What is the difference between structural and interactionist perspectives?

Structural perspectives, like Marxism, Functionalism and Feminism, focus on the idea that social interactions are generated from the top down. The individual is controlled by the institutions (such as the law or education system) within society, and our actions are dictated by the structure of society. It's based upon determinism.
Interactionist perspectives focus on the theory that society is generated from the bottom up. The individual has free will to act however they please, and this results in the creation of a society. Structures such as racial hirearchy and gender do not play a role in how individuals act.

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Answered by Megan H. Sociology tutor

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