What do these mean?

What are some Current Sociology Theories? 4

Functionalists and Conflict Theorists focus on society in general or groups Interactionists focus on individuals and their interaction with each other Role of symbols in life Symbol: anything that represents something else Functionalists and Conflict Theorists focus on society in general or groups Interactionists focus on individuals and their interaction with each other Role of symbols in life Symbol: anything that represents something else Example: objects, words, gestures American flag, salute, a high five, slang How people use symbols is symbolic interaction 5

Current Perspectives Conflict Perspective Karl Marx People in society who possess more power in society control others with less power Study various groups: women and men, race, family, employers and employees, etc. Karl Marx People in society who possess more power in society control others with less power Study various groups: women and men, race, family, employers and employees, etc. Competition over scarce resources (power, wealth) Group gains control of it – establish rules and procedures to keep it Protect their interests at expense of other groups Leads to social conflict – social change – inevitable in society 9

Institutions and relationships that are inherently in conflict Employee/Boss Teacher/Student Principal/Student College Prof./Student Coach/Player Landlord/Tenant Police/Citizen Shopkeeper/Customer Parent/child Wealthy/poor Name some relationships in which you are in conflict with each day – whether or not you are the controller…or controlled. 10

Do Now: Reading: “Cooley’s Looking Glass Self”