The 3 Theories

How sociologists see the world

WE WILL USE THIS ALL YEAR
 Most difficult first: Symbolic
Interaction
Society is composed of symbols that people use to
establish meaning, develop their views of the world,
and communicate with one another
– A symbol is ANY word with meaning, from the
complex (“freedom”) to the simple (“fork”)
– The way we define our symbols is the way we define
ourselves and others. This determines our behavior.
– Everyone acts according to his/her own interpretation
of reality.
– These interpretations are based on meanings learned
from other people.
– When two groups define the same symbol in different
ways, they will clash or fight.
 Drawing the S.I. Model
What is the issue or problem?
The existence of drug dealers in America
Society/The Law Drug Dealers
How Group A sees How Group B sees
the symbol Symbols related to that problem the symbol

Crime Drug dealing Necessary to live

Earned through Earned any way

Money
honest work you can

Victims Drug addicts Suckers

 Medium difficulty: Functionalism
Society works as one large machine, made up of
interrelated parts that work together.
• Society is always trying to stabilize itself and
work as smoothly as possible.
• Most elements of society contribute to its well
being and survival.
THIS IS A THEORY FOR OPTIMISTS
 Functionalism (cont.)
• Manifest Function
– Manifest (obvious) function (good thing) is an intended
positive side effect of an action
• Latent Function
– Latent (not obvious, hidden) function (good thing) is an
unintended side effect that helps the system (society) to
adapt and keep running smoothly
• Latent Dysfunction
– Latent (not obvious) dysfunction (bad thing) is an
unintended negative consequence that hurts the system
• Society can (and will) fix this problem!
• Why no Manifest Dysfunction?
 Drawing the Functionalist Model
Idea or subject
We are building a How are we going to fix this
school problem?

Manifest Function

Educate children

Latent Function Latent Dysfunction

Students meet Students exposed to
friends, like school fights, drugs, bullying
more
 The easiest: Conflict Theory
Society is based on conflict and competition
• Life is one giant struggle to get to the top of the
societal heap. Inconsistency and conflict are the
only constants in the world
• All behavior comes from people in power trying to
maintain their power
• The SMALL group of people in power set the rules
and are out only to protect themselves
• Rules and laws are created by the powerful to
control the oppressed masses (everyone else)
and/or keep them divided
• These rules/laws force conformity in the society
 The easiest: Conflict Theory
• The Masses follow the rules blindly. The few
who do not are punished/labeled as freaks
and threats to stability (AKA conformity)
• Eventually enough of the Masses will rebel to
create a revolution…
• …and then the whole process begins anew
THIS IS A THEORY FOR PESSIMISTS (OR PERHAPS
REALISTS)
Drawing the Conflict Theory Model
The Oppression of Women

Powerful Elite
Disobedience
Men in government
and Rebellion
Feminism

Rules and Conformity

Any law or custom
designed to hold women
back

Oppressed Masses
Women, of course, but what about all the other men…
Other men are also in the oppressed masses. The Powerful give
them a false sense of power to keep them happy and prevent
them from allying with women.