Symbolic interactionism is a sociological perspective that focuses on the micro-level processes of social interaction and the ways in which individuals create and interpret symbols to construct meaning in their everyday lives. Developed primarily by George Herbert Mead, Charles Horton Cooley, and Herbert Blumer in the early 20th century, symbolic interactionism emphasizes the role of…

Phenomenology, within sociology, is a philosophical and methodological approach that seeks to understand the lived experiences of individuals and the subjective meanings they attach to those experiences. It emphasizes the importance of studying phenomena from the perspective of those experiencing them, focusing on the “phenomena” themselves as they are perceived and interpreted by individuals. Key…

Figurational sociology, also known as process sociology or the figurational approach, is a theoretical perspective developed by sociologist Norbert Elias in the mid-20th century. Figurational sociology examines social processes and patterns of interaction over time, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals and social groups within larger social configurations or “figurations.” Key aspects of figurational sociology include:…

Ethnomethodology is a sociological approach that focuses on the ways in which people make sense of their social world through everyday practices and interactions. Developed by Harold Garfinkel in the 1960s, ethnomethodology seeks to uncover the underlying methods or “ethnomethods” that individuals use to produce and maintain social order in their daily lives. Key aspects…

Dramaturgy, within sociology, refers to a theoretical perspective developed by Erving Goffman in his seminal work “The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life” (1959). It draws on the metaphor of the theater to analyze social interactions and the construction of self within everyday life. Key aspects of dramaturgical analysis include: Presentation of Self: Goffman argues…

Social constructionism is a theoretical perspective within sociology and other social sciences that emphasizes the role of social processes in shaping reality, meaning, and knowledge. It argues that reality is not inherent or objective but is constructed through social interactions, language, symbols, and cultural practices. Key aspects of social constructionism include: Construction of Reality: Social…

Poststructuralism is a theoretical and philosophical movement that emerged in the late 20th century, building upon and critiquing structuralism, particularly in the fields of philosophy, linguistics, literary theory, and cultural studies. Poststructuralism challenges the idea of fixed structures and stable meanings, emphasizing the contingent, relational, and discursive nature of knowledge, language, and identity. Key aspects…

Postmodernism is a broad intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in response to modernism and its underlying assumptions about truth, progress, reason, and universal principles. Postmodernism challenges traditional notions of knowledge, identity, reality, and power, emphasizing the complexity, contingency, and diversity of human experience. Key aspects of postmodernism include: Critique…

Systems theory is an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing and understanding complex systems, including social systems, biological systems, ecological systems, and organizational systems. It emphasizes the interconnectedness, interdependence, and dynamics of systems, as well as the patterns and properties that emerge from their interactions. Key aspects of systems theory include: Holistic Perspective: Systems theory takes a…

Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system composed of various interconnected parts, each with its own function and purpose. It emphasizes the interdependence and stability of social institutions and their contributions to the overall functioning and cohesion of society. Key aspects of structural functionalism include: Systemic Perspective: Structural functionalism…