Interpretivism

• What is interpretivism in sociology?

  Interpretivism is a bottom-up theory analyzing individuals first, rather than society.
• What do interpretivists argue about the relationship between individuals and society?

  Interpretivists argue that people create society through their own actions.
• How do interpretivists view individuals in terms of consciousness?

  Interpretivists view individuals as self-conscious beings whose actions have meaning.
• What is the aim of interpretivists in their research?

  Interpretivists aim to discover the meaning people attach to the social world.
• How do meanings attached to social phenomena change over time?

  The meanings people have are not fixed; they change over time.
• What role do belief systems, such as religion, play in society according to interpretivists?

  Belief systems help people make sense of the world.
• Who are the key theorists associated with the social construction of reality?

  Berger and Luckmann.
• What key questions does religion help individuals answer according to Berger and Luckmann?

  Religion helps answer questions like "Why am I here?" and "What is the purpose of life?"
• How does Berger and Luckmann describe an individual's 'universe of meaning'?

  An individual's 'universe of meaning' is a socially constructed belief system that gives meaning to their life.
• Why is it important for individuals to have their universe of meaning justified?

  Without justification, an individual's universe of meaning would crumble, making life meaningless.
• What metaphor does Berger use to describe the role of religion in society?

  Berger describes religion as a 'sacred canopy' that provides answers to life's questions.
• How does religion protect individuals according to Berger?

  Religion protects individuals from uncertainties and pointlessness of life.
• What makes an individual's universe of meaning real?

  An individual's universe of meaning is real because they believe it is real.
• What is the significance of the meanings people give to life?

  Life is meaningful because of the meanings people give to it.
• What are the criticisms of Berger and Luckmann's theory?

  • They do not acknowledge that some may live without a universe of meaning.
  • It is hard to have a universe of meaning in some religions with conflicting beliefs.
  • They neglect to examine conflicts between religious beliefs.
• What is a potential limitation of having a universe of meaning in certain religions?

  Some religions have conflicting beliefs, making it hard to establish a single universe of meaning.
• How do some individuals find explanations for suffering according to the criticisms of Berger and Luckmann?

  Some individuals find explanatory frameworks for suffering through science.