1. Using abortion as an example, distinguish between macrosociology and microsociolgy. Make sure you provide an example for each sociological perspective.

Question

SOCIOLOGY QUESTION 

Answer 1

Hello Ana!

 

This is a really interesting question. First, let's define microsociology and macrosociology. Microsociology is the study of how individuals participate in society, including how they construct and maintain society, as well as how they relate to themselves and others. On the other hand, macrosociology is the study of large-scale social processes, such as large groups and social institutions.

 

In the case of abortion, we can apply this by looking at both the micro level (individual) and macro level (societal/institutional). At the micro level, the sociological study of abortion entails how a pregnant individual relates to the concept and procedure of abortion, as well as the interactions that occur between the pregnant person and their social circle when considering or having an abortion. On the macro level, we can consider larger scale data (large groups and institutions) like abortion rates between different groups (racial/ethnic, class, geographic location, education level, etc.), which might lead us to study abortion access, social movements engaging with the concept of abortion, and how the medical profession discusses abortion with policymakers or medical students.