction to Sociological Perspectives

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What you’ll learn to do: differentiate between the three main theoretical paradigms in sociology and describe how they are used

In this section, you’ll learn about how sociologists use paradigms to understand the social world. A paradigm is a broad viewpoint, perspective, or lens that permit social scientists to have a wide range of tools to describe society, and then to build hypotheses and theories. You can also consider paradigms to be guiding principles or belief systems. In the text, you’ll sometimes see the word paradigm used interchangeably with perspective, theory, or approach.

In sociology, there are three main paradigms: the functionalist paradigm, the conflict paradigm, and the symbolic interactionist paradigm. These are not all of the paradigms, however, and we’ll consider others as well as more specific topic-based variations of each of the “Big Three” theories. As you read through the material in this section, consider which paradigm resonates the most with your own views about society.

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Sociological Perspectives and Their Approaches to Research Essay

Introduction.

Sociologists use different theoretical perspectives when studying society and human interactions. There are three prominent theories in sociology: functionalism, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. This paper will introduce theorists of each of these three perspectives and the tenets of their theories. Further, qualitative and quantitative research methods will be defined, and an explanation will be offered regarding these research methods being approached from different sociological perspectives.

Introducing Sociologists and Their Perspectives

The first sociologist is Emile Durkheim, whose views adhere to the structural-functional theory, also called functionalism. Functionalism views society as comprised of different elements that serve to meet people’s various biological and social needs (Smith-Hawkins, 2020). According to the structural-functional perspective, all parts of society, such as family, government, and education, contribute to the entire society and maintain its stability (Griffiths et al., 2015). Durkheim believed that society functioned as a whole because people in it were connected by a common language, values, and symbols (Griffiths et al., 2015). Consequently, in order to study sociology, researchers should look beyond individuals and explore larger structures, such as laws, religion, and fashion.

One way in which Durkheim applied the structural-functional perspective to research is by studying social factors affecting suicide rates. He hypothesized that suicide rates could be influenced by differences in religious affiliation and, after reviewing the suicide statistics, he found that his hypothesis was confirmed (Griffiths et al., 2015). His findings showed that, although suicide was considered an individual phenomenon, such social structure as religion affected it, with Catholics being less likely to end their lives than Protestants (Griffiths et al., 2015). Thus, functionalists look at how larger social structures affect the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

The second sociologist is Karl Marx, who is considered the developer of the conflict theory. This theory posits that society represents “a competition for limited resources” (Smith-Hawkins, 2020, p. 4). Marx believed that society was comprised of people of different social classes who competed for scanty resources, such as employment and housing (Griffiths et al., 2015). Some individuals managed to obtain more resources, which put them in a position of power and allowed them to maintain the inequalities in society. According to Marx, social inequalities would become extreme one day, and it would force the disadvantaged classes to revolt (Griffiths et al., 2015). Whether Marx’s predictions are true or not, they demonstrate the major argument of the conflict theory, namely, that social changes are the result of conflicts in society. In addition, Marx believed that the economic structure determined the other elements of social structure (Griffiths et al., 2015). For example, in capitalism, the social conflict stems from the inequalities between the working class and the bourgeoisie, and it is assumed to lead to social change in the future.

The third sociologist is Herbert Mead, who is a representative of the symbolic interaction theory. While functionalism and conflict theory apply to the macro-level of society, symbolic interactionism analyzes society at a micro-level. This theory pays attention to the relationships among individuals in society (Smith-Hawkins, 2020). It is particularly focused on the patterns of one-on-one interaction between individuals. Symbolic interactionism also puts much emphasis on communication because this theory suggests that people make sense of the social world by means of language and symbols (Griffiths et al., 2015). Among symbolic interactionists, Mead was interested in studying the development of the mind and the self in the process of social interactions (Griffiths et al., 2015). He argued that people shaped their views of themselves depending on their social contacts with others. Mead also distinguished between the significant others, that is, specific people influencing the individual’s self, and generalized others, that is, the social group related to the individual (Griffiths et al., 2015). Thus, the symbolic interaction theory posits that society is created by means of meaningful contact between individuals.

The Research Topic and Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

The research topic proposed for the evaluation from the three sociological perspectives is the dropout rates in higher education institutions in the GCC region. The topic can be approached using two different research methods: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative studies in sociology collect data using statistical methods such as surveys (Griffiths et al., 2015). They study a large number of participants and apply statistical data analysis to reveal whether the human behavior under exploration follows a certain pattern (Griffiths et al., 2015). Qualitative research methods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, observation, and textual analysis (Griffiths et al., 2015). This type of research aims to delve into people’s experiences and perceptions and, thus, understand human behaviors. Hence, qualitative and quantitative research methods differ in that the former relies on numerical data and large samples, and the latter uses non-numerical data and investigates special cases of human behaviors.

Approaches to the Study from Different Sociological Perspectives

The three sociologists would approach the topic of dropout rates differently. Durkheim, the representative of the structural-functional theory, would research this topic from the perspective of the interaction among structural elements of society. For example, the functionalist researcher could explore how religious affiliation affected students’ dropout rates. It would also be possible to study how other social institutions, such as government, family, or the economy influenced students’ decision to quit higher education. Such a study would apply the quantitative research method, just as Durkheim did in his research into the association between suicide and religion. In order to study dropout rates in higher education institutions, functionalists could review statistics and analyze them using statistical methods to identify patterns in students’ behaviors. Qualitative research methods are unlikely to be used by adepts at the structural-functional theory because this theory is focused on macro and middle levels of analysis, while qualitative research is suitable for a micro-level investigation.

Marx, the adherent of the conflict theory, would explore the issue of students’ dropout rates from the perspective of social conflicts, namely, socioeconomic inequalities. He might hypothesize that students from the lower social classes were more likely to quit higher education than those from the higher levels of society. He could base his hypothesis on the evidence that education had long been an indicator of a higher socioeconomic status and a privilege of the wealthy (Smith-Hawkins, 2020). Like functionalists, the adherents of the conflict theory would use quantitative research methods based on the use of statistics and large sample sizes. This is because the conflict theory is designed for a macro-level analysis.

Finally, Mead, a symbolic interactionist, would search for patterns of interactions among individuals to explain the issue of dropouts from higher education. The symbolic interactionist could hypothesize that students who quit universities were raised in an environment where higher education was not considered essential for personal and professional development. Or, such a researcher could test the hypothesis that poor communication with peers contributed to students’ decision to drop out. In order to conduct a study, symbolic interactionists are likely to use qualitative research methods because they aim to understand the patterns of one-on-one interaction and their influence on individuals’ behavior. Therefore, Mead could use the qualitative methods of participant observation or in-depth interviews to test the hypothesis about students’ dropout rates.

Griffiths, H., Keirns, N. J., Strayer, E., Cody-Rydzewski, S., Scaramuzzo, G., Sadler, T., Vyain, S., Bry, J., & Jones, F. (2015). Introduction to sociology (2 nd ed.) . OpenStax College, Rice University.

Smith-Hawkins, P. (Ed.). (2020). Introduction to Sociology (AUBH Bahraini ed.). Unpublished manuscript.

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Exploring Sociological Perspective

A society can be looked at from different perspectives and using different theories as coined by renowned socialists. There are different lenses through which a society and its structures can be studied. The three main sociological perspectives are conflict theory, functionalism, and symbolic interactionalism. All these three theories/perspectives explain and account for the prevailing social structure. However, the conflict theory is going to be explored in this paper to explain how explain how race and social class can be embedded in different social institutions. According to the conflict theory, the pervasive inequality in society can be caused by the glaring inequality in gender, race, social class, class superiority, and ethnic hostility, among other factors. Max went on to claim that the glaring inequality in the above factors has the potential to cause conflict in society, thereby leading to significant inequality in most social institutions and, by extension, society as a whole. Karl Max, who is the father of this theory, felt that capitalism was to blame for the polarization and breakdown of society. Accordingly, the conflict theory portends that capitalism leads to a breakdown in society since it potentially polarizes society into classes. Hence, in a capitalist society, two main social classes will arise. One of these social classes is the bourgeoisie, who are the owners of the means of production. These people are at the top of the social ladder and are inclined to rule the others. These people are economically and control major factors of production like land industries and have political power. For this reason, these people are at the helm of most social institutions. They have headed these institutions because they have the requisite economic power and political influence to control these institutions. Then, there is another social class, which is at the bottom of the pyramid. This social class is called the proletariat, who are responsible for the provision of labor services and do not enjoy the ownership of any means of production.

It is vital to appreciate that the proletariat, or the working class, is oppressed by the class that owns the means of production by being paid low wages for their labor services. The bourgeoisie or the ruling class are scared of the security of their social class. They fear that through revolution, they can be dislodged from that social class by having their means of production taken away by the subjects. This is why this class of people in society will do whatever is at their disposal to capture various social institutions firmly. The fear here is that when the proletariat is allowed to control these social institutions, they may change the status quo by dislodging the ruling class from their positions through conflict and taking away their factors for production. This is only when explained by the conflict theory as coined by Karl Max. Max argues that it is the social inequality and stratification that have given rise to social clashes, as the bourgeoisie has struggled to maintain the status quo (Turner 7). Max further explained that it is capitalism that ensured that the social classes proliferated since it led to unequal distribution of resources, thereby ensuring that some were perpetually poor while others were perpetually rich. With the proliferation of social classes, as explained by the conflict theory, different social institutions had to be led by the bourgeoisie to maintain their superior social status.

Race and racial inequality are embedded in different social institutions like the US. According to the conflict theory, racial inequality has the potential to cause racially-borne tensions. Through racial capitalism, the ownership of means of production is placed in the hands of the majority race, with the minorities left to languish in poverty and to provide cheap labor. Racial capitalism ensures that social and economic value is derived from racial identity (Leong 1). This racial capitalism explains why the non-whites or the minority communities in the US were related to the bottom of the social pyramid while most whites who owned factors of production became filthy rich and controlled various social institutions since they had the requisite economic and political influence needed to stamp their control in such social institutions. This further embedded race and racial inequality in these institutions. For example, through the racial inequality that was pervasive in the US society, blacks were relegated to inferior jobs in which they were paid poor wages. In contrast, the whites were in control of all the necessary social institutions like law enforcement institutions, judiciary, and schools, among others.

African Americans and other minority races were severely disenfranchised because of the so-called racial capitalism that ensured that social and economic value was linked to racial identity, with the majority white race enjoying economic and social value. There needed to be mounted spirited effort by legislative bodies at the time to ensure that the rights of African Americans were inscribed in law and to avoid disenfranchising them. This was not possible as most legislative bodies were made up of the majority of whites who were only preoccupied with stamping their control in American society. The flagrant disentrancement of Africans and other minority races took place without any meaningful action since those who could take action were not concerned with the affairs of these minorities. Capitalism, particularly, contributed to the poverty of minorities like African Americans since it led to unequal distribution of resources (Koepke 1). The white race, with historical advantage, owned nearly every means of production, leaving other minority groups to provide cheap labor, thereby exacerbating poverty among African Americans and other minority groups.

In conclusion, the conflict theory deeply explains why racial inequalities and social class have been embedded in different societies. The theory explains why and how capitalism led to the engravement of racial inequality and social classes in various social institutions. Capitalism led to unequal distribution of resources in society, thereby causing conflict in the society as the proletariat class fought against oppression.

Works Cited

Koepke, Deanna Jacobsen. “Race, class, poverty, and capitalism.”  Race, Gender & Class  (2007): 189-205.

Leong, Nancy. “Racial capitalism.”  Harv. L. Rev.  126 (2012): 2151.

Turner, Jonathan H. “Sociological theory today.”  Handbook of sociological theory . Boston, MA: Springer US, 2001. 1-17.

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StudyCorgi . "70 Sociological Perspectives Essay Topics." August 27, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/sociological-perspectives-essay-topics/.

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