Sociologists

Emile Durkheim

Structural Functionalism

• Society functions logically to predict interests of members of society

• Humans define themselves by social interactions

• Constant change = productive

Talcott Parsons

Structural Functionalism

• Individuals/groups are defined by their purpose in society

• People act according to their [and their society’s] values

  • Self interest + Cooperation

Karl Marx

Conflict Theory

• Focused on economic history and impact of economic status on different people

• Society is based on competition for power/wealth

  • Patriarchal societies and double standards

Max Weber

Symbolic Interactionism

• Social actions are performed for benefit, not just traditions

• Bureaucracy = liberation for competent individuals

Chicago School

Symbolic Interactionism

• Urban environments can determine individual behaviour/actions

Charles Cooley and George Mead

Symbolic Interactionism

• Individuals and society are interconnected: functions are not seperated

• Symbols, language, communication are emphasized in relationships

• Social roles change based on meaning of social interaction

Wright Mills

Symbolic Interactionism

• Exchanges between society and individual greatly shape behaviour and social world