Theoretical Perspectives — Evolutionary, Functionalist, Conflict, Social Exchange

Why does the caste system persist despite decades of anti-discrimination law? A functionalist says every part of society, even an unequal one, serves some function that keeps the system stable. A conflict theorist says the real answer is that some groups benefit from inequality and resist change. Same question, opposite lenses. A lawyer arguing for reform needs to know both lenses exist, because the other side will use whichever one favours them.

In two minutes

Theoretical perspectives are the different lenses sociologists use to explain how society works and why it changes — evolutionary, functionalist, conflict, exchange, symbolic interactionist and postmodern — and each highlights something the others miss.

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