North American Sociology: History, Scope and Key Debates

North American Identity: Culture, Politics and Globalization

Introduction North American sociology has emerged as one of the most dynamic and influential branches of sociological thought in the modern world. Rooted primarily in the United States and Canada, it reflects a rich interplay of European intellectual traditions and the unique social realities of the North American continent. From the industrialization and urbanization of … Read more

Lewis Coser’s Views on Conflict Theory: A Sociological Analysis

Lewis A. Coser’s Views on Conflict Theory: A Sociological Analysis

Introduction Lewis Coser (1913–2003) stands as one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century who reinterpreted the role of social conflict in modern societies. His work, “The Functions of Social Conflict” (1956), presented a strikingly different view from traditional sociological thinkers who saw conflict as a sign of social breakdown or instability. Coser, … Read more

Ralf Dahrendorf’s Views on Conflict Theory: A Sociological Analysis

Ralf Dahrendorf’s Views on Conflict Theory: A Sociological Analysis

Introduction Ralf Dahrendorf (1929–2009) was a German-British sociologist, political scientist, and liberal thinker whose works significantly reshaped modern conflict theory in sociology. His most influential contribution lies in redefining social conflict within the framework of structural-functionalism and Marxism. At a time when Talcott Parsons and other functionalists emphasized social order, stability, and integration, Ralf Dahrendorf … Read more

Education and Socialization: A Sociological Perspective

Functionalist Perspective of Education: Durkheim and Parsons

Education and socialization are two interrelated processes that shape human behavior, attitudes, and social roles within society. From a sociological point of view, education is not merely a means of acquiring knowledge or skills, but a fundamental institution through which societies transmit culture, maintain social order, and reproduce their structure across generations. Socialization, on the … Read more

100 MCQs on Robert K Merton with Answers for UGC NET Sociology Preparation

100 MCQs on Robert K Merton with Answers for UGC NET Sociology Preparation

Introduction Preparing for the UGC NET Sociology exam requires a strong understanding of classical and modern sociologists, and among them, Robert K. Merton holds a special place. Known for his contributions to functionalism, middle-range theory, sociology of science, and theories of deviance, Merton’s ideas continue to shape sociological research and practice. To help aspirants strengthen … Read more

Functionalism in Sociology: Concepts & Real-World Examples

Functionalism in Sociology

Introduction on Functionalism in Sociology Functionalism is one of the most influential theoretical perspectives in sociology, offering a framework for understanding how societies maintain stability and order. Rooted in the works of early sociologists such as Émile Durkheim, Herbert Spencer, and Talcott Parsons, functionalism examines social structures and institutions in terms of the functions they … Read more

Functionalism Approach to the Study of Society

Village Population in India: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on Functionalism Approach Functionalism is one of the most significant theoretical perspectives in sociology, offering a framework for understanding how different parts of society contribute to its stability and continuity. Functionalism, which first appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sees society as a complex system whose components cooperate to uphold social … Read more

Functionalism Perspectives on Media with Important Questions

Risk in Mass Media: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on Functionalism Perspectives on Media Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology, emphasizing the ways in which social institutions contribute to the stability and cohesion of society. From a functionalist viewpoint, the media is a crucial institution that performs essential functions to maintain social order, facilitate communication, and reinforce shared norms … Read more