Explain the phenomenology perspectives in Sociology.
Solution
Phenomenology is a perspective in sociology that emphasizes the subjective experiences and perceptions of individuals in society. This perspective is concerned with understanding how people experience and make sense of the social world around them.
Phenomenologists argue that people’s experiences and perceptions of the world are shaped by their social and cultural context. They believe that people’s subjective experiences should be studied in order to understand how they make sense of the world and how they interact with others.
One of the key figures in phenomenological sociology is Alfred Schutz. Schutz developed the concept of “typicality,” which refers to the ways in which people’s experiences and perceptions are shaped by their social roles and the expectations associated with those roles. For example, a person’s experiences and perceptions of the world may be different as a parent than as a student.
Another key figure in phenomenological sociology is Harold Garfinkel. Garfinkel is known for his concept of “breaching experiments,” which involve intentionally violating social norms in order to study people’s reactions and the ways in which they make sense of these violations. These experiments help to reveal the underlying social structures and expectations that shape people’s experiences and perceptions.
Phenomenological sociology also emphasizes the importance of understanding the ways in which people’s experiences and perceptions change over time. This is known as the “lifeworld” perspective, which focuses on how people’s experiences and perceptions change as they move through different stages of their lives.
In summary, phenomenology is a perspective in sociology that emphasizes the subjective experiences and perceptions of individuals in society. Phenomenologists argue that understanding people’s experiences and perceptions is essential for understanding how they make sense of the world and how they interact with others. The key figures in phenomenological sociology are Alfred Schutz and Harold Garfinkel, who developed important concepts such as typicality and breaching experiments, respectively. Phenomenology also emphasizes the importance of understanding how people’s experiences and perceptions change over time through the concept of lifeworld.
Phenomenology is also closely related to the concept of “lived experience.” This refers to the ways in which people’s experiences and perceptions are shaped by their interactions with the social world, and how these experiences are embodied and embedded in their everyday lives. Phenomenologists argue that people’s experiences are not simply the result of objective social structures, but are also shaped by their subjective interpretations and meanings.
Phenomenological sociology is often used as a method of qualitative research. This means that phenomenologists typically use techniques such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, and other forms of ethnographic research to study people’s experiences and perceptions. By using these methods, phenomenologists are able to gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which people make sense of the world and how they interact with others.
Phenomenology has been applied to a wide range of sociological studies, including the study of health, illness, and the body; the study of work and occupation; and the study of social movements and political activism. For example, in the study of health and illness, phenomenologists have looked at how people’s experiences of illness are shaped by their social roles and the expectations associated with those roles. In the study of work and occupation, phenomenologists have looked at how people’s experiences of work are shaped by their social identities and the expectations associated with their occupational roles.
In conclusion, phenomenology is a perspective in sociology that emphasizes the subjective experiences and perceptions of individuals in society. Phenomenologists argue that understanding people’s experiences and perceptions is essential for understanding how they make sense of the world and how they interact with others. Phenomenology is closely related to the concept of lived experience, and it is often used as a method of qualitative research. Phenomenology has been applied to a wide range of sociological studies, including the study of health, illness, work, and social movements.