UCSP Notes – Week 6

THEORIES OF SOCIETY

 Structural Functionalism – a macro theory that looks at how all structures or institutions in
society work together. All that is part of it is necessary for the continued existence of its society
as a whole.
 Symbolic Interactionism – studies how societies are created and maintained through repeated
interactions; emphasis on communication, an exchange of information between parties by means
of verbal and non-verbal means.
 Conflict Theory – focuses on the conflict between groups over limited sources; views social and
economic institutions as tools of the problems among groups.