Final answer:
The three major sociological perspectives used to analyze society are structural functionalism, which views society as a complex system with interdependent parts; conflict theory, which addresses the struggles for power and resources between groups; and symbolic interactionism, which focuses on individual interactions and the meaning of symbols in those interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In sociology, theoretical perspectives are frameworks that offer different ways of understanding and analyzing society. Three major theories include: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Structural functionalism views societal institutions and processes as functioning together to maintain order and stability. Conflict theory, in contrast, focuses on the inherent power struggles between different groups, emphasizing the role of coercion and power in producing social order. Symbolic interactionism examines society on a micro level, focusing on the day-to-day interactions between individuals and the significance of symbols within these interactions.
Functionalism
Functionalism posits that each aspect of society interdependently contributes to society's functioning as a whole. Institutions like religion serve to enforce a set of norms and contribute to the operation of society by promoting cohesion and stability.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory sees social life as a competition, and focuses on the distribution of resources, power, and inequality. According to this perspective, societal order is maintained by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity.
Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic interactionism is concerned with the subjective meanings that people impose on objects, events, and behaviors. Human interactions are mediated through the use of symbols and interpretations of these symbols.