Perspective Sociologic

• The sociological perspective provides different lenses through which to examine and interpret social phenomena
• These perspectives offer unique insights into the underlying forces shaping human behavior, social structures, and societal change

Evolutionary Perspective

• The evolutionary perspective, inspired by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, views societies as evolving and adapting over time
• Herbert Spencer was a key figure in applying evolutionary ideas to sociology
• Societies progress through stages of development, from simple to complex, similar to biological organisms
• Social institutions and practices that contribute to the survival and stability of a society are more likely to persist
• Change is seen as gradual and incremental, driven by adaptation to environmental pressures and internal dynamics
• Some criticisms include its deterministic nature and potential justification of social inequalities, implying that certain groups are more "evolved" than others

Positivist Perspective

• Auguste Comte, considered the "father of sociology," advocated for positivism
• Positivism applies scientific methods to the study of society
• Objective observation, measurement, and empirical evidence are emphasized to uncover social laws
• Social phenomena can be explained through cause-and-effect relationships, similar to the natural sciences
• The goal is to discover universal principles governing social behavior, enabling prediction and control
• Positivism has been influential in establishing sociology as a rigorous and scientific discipline
• Critics argue that human behavior is too complex and subjective to be fully captured by objective measurements

Functionalist Perspective

• Émile Durkheim is a central figure of functionalism
• Functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability
• Social institutions and structures (e.g., family, education, government) perform specific functions that contribute to the overall well-being of society
• Social order is maintained through shared values, norms, and beliefs, which create social cohesion
• Manifest functions are the intended and recognized consequences of a social pattern
• Latent functions are the unintended and often unrecognized consequences
• Dysfunctions are social patterns that disrupt the operation of society
• Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social consensus and stability
• Critics argue that it tends to overlook social inequalities and conflicts, and may justify the status quo

Conflict Perspective

• Karl Marx is a primary influence on conflict theory
• Conflict perspective sees society as an arena of inequality that generates conflict and social change
• Social groups compete for limited resources, such as wealth, power, and prestige
• Social order is maintained through coercion and domination, rather than consensus
• Social institutions and structures often reflect the interests of the dominant groups
• Conflict can be a source of social progress, as marginalized groups challenge existing power structures
• Class conflict, based on economic inequality, is a central focus, but conflict can also arise from other social divisions, such as race, gender, and ethnicity
• The conflict perspective highlights power dynamics, inequality, and social change
• Critics suggest that it may overemphasize conflict and neglect social stability and cooperation