Sociology: Unit 2

Symbolic Interactionism

One symbol can mean many different things to different people

What both types of symbols have in common

**how the person receiving the symbol interprets it.**

Theory: symbols have….

**subjective meaning**

Functionalism

Suggests that the different parts of society reinforce one another

Mechanical solidarity

Happens usually in smaller societies where most people have the same background. Example: the Amish community

Organic solidarity

Happens in larger societies made up of people from different backgrounds

social consensus

a society collectively agreeing to a set of rules, written and/or unwritten, about how to best live together and provide for each other’s needs

Conflict Theory

Views history as a struggle between those with and without power

capitalism

Believed greed and exploitation of the poor has its roots

means of production

System in which private individuals can become extremely wealthy and own/control the