A sociologist is studying a community experiencing a sudden increase in homelessness due to economic downturns. To analyze the issue effectively, they decide to focus on both the broader economic conditions and the personal stories of the homeless individuals. Which approach is the sociologist using when they combine these two perspectives?

The sociologist is using a combination of macro and micro perspectives to analyze the issue of homelessness. The macro perspective looks at larger social factors, such as the economic downturn, which affects many people in the community. On the other hand, the micro perspective focuses on individual stories and experiences of the homeless, giving a personal view of how economic changes impact their lives. By combining these two approaches, the sociologist can gain a deeper understanding of the situation. For example, they might find that while the economy is struggling, personal circumstances like job loss or health issues also play a significant role in why some individuals become homeless.