Microsociology.html



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Microsociology is one of the main branches of sociology (contrast with macrosociology and mesosociology) which concerns itself with the nature of everyday human social interactions on a small scale. At the micro level, social statuses and social roles are the most important components of social structure. It is usually based on observation rather than statistics. It derives from the philosophy of phenomenology(Shultz) and includes symbolic interactionism(Mead,Blumer) and ethnomethodology. Ethnomethodology in particular has led to many academic sub-divisions and studies such as micro-linguistical research and other related aspects of human social behaviour. It was conceived by Harold Garfinkel (and later expanded by others - see Cicarel et al) to inquire into the methods people use to make sense of their social world. It also provided an extra dimension between the studies of social psychology and sociology - focusing more on individual interaction and thinking within groups, rather than just large social group/societal behaviour. It has now become important in many fields of study, including modern Psychosocial Studies; Conversational Analysis and Human Computer Interaction. Micro-Sociology continues to have a profound influence on research in all human fields, often under other names.

Social control

Microsociology is governed by different forces of social control than macro- or mesosociology. One such force is socialization. Socialization is the development of shared symbols, cultural beliefs, and norms. It governs social skills and interactions. Another force is sanctioning. This is the process of reading gestures and facial expressions to determine the proper social norms in a given situation. A third force is that of rituals. Rituals are stereotyped behaviors that frame typical social interactions, such as a simple exchange of greetings. Finally, social interactions are controlled by the segregation of activities. In complex societies, incompatible activities are segregated in order to prevent conflict and tension.¹ it is so wide that is has been acclaimed by sociologist from all spheres of life.

See also

• Symbolic interactionism
• Sociocybernetics
• mesosociology
• macrosociology

References

Turner, Jonathan H. Sociology Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 2006.

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