What do these mean?

• 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, gesturesAmerican flag, salute, a high five, slangHow people use symbols is symbolic interaction

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Current PerspectivesConflict 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.

Competition over scarce resources (power, wealth)Group gains control of it – establish rules and procedures to keep itProtect their interests at expense of other groupsLeads to social conflict – social change – inevitable in society

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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.

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