In sociology, major theoretical strands (perspectives) of research methodology can be learned under two different approaches i.e, structural approach and social action. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
Structural approach: The structural theories or approach involves analysis that starts at the level of society. Under this theory, we would study functionalism (consensus theory) and conflict theory (Marxism, feminism, etc.).
Social action: In social action theory, the analysis starts at the level of the individual. Under this approach would study symbolic interactionism, Phenomenology, and Ethnomethodology.
Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology.
1. Structural approach.
A. Feminism.
Feminism perspective can be defined as the belief in social, political, and economical equality of the genders. It aims to challenge the systemic inequalities that women face regularly. Feminism, since its origin in the 1800s, has bifurcated into many movements.
All such movements are identified as ‘feminist’ but are different in their theoretical viewpoints. Each of them is detailed below: Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- Radical Feminism
This theory believes that irrespective of the class, color, education, and financial side, dominating patriarchy is the major system of women’s oppression in society. Men are given major control rather than women that as a result repress the status of females in society. Radical feminism emphasizes the violence and social subjugation that female suffers being perpetrated by men. The effort of Radical feminism is thus on fighting sex-linked violence. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- Liberal Feminism
This theory believes that differences in the social behavior of males and females are not because of different biology, but because of how their environment conditions them to be.
- Cultural Feminism
As per this theory, the difference between “male culture” and “female culture” is due to the distinct biology between the two which is visible in their contrary social behaviors. For instance, caring and nurturing are associated more with female culture than men’s which culture feminists identify as being fundamental to the process of being female.
These feminists consider that contribution of ‘women culture’ like domestic work, caring child, etc has been overlooked and largely devaluated in society whereas competition and aggression of men have become a reason to isolate women.
Cultural feminists aim to get ‘women’s work’ recognized both as economically and socially productive and make a separate workplace environment for ‘female culture that is accessible for females. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- Anarcha-Feminism (Anarchist Feminism)
This theory believes that the domination of the patriarchy is the unintentional consequence of greater social thinking that raises a hierarchical arrangement of society. The focus of Anarcha-feminists is to combat formal governance and disassemble the hierarchical system. They believe that this can lead to equality of sexes and all other social divisions.
- Womanism (Woman of Color Feminism)
This theory started in the U.S and considers women of color including black, Hispanic, and Asian-American women. Womanists believe that it is the white, racist society that mainly oppresses women rather than men.
They believe that men of color also suffer in the same manner as women. They mention that even if the oppression of colored women is by colored men, this is not the colored man who does this on his own. But is the outcome of the embarrassment the colored man suffers. So, their emphasis has been on uniting with colored brothers to fight for racial equality. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- EcoFeminism
Believes that it is the male-controlled system that causes the domination of both women and the environment. Ecofeminists claim that men in command can take benefit from both women and the environment because they find them passive and helpless. Therefore, ecofeminists consider that it is essential to shield and honor the earth and its environment for ending gender bias. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- Socialist (Marxist) Feminism
Socialist Feminism identifies that there are many other social places for discrimination like race, class, education, economics, or sexual orientation rather than gender discrimination. For instance, a poor, uneducated black female would be three times more underprivileged than a wealthy, educated white female.
Thus, they believe that to attain total gender equity, all systems of discrimination in society will have to be instantaneously spoken. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
- Post-Colonial Feminism (Third World Feminism)
These feminists usually reject Radical and Liberal Feminism and do not accept the idea that the patriarchy in their countries is the chief reason for women’s oppression.
- Post-Modern Feminism (French Feminism)
Postmodern feminists believe that there is no sole root for women’s subordination and no single technique for dealing with matters.
B. Functionalism.
Functional analysis (also known as functionalism and structural functionalism) puts forward the idea that society is a complete unit, made up of unified parts that work together.
- Auguste Comte and Herbert Spencer envisioned society as a kind of living organism. They wrote that just like humans or animals, society also has organs that tend to function together. Just as an organism, every part of society must work collectively for smooth functioning.
- Emile Durkheim mentions that society is made of many parts in which each performs its function. When all parts of society work together, society functions ‘normally’. Whereas in case any part becomes unable to perform its function, society is considered in an’ abnormal’ state.
- Due to this reason, functionalists believed that they need to look both at the structure and function of society to understand it better. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
Criticisms of Functionalism
- The conflict theorists look at the functionalist methodology as Utopian in nature.
- The conflict theorists mention that conflict leads to steadiness and accord in society but the functionalist theory doesn’t say it.
C. Marxism (Conflict Perspectives).
The believers of this theory mention that society is made up of different groups having conflicting values. In society, these groups have variance in access to wealth, authority, and status. The most significant features of the conflicting views are the Marxian method that emphasizes economic determinism and the importance of social class. Theoretical Strands Of Research Methodology
