Notes:
Structural functionalism, sometimes just called functionalism, is a macro-level theory explaining how social institutions and processes in society serve a necessary purpose to keep society functioning.
– If one aspect of society stopped serving its purpose, society would see the effects of missing a part of itself.
just like if organs one stopped working then everything would not function correctly
Emile Durkheim (1858–1917) is considered the founder of structural functionalism
People get their morals by connecting with other individuals and societal structures,such as education systems or governments. If the institutions fail to socialize individuals, anomie and suicide could be a result. Structural functionalism calls this dysfunction, unintended negative effects.
he believed suicide occurred due to anomie.
Conflict theory proposes that conflict between competing interests is a basic motivating force for social change and society. While conflict theory can be about individuals’ conflicts with other individuals, it is more centered around economics. When Karl Marx (1818–1883) first proposed the theory, he used terms like bourgeoise — the ruling upper class — and the proletariat — the struggling lower class — to show how conflict over resources will lead to social change.
Conflict theory contrasts the ideas of structural functionalism to explain how conflict and inequality will always exist as a result of political and economic struggles.
Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory that proposes shared meanings, orientations, and assumptions shape how people interact. These meanings that influence behaviors and social norms are fluid, and they change over time depending on time, place, and setting..
heavy emphasis is on how face-to-face interactions create individuals’ social worlds.
Our interactions with peers, teachers, and the education system are shaped in some way by these bells.