Macro Theory
Macro theories are large scale theories – what postmodernists call grand narratives – about society. They are structural theories such as functionalism and Marxism. They contrast with micro theories (action theories).
These are complementary approaches because at its core, sociology is about understanding the way large-scale patterns and trends shape the lives and experiences of groups and individuals, and vice versa.Macrosociologists will ask the big questions that often result in both research conclusions and new theories whereas microsociologists tend to ask more localized, focused questions that examine the lives of smaller groups of people.