Nikkia Abraham

Both microsociology and macrosociology make vital contributions to our understanding of human behavior (Henslin 105).

Understanding social lives without taking into account both microsociology and macrosociology is impossible. One cannot see the whole picture without examining both parts. Although they are different approaches to understanding social processes, in the end, to gather a full explanation, one has to utilize both studies. If one does not, their end result will be inconclusive.

With microsociology, sociologists learn more about the whole by examining the little intricacies to get a better understanding of the social process. With macrosociology, sociologists focus on generalizations, using an outside looking in approach. When a sociologist solely depends on findings based on macrosociology, he or she will realize that everyone is unique. There is not one person on this earth that is the same. No one acts completely the same or performs the same actions, which is where microsociology comes to the forefront. When problem solving, one cannot depend on a generalization that may or may not be true. One has to look into the lives, or the specifics of the matter, which is what microsociology is all about, but the intricacies would not be closely examined if a macro study did not occur.

Some sociologists would like to set boundaries between macrosociology and microsociology because they tend to overlap so much. Macrosociology can deal with the set up of different groups depending on religion, politics, social issues, etc. Microsociology has helped determined who goes where in what group. A sociologist can use a microsociological approach while these people are in these groups to monitor their interaction with others. Whereas macrosociology limits creativity because the structural features as well as the value systems of society want to be maintained, microsociology encourages expression. Setting more boundaries between these two theories limits the possibility of sociologists following both theories, which are especially helpful in understanding society today.

Both theories focus on human societies, more specifically, understanding them at various levels and through various social constructs. While, in the macro theories, the focus could be on a social issue such as poverty, or a conflict such as war. These are broad topics, but if one uses a micro approach, important details can be revealed such as poverty effecting working families or the issue of homosexuals in the war.

Sociologists want to know what was actually developed from society and the environment as opposed to biologically. Components that can go either way are identity, perspective and personality. These are traits and viewpoints that one can easily say come from a family history as opposed to being conditioned to be this way because of where and how one grew up. Micro theories examine the processes of personal and actual contact among individuals based off of one's point-of-view in society; whereas, macro theories deal with larger social events of society, issues that are in the public's concern.

Macro theories can lead to stereotyping if not explored more through micro. For example, if I was doing a study on a neighborhood that had a predominantly minority population, if I was following the macro theories, I would assume that this neighborhood was poor, struggling, probably filled with crime and that the education levels are low as a result. This does not always have to be the case, as we all know. There can be individuals in this neighborhood that beat the statistic and observation, and with the micro theories, I could pinpoint these individuals and focus on their perspective. I could go deeper into my findings.

A range of sociologists such as James Coleman, George Ritzer, Randall Collins and Jeffery Alexander have used macrosociology and microsociology to examine societal issues such as credit card debt and human interaction, emphasizing why one theory will and should cross paths with the other. Using both theories can also help one improve issues or problems that are found as a result of research. Without both theories, sociologists would not be able to grasp the importance of both social structure and social interaction, two crucial components of human behavior.

Works Cited

Curran, Jeanne. "micro and macro." California State University, Dominguez Hills. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2012. .Henslin, James M.. Essentials of sociologCurran, Jeanne. "micro and macro." California State University, Dominguez Hills. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2012.

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Henslin, James M.. Essentials of sociology: a down-to-earth approach. 9th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 20102011. Print.

Tickamyer, Ann. "Macrosociology." Sociology Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2012.