Levels of Analysis

In studying phenomena, natural scientists may use microscopes or telescopes, depending on the nature of the task. Similarly, sociologists employ different ″lenses″ when they focus on society. Sociological studies can therefore be distinguished by their level of analysis. Does the research look at society as a whole, or is the investigation confined to a small segment of society?

Macrosociology concentrates on large-scale phenomena or entire civilizations. Thus, Emile Durkheim’s cross-cultural study of suicide rates is an example of macrosociology. By contrast, microsociology stresses study of small groups and often uses experimental studies in laboratories.

Sociologists find it useful to employ both of these approaches. In fact, we can learn a great deal by using macro-level and micro-level analysis to study the same problem. For example, we might try to understand criminal behavior at the macroscopic level by analyzing crime rates in various countries and at the microscopic level by examining the social forces that influence individuals to become criminals or delinquents.

Areas studied in sociology can range from the analysis of brief contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to the study of global social interaction. Numerous fields within the discipline concentrate on how and why people are organized in society, either as individuals or as members of associations, groups, and institutions. Table 1.2 presents a partial list of the specializations within contemporary sociology.

Table 1.2.Specializations within Sociology

A PARTIAL LISTING