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<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="OkmTdt8cVDc" title="Major perspectives in Modern Sociology | Theoretical perspectives of Sociology"><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/OkmTdt8cVDc"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OkmTdt8cVDc/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Major perspectives in Modern Sociology | Theoretical perspectives of Sociology"></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/OkmTdt8cVDc">Major Perspectives in Modern Sociology</a></h1>
<p data-start="251" data-end="712">The sociological imagination is a way of thinking that helps us understand the connection between individual experiences and the larger society. The concept was introduced by the sociologist C. Wright Mills, who argued that people often feel trapped by personal problems without realizing that these problems are linked to broader social forces. Sociological imagination allows us to see how personal lives are shaped by history, culture, and social structures.</p>
<p data-start="714" data-end="1209">In everyday life, people tend to explain their successes and failures as purely personal. For example, someone who is unemployed may believe it is because of a lack of effort or ability. The sociological imagination challenges this way of thinking by asking broader questions. It helps us understand that unemployment may be caused by economic recession, technological change, lack of education systems, or government policies. In this way, sociology connects personal troubles to public issues.</p>
<p data-start="1211" data-end="1716">One of the key ideas of sociological imagination is the distinction between personal troubles and public issues. Personal troubles are problems that occur within an individual’s immediate life, such as losing a job, failing an exam, or experiencing family conflict. Public issues, on the other hand, are problems that affect large numbers of people and are rooted in the structure of society. Sociological imagination helps us recognize when a personal trouble is actually part of a larger social problem.</p>
<p data-start="1718" data-end="2246">Another important aspect of sociological imagination is its focus on history. Mills emphasized that individuals cannot understand their own lives without understanding the historical context in which they live. Economic systems, political structures, cultural values, and social institutions develop over time and shape the opportunities available to people. For example, the experiences of young people today are very different from those of earlier generations because of globalization, technology, and changing labor markets.</p>
<p data-start="2248" data-end="2647">Sociological imagination also encourages us to question common sense beliefs. Many ideas that seem natural or normal are actually socially constructed. Gender roles, family expectations, and definitions of success vary across societies and historical periods. By using sociological imagination, we learn to question why things are the way they are and who benefits from existing social arrangements.</p>
<p data-start="2649" data-end="3034">This way of thinking is especially important in modern life, where social problems are complex and interconnected. Issues such as poverty, inequality, mental health, migration, and climate change cannot be fully understood by focusing only on individuals. Sociological imagination helps us see how these issues are linked to economic systems, political decisions, and global processes.</p>
<p data-start="3036" data-end="3382">Sociological imagination also promotes empathy and social awareness. When we understand that people’s actions are shaped by circumstances beyond their control, we become less judgmental and more compassionate. This perspective encourages social responsibility and a willingness to work toward collective solutions rather than blaming individuals.</p>
<p data-start="3384" data-end="3697">In education and professional life, sociological imagination enhances critical thinking skills. It helps students analyze social problems, evaluate policies, and understand human behavior in context. It is useful in fields such as education, social work, journalism, law, public policy, and community development.</p>
<p data-start="3699" data-end="4083">In conclusion, sociological imagination is a powerful tool for understanding society and our place within it. It enables us to see the relationship between personal experiences and larger social forces. By developing sociological imagination, individuals can better understand social problems, challenge injustice, and actively participate in shaping a more informed and fair society.</p>
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<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="gsjVKhqEXmc" title="Conflict Theory Power, Class and Change | Sociology "><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/gsjVKhqEXmc"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gsjVKhqEXmc/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Conflict Theory Power, Class and Change | Sociology "></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/gsjVKhqEXmc">Conflict Theory: Power, Class, and Change</a></strong></h1>
<p data-start="285" data-end="656">Conflict theory is a major sociological perspective that views society as a system of inequality created by competition over limited resources. Unlike theories that emphasize harmony and stability, conflict theory focuses on power, domination, and social change. It argues that society is shaped by ongoing struggles between groups with unequal power, wealth, and status.</p>
<p data-start="658" data-end="1147">The roots of conflict theory can be traced to the ideas of Karl Marx. Marx believed that the economic system is the foundation of society and that history is driven by class struggle. According to him, societies are divided into social classes based on their relationship to the means of production. In capitalist societies, the ruling class owns factories, land, and capital, while the working class sells its labor to survive. This unequal relationship creates exploitation and conflict.</p>
<p data-start="1149" data-end="1622">Power is a central concept in conflict theory. Power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to control resources, influence decisions, and shape social rules. Conflict theorists argue that those who hold power use it to protect their own interests. Laws, political systems, education, and media often reflect the values of powerful groups rather than serving everyone equally. As a result, social institutions tend to reinforce inequality instead of eliminating it.</p>
<p data-start="1624" data-end="2047">Class is another key concept in conflict theory. Social class is not only about income but also about access to opportunities, education, healthcare, and political influence. Conflict theorists study how class divisions affect life chances and create unequal outcomes. They argue that poverty and inequality are not natural or accidental but are produced by social systems that benefit some groups at the expense of others.</p>
<p data-start="2049" data-end="2524">Conflict theory also extends beyond economic class. Modern conflict theorists examine inequalities related to gender, race, ethnicity, and religion. Feminist theorists, for example, focus on gender inequality and the domination of women in patriarchal societies. Critical race theorists analyze how racial hierarchies and discrimination are embedded in social structures. These perspectives show that conflict exists in many forms and affects multiple aspects of social life.</p>
<p data-start="2526" data-end="2947">Social change is a crucial element of conflict theory. Conflict theorists believe that change occurs through struggle and resistance rather than gradual adjustment. When oppressed groups become aware of their situation, they challenge existing power structures through protests, movements, and revolutions. Historical changes such as labor rights, civil rights, and women’s rights are seen as outcomes of social conflict.</p>
<p data-start="2949" data-end="3288">Conflict theory helps us understand many issues in modern society. It explains why wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, why access to education and healthcare is unequal, and why social policies often favor powerful interests. It also helps us understand political conflicts, labor disputes, and social movements around the world.</p>
<p data-start="3290" data-end="3595">One of the strengths of conflict theory is that it highlights injustice and encourages critical thinking. It challenges the idea that society is fair and neutral. However, critics argue that conflict theory places too much emphasis on conflict and ignores cooperation, shared values, and social stability.</p>
<p data-start="3597" data-end="3972">In conclusion, conflict theory provides a powerful lens for understanding society through the concepts of power, class, and change. It reveals how inequality is created and maintained and how social change emerges through struggle. By applying conflict theory, sociologists and citizens can better understand social problems and work toward a more just and equitable society.</p>
<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="ZcqOIQil8ow" title="Functionalism | Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons | Sociology "><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/ZcqOIQil8ow"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZcqOIQil8ow/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Functionalism | Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons | Sociology "></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/ZcqOIQil8ow">Functionalism: Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons</a></strong></h1>
<p data-start="303" data-end="700">Functionalism is a major sociological perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts, each serving a specific function to maintain stability, order, and social cohesion. Functionalists argue that society is like a living organism: just as organs work together to keep a body healthy, social institutions and structures work together to ensure the smooth functioning of society.</p>
<p data-start="702" data-end="1169">The foundation of functionalism was laid by <strong data-start="746" data-end="764">Emile Durkheim</strong>, one of the earliest sociologists. Durkheim was particularly interested in how societies maintain stability and unity despite individual differences. He introduced the concept of <em data-start="944" data-end="958">social facts</em>, which are norms, values, and structures that exist outside individuals but influence their behavior. For Durkheim, social facts are the building blocks of society, guiding behavior and ensuring social order.</p>
<p data-start="1171" data-end="1658">One of Durkheim’s key ideas was that society needs shared norms and values to function properly. He believed that institutions such as family, education, religion, and law help socialize individuals and transmit these shared values. For example, education teaches children not only knowledge but also discipline and respect for authority, which helps society function smoothly. Similarly, religion creates a sense of collective conscience, connecting individuals to a larger moral order.</p>
<p data-start="1660" data-end="2138">Durkheim also studied social problems to understand their effect on society. For instance, in his study of suicide, he found that individual acts could reflect broader social conditions such as integration and regulation. High rates of suicide were not just personal tragedies; they indicated weak social ties or lack of societal regulation. This demonstrated how individual behavior is deeply connected to the structure and functioning of society, a core idea of functionalism.</p>
<p data-start="2140" data-end="2469"><strong data-start="2140" data-end="2159">Talcott Parsons</strong>, an American sociologist, later expanded functionalist theory and made it more systematic. Parsons viewed society as a complex system of interrelated parts that work together to meet societal needs. He introduced the <em data-start="2377" data-end="2393">AGIL framework</em>, which identifies four essential functions that every society must fulfill:</p>
<ol data-start="2471" data-end="2841">
<li data-start="2471" data-end="2569">
<p data-start="2474" data-end="2569"><strong data-start="2474" data-end="2493">Adaptation (A):</strong> Society must adapt to its environment and provide resources for survival.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2570" data-end="2646">
<p data-start="2573" data-end="2646"><strong data-start="2573" data-end="2597">Goal attainment (G):</strong> Society must set and achieve collective goals.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2647" data-end="2740">
<p data-start="2650" data-end="2740"><strong data-start="2650" data-end="2670">Integration (I):</strong> Society must maintain cohesion among its parts to prevent conflict.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2741" data-end="2841">
<p data-start="2744" data-end="2841"><strong data-start="2744" data-end="2760">Latency (L):</strong> Society must preserve values, norms, and motivation over time to maintain order.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="2843" data-end="3129">Parsons emphasized that social institutions such as family, education, economy, and government each fulfill one or more of these functions. For example, the economy helps society adapt by providing resources, while education and religion support latency by transmitting cultural values.</p>
<p data-start="3131" data-end="3503">Functionalism also explains social stability and change. While the theory primarily focuses on order and equilibrium, it recognizes that gradual change occurs when institutions adapt to new needs or conditions. For instance, changes in technology may lead to changes in the economy, education, or family structures, ensuring that society continues to function effectively.</p>
<p data-start="3505" data-end="3795">One of the main strengths of functionalism is that it highlights the importance of social institutions and shared values in maintaining cohesion and stability. It provides a clear framework for understanding how different parts of society are connected and how they contribute to the whole.</p>
<p data-start="3797" data-end="4070">However, functionalism has been criticized for overemphasizing harmony and neglecting conflict, inequality, and power struggles. Critics argue that not all social structures are beneficial for everyone, and ignoring social conflict can prevent us from addressing injustice.</p>
<p data-start="4072" data-end="4579">In conclusion, functionalism, as developed by Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons, offers a perspective that views society as an interdependent system where institutions and norms work together to maintain order. By studying the functions of social structures, functionalism helps us understand how societies maintain stability and cohesion while also adapting to change. It remains a foundational perspective in sociology, providing valuable insights into the organization and operation of modern societies.</p>
<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="-SEKtvnNMt8" title="Structural Functionalism | Talcott Parsons | Sociology "><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/-SEKtvnNMt8"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-SEKtvnNMt8/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Structural Functionalism | Talcott Parsons | Sociology "></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/-SEKtvnNMt8">Structural Functionalism by Talcott Parsons</a></strong></h1>
<p data-start="269" data-end="809">Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system composed of various parts, each with a function that contributes to the stability and smooth functioning of the whole. This perspective was fully developed and popularized by <strong data-start="538" data-end="557">Talcott Parsons</strong>, an American sociologist, who built on earlier ideas of Emile Durkheim and other classical sociologists. Parsons emphasized that social structures—such as family, education, economy, politics, and religion—exist to meet the essential needs of society.</p>
<p data-start="811" data-end="1307">According to Parsons, society is more than just a collection of individuals. It is a system of interrelated parts, each performing functions that maintain the social order. He argued that just like the organs of a human body work together to keep the body alive, social institutions work together to maintain social stability and cohesion. If one part of society fails to perform its function, the entire system may experience tension or dysfunction, which could require adaptation or adjustment.</p>
<p data-start="1309" data-end="1478">One of Parsons’ key contributions was the <strong data-start="1351" data-end="1369">AGIL framework</strong>, which explains the four basic functions that every social system must fulfill to survive and remain stable:</p>
<ol data-start="1480" data-end="2485">
<li data-start="1480" data-end="1702">
<p data-start="1483" data-end="1702"><strong data-start="1483" data-end="1502">Adaptation (A):</strong> Society must adapt to its environment and provide resources to meet the needs of its members. For example, the economy produces goods and services that allow people to survive and meet basic needs.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1703" data-end="1965">
<p data-start="1706" data-end="1965"><strong data-start="1706" data-end="1730">Goal attainment (G):</strong> Society must define collective goals and mobilize resources to achieve them. Governments and political institutions often fulfill this function by setting priorities, enforcing laws, and coordinating efforts for societal objectives.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1966" data-end="2211">
<p data-start="1969" data-end="2211"><strong data-start="1969" data-end="1989">Integration (I):</strong> Society must maintain cohesion and solidarity among its members to prevent conflict. Institutions like family, education, and religion help integrate people by teaching shared norms and values and promoting cooperation.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2212" data-end="2485">
<p data-start="2215" data-end="2485"><strong data-start="2215" data-end="2254">Latency or pattern maintenance (L):</strong> Society must maintain and transmit cultural values, norms, and motivations across generations. Education, religion, and socialization ensure that individuals internalize societal expectations, which preserves order and continuity.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p data-start="2487" data-end="2843">Parsons emphasized that these functions are interdependent. A strong economy (adaptation) supports education and family systems (latency), while political institutions (goal attainment) create rules that integrate society. This perspective helps explain why societies tend to develop patterns and structures that persist over time and resist sudden change.</p>
<p data-start="2845" data-end="3212">Structural functionalism also highlights the importance of <strong data-start="2904" data-end="2924">norms and values</strong> in maintaining social stability. Shared values and moral standards guide individual behavior and create a sense of belonging and purpose. Without these shared norms, society could face instability, conflict, or anomie—a concept introduced by Durkheim to describe a state of normlessness.</p>
<p data-start="3214" data-end="3569">While Parsons focused on stability and order, he also acknowledged that social change is inevitable. Change occurs gradually as social institutions adapt to new circumstances or when cultural values evolve. Structural functionalism, therefore, is not purely static; it recognizes that adjustments and adaptations are necessary for the survival of society.</p>
<p data-start="3571" data-end="3994">One of the strengths of structural functionalism is its ability to explain the interconnectedness of social institutions and their role in maintaining order. It provides a systematic framework for understanding how societies function as organized systems rather than merely collections of individuals. It is particularly useful for analyzing the roles of education, family, government, and religion in preserving stability.</p>
<p data-start="3996" data-end="4452">However, structural functionalism has been criticized for overemphasizing harmony and neglecting social conflict, inequality, and power struggles. Critics argue that it tends to justify the status quo and overlook the ways in which social structures may oppress or marginalize certain groups. Despite this, structural functionalism remains a foundational theory in sociology, offering important insights into how societies maintain cohesion and continuity.</p>
<p data-start="4454" data-end="4966">In conclusion, Talcott Parsons’ structural functionalism provides a framework to understand society as an organized system where institutions and social structures perform essential functions. By focusing on adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency, Parsons’ theory helps explain how social order is maintained and how societies persist over time. While it has limitations, structural functionalism remains a vital tool for analyzing the organization, stability, and functioning of modern societies.</p>
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<p><amp-youtube layout="responsive" width="1080" height="608" data-videoid="8y2GQFHWDj8" title="Symbolic Interactionism | Sociology "><a placeholder href="https://youtu.be/8y2GQFHWDj8"><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8y2GQFHWDj8/hqdefault.jpg" layout="fill" object-fit="cover" alt="Symbolic Interactionism | Sociology "></a></amp-youtube></p>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/8y2GQFHWDj8">Major Perspectives in Modern Sociology</a></h1>
<p data-start="249" data-end="686">Modern sociology uses different perspectives to understand society, human behavior, and social relationships. These perspectives provide distinct ways of looking at how society functions, how people interact, and why social problems exist. The three major perspectives in modern sociology are <strong data-start="542" data-end="559">Functionalism</strong>, <strong data-start="561" data-end="580">Conflict Theory</strong>, and <strong data-start="586" data-end="613">Symbolic Interactionism</strong>. Each offers unique insights into the structure and dynamics of society.</p>
<p data-start="688" data-end="1376"><strong data-start="688" data-end="705">Functionalism</strong>, also known as structural functionalism, views society as a complex system whose parts work together to maintain stability, order, and equilibrium. This perspective was developed by sociologists like Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons. Functionalists believe that social institutions—such as family, education, religion, and government—perform essential functions that help society survive. For example, schools transmit knowledge and cultural values, while laws regulate behavior and maintain social order. Functionalism focuses on harmony and emphasizes the interconnectedness of different parts of society, showing how changes in one part can affect the whole system.</p>
<p data-start="1378" data-end="2061"><strong data-start="1378" data-end="1397">Conflict Theory</strong>, rooted in the ideas of Karl Marx, offers a contrasting perspective. Conflict theorists view society as a system of inequality, competition, and struggle over limited resources. Power and wealth are concentrated in the hands of a few, while most people face disadvantages. Conflict theory emphasizes that social structures, institutions, and laws often serve the interests of the powerful and perpetuate inequality. It is particularly useful for analyzing class conflict, gender inequality, racial discrimination, and political struggles. Conflict theorists argue that social change occurs through conflict, protest, and resistance rather than gradual adjustment.</p>
<p data-start="2063" data-end="2769"><strong data-start="2063" data-end="2090">Symbolic Interactionism</strong> focuses on everyday social interactions and the meanings people attach to them. Developed by sociologists such as George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, this perspective examines how individuals interpret symbols, language, and gestures to create social reality. Symbolic interactionism is concerned with the micro-level of society, studying how personal identities, social roles, and relationships are formed through interaction. For example, a handshake, a smile, or even a social media post can carry different meanings depending on context and culture. This perspective highlights the subjective nature of social life and how society is actively constructed by individuals.</p>
<p data-start="2771" data-end="3413">Modern sociology also includes several other important perspectives that expand our understanding of society. <strong data-start="2881" data-end="2900">Feminist theory</strong>, for instance, analyzes gender inequality and the ways patriarchy shapes social institutions and cultural norms. <strong data-start="3014" data-end="3038">Critical race theory</strong> examines how racial hierarchies and discrimination are embedded in social systems. <strong data-start="3122" data-end="3139">Postmodernism</strong> challenges the idea of a single, objective truth, emphasizing diversity, multiple perspectives, and the fluidity of social reality. These perspectives show that sociology is not static; it evolves to address new social challenges, global developments, and cultural changes.</p>
<p data-start="3415" data-end="4015">Each perspective has strengths and limitations. Functionalism explains stability and social order but tends to ignore conflict and inequality. Conflict theory highlights oppression and struggle but may underestimate cooperation and shared values. Symbolic interactionism provides insight into daily life and personal meaning but can overlook larger social structures and forces. By studying these perspectives together, sociologists gain a more complete understanding of society, combining insights from the macro level (institutions, social structures) and the micro level (individual interactions).</p>
<p data-start="4017" data-end="4387">The major perspectives in modern sociology are tools that help us make sense of a complex and changing world. They allow us to analyze social problems, understand human behavior, and explore the forces that shape society. By applying these perspectives, we can better understand issues such as poverty, crime, education, inequality, culture, identity, and social change.</p>
<p data-start="4389" data-end="4978">In conclusion, modern sociology relies on multiple perspectives to study society. Functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism each offer distinct lenses through which to view social life. Together with other contemporary approaches like feminism, critical race theory, and postmodernism, these perspectives provide sociologists with the tools to explain, interpret, and address the complexities of modern societies. Understanding these perspectives is essential for anyone who wants to analyze society critically, develop informed opinions, and contribute to social change.</p>
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<div id="attachment_3453" style="width: 168px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3453" class=" wp-image-3453" src="https://sociologylearners.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Khushdil-khan-2-e1766600597442-300x300.jpg" alt="Khushdil Khan Kasi" width="158" height="158" /><p id="caption-attachment-3453" class="wp-caption-text"><strong>By Khushdil Khan Kasi</strong></p></div>
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