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Macrolevel Sociological Perspective

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S1Q2. Macrolevel perspectives of sociology look at big picture sociological processes, such as social change. This focuses on large-scale issues. These perspectives include the functionalist perspective and the conflict perspective. Microlevel perspectives look at interactions between individuals, such as conversation. Symbolic interactionist perspective is an example of microlevel sociology. Social structure can be defined on both a micro and a macro level. In large-scale use of the word, social structure is the system of socioeconomic stratification, social institutions, or patterned relationships between large groups. This deals with big picture things like interaction between social classes. The conflict perspective, for instance, focuses …show more content…

The study of individual interactions and how they shape society is fascinating to me. The idea that an everyday conversation between a cashier and a customer (to use the book’s example) can shape the way society works is an interesting new way of viewing the world. It’s very easy to feel like you’re small in this world, and the idea that any conversation you have could make a big-picture difference is eye-opening.
S2Q2.
Deviance is not necessarily always good or bad. Deviance is defined as anything that goes against the accepted norm, so a deviant act could be anything from an act of vandalism to living in a nudist colony. Living in a nudist colony, while not considered “normal” in our society, is not necessarily a bad thing. However, any act that breaks a law is considered deviant, and a criminal act is typically considered bad.
The study of deviance plays an important part in understanding how people act in society. A person’s desire to stray from social norms helps us learn why and how people think. Deviancy, while not always bad, can be a person’s way of asserting their individual identity. Deviance also clarifies moral and social boundaries, and encourages social change. This change is important in studying

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