Final answer:
The postmodern perspective criticizes classical sociological theories for not fully capturing the complexities of modern societies influenced by consumerism and technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the postmodern perspective, the classical theories of sociology have been unsuccessful in explaining social life in contemporary societies that are characterized by consumerism, global communications, and information explosion.
The functionalist perspective sees culture as a reflection of society's values and necessary parts working together to fulfill societal needs. In contrast, the conflict perspective views culture as inherently unequal, based on gender, class, race, and age.
The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on culture as experienced in the daily interactions between individuals and their symbols. However, the postmodern perspective suggests that these classical theories do not adequately address the complexities of modern-day societies enriched with new forms of communication and cultural exchange.
The primary difference between the functionalist and conflict perspectives compared to the symbolic interactionist perspective is that the former two address long-term societal structures, while the latter deals with immediate, everyday interactions.