Difference between micro- and macro theories of Sociology

A detailed Summary of Difference between micro- and macro theories of Sociology


What is the difference between the general perspectives? How does the work of Ritzer attempt to overcome this problem?

Micro theories examine the processes of face-to-face contact among individuals and personal points-of-view in society; whereas, the macro theories deal with large-scale social events of society - meaning things that have public concern.

The theories that are apart of the micro-level are symbolic interactionism, dramaturgy, ethnomethodology, and exchange theory. Symbolic interaction is an individual-based theory that uses constructed symbols, such as language and gestures, to which people give meaning in their everyday interactions. Dramaturgy, best stated by Goffman (1959), is what actors portray on a the theatrical stage is similar to the way people act in society. Ethnomethodology is basic common-sense used in f


Ritzer, like many other sociologists, wants to disintegrate the split between the micro and macro sociology. Ritzer attempts to do this by "adding on" to Gurvitch's insights . Ritzer views the micro-macro issue, not by subjective-objective continuum, but the phenomena as subjective or objective; therefore, concluding that there are four major levels of analysis (See Table I) that are a product of dialectical interrelationships (Ritzer, 1996).

Perrucci and Knused. Sociology. St. Paul: West Publishing Company, 1983.

Table I - Ritzer's Major Levels of Social Analysis

Examples - patterns of behavior, action, and interaction



Some common words found in the essay are:
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