This way of thinking explains behaviour that is seen in groups throughout society, as well. Instead of thinking about the facts of a situation, people’s behaviour will reflect the meaning that they give to it, or what is meaningful about the situation. Symbolic Interactionists believe that society is socially constructed, which means that people create meaning by placing importance or symbols on different things. Rather that studying society as a whole (or the macro-level), symbolic interactionism studies individual people within society (or, the micro-level). Symbolic Interactionists focus on how people ‘fit-in’ within society, and how they behave when they are around other people. If you would prefer to watch or listen to a video that explains Symbolic Interactionism, watch the Symbolic Interactionism video. SCHOOL OF THOUGHT: Symbolic Interactionism So, unlike functionalists, conflict theorists do not think that society exists in harmony and balance at all. People with a lot of status make important decisions that affect those with lower statuses. The term socio-economic status is very relevant in this theory. Conflict theory also suggests that groups in society compete for the social and economic resources that are available. That is, everyone’s voice is not heard in society - just those of the groups that have the power, and they promote their own values and interests and dominate society. Conflict theorists believe that there is a lot of inequality and competition in society, and that many people are not treated the same as others. For example, people with a lot of money and power have the ability to make many decisions that affect all people (e.g., law or policy makers). ![]() Conflict theory suggests that power is not equally spread out between all of the different groups in society. If you would prefer to watch or listen to a video that explains Conflict Theory, watch the Conflict Theory video.Ĭonflict Theorists believe that society is based on power, relationships, and competition. They will be around forever and they contribute towards making society a stable place to live. This means that social facts don’t rely on any one group to exist. They have existed for a long time and they will always continue to exist well into the future. ![]() Social Facts are general features that we see in all societies throughout the world, such as: laws, customs, morals, and beliefs. So, structural functionalists view social institutions as very important because they all serve a purpose in keeping society running smoothly. So, a car - like society - is a collection of very important parts that work together to create movement and progress in a balanced (or harmonious) way. Without wheels, the car couldn’t be driven, etc. This is totally correct since the body of the car is the container that holds everything together! But, without the motor or the engine, the car would not move. Let’s use an analogy of a car to illustrate the interconnectedness of the parts or, social institutions in society (and why it’s important to have equilibrium (definition:a state of balance). When you look at a car, you might initially notice the outside or the body of the car. Essentially, the different groups or social institutions interact to keep society in harmony and balance, and to meet everyone’s needs. Every group has a specific purpose and plays a role in helping to keep society stable and running smoothly – or, in a state of equilibrium. All of the parts are all important and interact with each other. Structural Functionalists think that society (and the world) is made up of different and interconnected parts or groups. If you would prefer to watch or listen to a video that explains Structural Functionalism, watch this Functionalism video. ![]() SCHOOL OF THOUGHT: Structural Functionalism DESCRIPTION OF INTERACTIVE School of Thought Focus of Study - “What holds society together?”
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