Sociological Perspectives. A theoretical perspective is a method of looking at/studying the world. It is a type of ideology.

Two main theoretical perspectives: 1. Structural 2. Cultural.

Structural: Tends to focus on the structures/systems of society, such as the family, school, industry, the legal system, the state. The relationship between individuals/groups and such structures. The behaviour of individuals/groups resulting from their relationship.

Cultural: Tends to focus on the norms, values, ideas and ways of doing things in a particular society. All the means of communication, art, material things and objects that a society has in common. The ways of life shared by a particular group (e.g. working class culture, middle class culture). The practices that produce meaning in a society (signifying practices) e.g. leisure pursuits, clothes, accent, the type of house you live in, what car you drive etc. All of these are signifiers/mean something, they send a message to others.

Two main branches of structural perspective: 1. Consensus. 2. Conflict.

Consensus Tends to be a right wing view of the relationships/behaviours of society. Society is seen as a sort of balanced functional moral machine. From this perspective, society is an integrated whole, composed of structures which fit together in a comprehensible way for the benefit of all.

This is a useful Comparison. The consensus model of society is similar to the ideology of the ‘American Dream’. In the American Dream the family is a nurturing, stable unit for the socialisation of children. School provides the education/skills required to achieve the goals valued by that society. The Legal system is blind and just. The state is a mechanism which operates to further the interests of citizens’.

Anomie Anomie is a term often used by consensus sociologists to describe the experience of a group/individual when they are unable to fit into this social system. The experience of anomie can be the result of an inability to achieve through orthodox means, the goals valued by society. Anomie can give rise to deviant behaviour, for example to achieve the goals valued by society, individuals/groups may resort to unorthodox, even illegal methods to achieve them. Recommended reading: Robert K. Merton in Haralambos & Holburn,p,

STRAIN THEORY: Merton recognised that society was not; a well- oiled, fully functional machine into which all individuals/groups slot neatly or successfully into place. Merton argues that the emphasis placed upon the cultural goals of financial success and high status in American society exerts pressure for deviance. A pressure which varies depending on an individuals position in the class structure. In simple terms, it is the values and goals of American society which create deviance. Those same values and goals are emphasised within the UK.

CONTROL THEORY: Control theories whilst still structural, are a little different from theories which view the structure of society as a set of achievable goals. Control theorists view the structure of society as a set of ‘external’ and ‘internal’ controls which operate to control deviant behaviour. ‘External controls’ include, the family, school, religion, employment and the social bonds related to these organisations. ‘Internal controls’ include self-discipline and strong self-esteem. Social Control theorists have a negative view of human nature. They believe that individuals are selfish and prone to commit crime because it’s exciting, fun and provides immediate gratification. Recommended reading, Hirschi. T.

Conflict Theory. From a left perspective, society is structured on conflict and competition. Capitalist societies are based on an asymmetrical power relationship. In such societies, power is held by those who own and control the means of production. The state, the agencies of social control, the law and definitions of deviance in general, reflect and serve ruling-class interests. Laws are not an expression of value consensus but a reflection of ruling-class ideology.