What are the three main sociological perspectives?

The three main sociological perspectives are structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Each of these perspectives provides a different way of understanding society and social behavior.

Structural functionalism views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. This perspective emphasizes the importance of social institutions (like family, education, and religion) and their roles in maintaining social order.

Conflict theory, on the other hand, focuses on the power dynamics and inequalities within society. It examines how different groups compete for resources and how social structures can create and perpetuate inequalities. This perspective highlights issues such as class struggle, domination, and the conflict between social groups.

Symbolic interactionism centers on the small-scale, everyday interactions among individuals. It explores how people create meaning through social interactions and how symbols, language, and nonverbal communication contribute to our understanding of the world.

Each of these perspectives offers unique insights into society, making them foundational to the study of sociology. The other choices do not represent the main frameworks used in sociological analysis, as they are either more specific theoretical approaches or belong to different academic disciplines entirely.