Summary 1There are three traditional ways of thinking or perspectives that have influenced sociological thinking. · Functionalism: This theory sees our society as a complex system in which parts of society work and move together . It recognizes that every factor in society is based on a social structure over which we have little control and on a social function over which each person or group of people contributes to the functionality of society. (Macionis and Plummer, 2012, P 28).· Conflict perspective – An idea that sees differences and equality that have led to conflict and social change. Those at the top want to protect themselves and their rights, while those at the bottom fight for change for personal or political gain, thus causing conflict. For example, women were tired of not getting a vote or equal rights, so they marched and protested against men (the top) to gain privileges (Macionis and Plummer, 2012, p39) · Social Action Perspective - This Perspective sees society as a whole as a unit. Max Weber argued that human meaning and action help shape society. Societies change or are different depending on how people in those societies react to or view the world (Macionis and Plummer, 2012, P42). Social class and social structure as in the Conflict and Functionalism perspectives are not really the case in the Social Action perspective. These three traditional theories and perspectives are very valid and are useful tools for studying sociology. While the three traditional perspectives are still present in society, other theories of postmodern sociology have been developed that emphasize changes in cultures and social perspectives. The main reason to be suspicious or critical of traditional perspectives is... middle of paper ...also a social experience of saying "yes, it's okay to eat that", like another person eating the same thing. We are nurtured through social experiences even as we become adults; we live in a socially constructed reality (Patulny R, 2014). Reference List Macionis, J, J and Plummer, K, 2012, 'Thinking Sociologically, Thinking Globally', in Sociology A Global Introduction, Prentice Hall, Harlow, England, pp 32 -59.Macionis, J, J and Plummer, K , 2012, 'Societies', in Sociology A Global Introduction, Prentice Hall, Harlow, England, pp 104-141.Macionis, J, J and Plummer, K, 2012, 'Micro-sociology: the social construction of everyday life', in Sociology A Global Introduction, Prentice Hall, Harlow, England, pp 206-248.Patulny, R, 2014, Lecture 3, Social Agency- Socialinteraction and Post-Industrial work, Sociology 103, University of Wollongong, accessed 19 March.