Micro and Macro Theories

Micro Theories-  looks at individuals and the impact of society on people

• social action theories
• symbolic interactionalism
• phemonolgy theory
• dramaturgical theory
• ethnomethodology theory

Macro Theories-  looks at society as a whole and how indivudals act and interact with others

• Consensus Theories; functionalism
• Conflict Theories; marxism (& neo-marxism) and feminism (liberal, radical, marxist and intersectionalist)

Functionalism

• consensus theory which sees society as a system of inter-connected parts/ social institutions which have to work together as a whole in order for society to function- much like the human body
• 'Organic Analogy'; all parts of society have specific functions in order to maintain social order and achieve a consensus through shared norms and values. 
  
• Functionalism sees social structure and the organisation of society as more important than the individual. 
• They argue that society has certain functional prerequisites (certain basic needs/requirements) that must be met for society to survive. (this includes production of food, the care of the young and the socialisation of the next generation into the culture of society)

• Criticisms; doesn't account for social change, not updated…